Program Review---Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska

Marilyn Sigman, representing the nonprofit Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, supports the current structure of the Federal Subsistence Management Program and opposes any changes that would weaken subsistence protections for rural residents. The organization advocates for maintaining current regulation processes and requests greater transparency and Tribal consultation in future proposals.

Emmonak Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation, supports the current structure of the Federal Subsistence Management Program and opposes any changes that would grant the State of Alaska a seat on the Federal Subsistence Board or move the Office of Subsistence Management. They argue that the current system protects rural subsistence priorities and that the State of Alaska has not adequately partnered with Alaska Natives to uphold these rights.

The Igiugig Village Council, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, supports the current structure of the Federal Subsistence Board and the Office of Subsistence Management. They urge the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to maintain existing tribal and public seats on the board and to uphold the protections for rural subsistence rights established by ANILCA.

The commenter, identifying as a rural Alaskan and a citizen of the Craig Tribal Association, urges the federal government to preserve the current Federal Subsistence Management Program. They argue against any changes that would undermine rural subsistence priorities, tribal representation, or the current organizational structure of the Office of Subsistence Management.

The commenter, a citizen of the Craig Tribal Association and a rural Alaskan, urges the federal government to preserve the current Federal Subsistence Management Program. They argue against any changes that would undermine rural subsistence priorities, tribal seats on the Federal Subsistence Board, or the current location of the Office of Subsistence Management.

The United Tribes of Bristol Bay, representing several Alaska Native Tribes and Village Councils, supports the current structure of the Federal Subsistence Management Program. They urge the Secretaries to maintain the current location of the Office of Subsistence Management, preserve public seats on the Federal Subsistence Board, and avoid any changes that would undermine the rural subsistence priority or the Board's emergency authority.

NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a regional Alaska Native corporation, supports the current structure of the Federal Subsistence Management Program. They specifically advocate for maintaining existing Regional Advisory Council membership criteria, preserving public seats on the Federal Subsistence Board, and retaining the Board's authority to implement special actions and rural determinations without deference to the State of Alaska.

Celeste Weller, representing the City of Pelican City Council, submitted a resolution opposing proposed changes to the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP). The council argues that the proposed changes could harm Alaska Natives and other subsistence users by causing food insecurity and removing local voices from management.

Louis Green, a resident of Nome and former committee member, supports the federal subsistence management framework over state management, which he believes prioritizes commercial interests. He advocates for maintaining the current structure of the Subsistence Board and emphasizes the importance of federal jurisdiction in ensuring food security for rural Alaska residents.

Karen Linnell, representing the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission, supports the current Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) system and advocates for keeping the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) under the Secretary's office. She emphasizes the importance of local knowledge in management and highlights successful co-management models in Alaska.