MEMORANDUM

TO: Gary Superman, Assembly President

Members, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly

FROM: Milli Martin, Assembly Member

DATE: February 3, 2005

SUBJECT: Resolution 2005-015, concerning McNeil River and Katmai brown bear Board of Game proposals

It recently came to my attention that the Alaska Board of Game will consider measures designed to open the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and surrounding areas as well as the Katmai coast to brown bear hunting. These areas are prime bear viewing areas for tourists, photographers, and other parties interested in observing live brown bears. The 2004 McNeil River Field Report indicates that the bear population is the lowest it has been in more than 20 years. Opening this area to hunting will cause a further decline, which will significantly reduce the desirability of this area for bear viewing purposes. There is also concern for viewer safety. The accompanying resolution requests that the Board of Game oppose the proposals designed to open the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and surrounding areas for brown bear hunting and to support proposals designed to either continue the closure of these areas to bear hunting or to delay the bear hunting season to October 15 in these areas. At this time bear viewing is a viable and growing industry on the Peninsula. Your support of this resolution would be appreciated.