Susitna Valley F&G Advisory committee meets

aired wed -The Susitna Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee met in Willow on Friday night to elect members and vote on board of game proposals.

The council will be making a strong statement disapproving of the proposed expansion of wolf buffers on the north and east side of Denali National Park.  Steve Runyan, council president, says the council is making a statement that broadly disapproves of any buffer expansion in the state that would reduce hunting opportunities.  That includes the restrictions of ATVs in any area of the state.

The Denali Park trapping proposals promise to bring heated discussions to Board of Game meetings as residents on both sides of the issue weigh in on various proposals that would eliminate, or expand, the current buffer areas for wolf protection.

Runyan said that although it was discussed, the council made no comment on the Mat Su Borough’s proposed resolution on a possible motorized corridor through the Hatcher Pass Management Area.

Unlike other advisory councils, Runyan said the Susitna Valley committee did not have any controversy in reauthorizing anterless cow hunts in 14-A. Runyan said the council felt that moose populations in the valley are healthy and the hunt meets management objectives.

The committee will not be bringing any new proposals to the Board of Game.

The Susitna Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee has  eleven representatives from Trapper Creek, Petersville, Sunshine, Big Lake, Houston, Talkeetna and Willow.  There are currently 4 open seats on the board.