1999-21 Opposing Access to Kodiak Nat'l Wildlife RefugeKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
RESOLUTION NO. 99 -21
Introduced by: InterimManager
Requested by: InterimManager
Drafted by: InterimManager
Introduced: 09/28/99
Adopted: 09/28/99
A RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH OPPOSING
FURTHER RESTRICTIONS OF ACCESS TO THE KODIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
WHEREAS, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest grizzlies on the
continent and the refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the
benefit of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged to preserve this stronghold
of the grizzly bear and to develop and maintain a Comprehensive Plan of how to
accomplish this important management task; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of reviewing and
updating its Comprehensive Plan and this revised Plan will be the primary source of
management guidance and direction for the refuge over the next ten years; and
WHEREAS, there are many competing interests who have different expectations for
management of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge; and
WHEREAS, in comments made to the media, there has been discussion by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service managers about the impact that introduced species have on
the refuge's native plants and animals; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has orders that direct them to eradicate
these introduced species that include the Sitka blacktail deer, elk, and mountain goats;
and
WHEREAS, these introduced species have become some of Kodiak Island's best
attractions, bringing visitors and hunters from around the world; and
WHEREAS, the refuge plays an important role in the commercial fishing industry on
Kodiak Island as many species of salmon return to refuge lands to spawn; and
WHEREAS, the growing visitor industry attracts many guests to Kodiak Island to view
and photograph the Kodiak grizzly bear in its natural habitat; and
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska Resolution No. 99 -21
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WHEREAS, sport fishing guides and charter operations are all dependent on healthy
salmon runs; and
WHEREAS, all of these activities contribute a significant dollar value to Kodiak
Island's economy; and
WHEREAS, access to the refuge is very important to local residents as they partake
in fishing, hunting, and other recreational pursuits; and
WHEREAS, any significant changes in the management direction of the refuge lands
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have potentially devastating impacts on the
local economy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND
BOROUGH that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be urged to ensure that there are no
further restrictions of access to the refuge incorporated into the revised
Comprehensive Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK
ISLAND BOROUGH that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be encouraged to do a
better job of notifying the Kodiak Island public about future discussions on this critical
issue as it pertains to the health and welfare of Kodiak's economy.
Branson, Assemblymember
Robin Heinric
O
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
THIS TWENTY- EIGHTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1999
yne Stevens, Assemblymember
ATTEST:
k l�
ith A. Nielsen, C
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
blymember
, Borough Clerk
KODIAK ISLAND Be ' OUG
Gar
L. Stevens, Borough Mayor
Scott Arndt, Assemblymember
Tuck Bonney, Assemblymember
Resolution No. 99 -21
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