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.

Dorothy ODonnell, a resident of Fairbanks, Alaska, expresses concern that the proposed changes would remove Tribal and public voices from the Federal Subsistence Board. She argues that subsistence hunting and fishing are essential to her family's way of life and urges the Department of the Interior to protect these voices.

Celeste Weller, a rural subsistence user and local official, supports the proposed action of adding more Native voices to the Subsistence Board. She opposes transferring more responsibility to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), arguing that the agency is already overwhelmed.

Deanna Kosbruk, an Ahtna-Kohtaene individual, opposes the scoping review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program. She argues that the review was triggered by a single interest group (Safari Club International) and that the current management program already provides necessary rural priorities for tribal citizens.

Liz Cravalho, representing NANA Regional Corporation, expresses support for the leadership of the Regional Advisory Council and the relocation of the Office of Subsistence Management. She emphasizes the critical importance of subsistence foods to the cultural identity and survival of the Inupiaq people in Northwest Alaska.

Kayleen Ward-Peter, representing the Native Village Venetie Tribal Government, opposes the proposed changes to the Board and the removal of tribal seats. She argues that the process is rushed, lacks proper notification for tribal nations, and threatens rural subsistence rights and food security.

Joe Nelson, representing the Alaska Federation of Natives, advocates for a unified subsistence management system that protects the Alaska Native way of life. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating traditional indigenous knowledge and calls for tribal leaders to issue executive orders to support these goals.

Sam Schimmel, representing the Tikahtnu Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, opposes the proposed changes to the Federal Board of Subsistence, specifically the removal of public participants. He argues that the proposal fails to adequately represent the interests of tribal members and Alaskans, and he requests the addition of three tribal seats, an extension of the scoping period, and the preservation of existing Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).

David Walker, a resident of Holy Cross, Alaska, expresses support for the review process and advocates for the recognition of subsistence as a way of life. He calls for better co-management between state and federal agencies and highlights the negative impact of commercial trawlers on local fish populations.

Catherine Bolton, a tribal member from Hoonah, Alaska, shares her perspective on the importance of subsistence harvesting as a traditional way of life. She expresses concern about outside interests seeking access to public lands and emphasizes the interconnectedness of the biosphere.