Science is needed at fish and game

To the editor:

As far back as I can remember, fish and game management has equaled politics in Alaska and vice-versa. This is a trend that has to stop so all Alaskans can realize plentiful populations of both for viewing, subsistence, personal use, sport and commercial harvest.

Governor Walker has before him a chance to choose someone to lead this effort in a scientific and biological approach, not political.

Dr. Roland Maw has spent his entire life in the field of wildlife, habitat, and fisheries management with special efforts on sustained yield management through education and hands-on experience.

Maw holds a doctorate in forestry and natural resource management, a master’s degree in education of outdoor recreation, and a bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal ecology and botany which has made him a valuable resource used by the U.N. in China and Canada, the U.S. Park Service, Alaska State Troopers, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the state of Alaska.

His extensive research and experience in black and brown bear management has been used as a reference for both U.S. and Canadian wildlife officials.

Dr. Maw also brings a firm commitment to local decision making by individual area biologists, the folks who have boots on the ground and are trained to make scientific decisions in real time, something that has been all too sorely missed in past administrations. He is an individual dedicated to the sciences of nature.

Governor Walker’s other choice (two from outside have applied but have no real relevance here) is former politician Sam Cotton. Cotton has worked as a commercial fisherman and has served the state well as a politician in the past, but in my opinion does not have the scientific and biological education background and experience to properly serve Alaska’s fish and game management needs.

Again, we need to move away from politics.

Dino Sutherland

Eagle River