Su Valley AC members chosen

WASILLA — Susitna Valley residents can now have their say in how the state’s fish and game resources are managed.

At a meeting held last week in Willow, the newly-created Susitna Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee held its first-ever elections, choosing 12 committee members and two alternates — as well as choosing committee officers — from across the northern Valley.

“We’ve got some real good people on there,” said Willow’s Bruce Knowles, who was elected chair.

Elected vice chair was Nancy Lake’s Steve Runyan, while Talkeetna’s Ashley Kaso was chosen as the committee’s

secretary.

Also chosen for the committee were Talkeetna residents Aaron Benjamin, James Brazeau, Billy Fitzgerald and Gus Gustafson; Willow’s Raymond Roth, Terrence Shanigan and Wally Soroka; Big Lake’s Tom and Vern Logan; and George Faber of Trapper Creek. Gustafson and Roth will serve as alternates on the

committee.

The committee will be tasked with advising the statewide boards of fish and game on hunting and fishing issues across Alaska.

The group doesn’t have much time to get to work. The next Board of Fish meeting is scheduled for February, and that meeting will discuss Upper Cook Inlet issues, including waters of the Susitna Valley.

“Our biggest issue facing us on the board is getting people up to speed,” Knowles said.

The committee’s next meeting will likely be held sometime early next month.

The committee isn’t the only one keeping busy. On Wednesday, the Mat Valley AC will hold its election meeting, with nine open seats up for grabs. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Wasilla High theater.

Anyone from the area is welcome to participate in the meetings, as well as throw their hat into the ring to serve on the committee.

Contact committee chair Denny Hamann at 373-5938 for more information.