This has been a historic year for hunting, fishing, and conservation legislation that will be considered a turning point for Alaskan sportsmen and women.
When it comes to Alaska’s national parks and our natural resources, the Great American Outdoors Act is landmark legislation that our Alaskan Safari Club International members have long pushed for and supported. This bill, which recently passed into law, addresses the National Parks maintenance backlog while also funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We all share Congressman Don Young’s assessment of the impact of the GAOA, which is that “Alaska’s pristine environment and biodiversity are some of our state’s most precious resources. As a sportsman and conservationist, it has been my long-time goal to protect our state’s National Parks, trails, waterways, and forests.”
In addition, Secretary David Bernhardt authorized the expansion of hunting and fishing access to an additional 2.3 million acres of land across the U.S. Not only is this good news for Alaska’s enthusiastic community of outdoor sportsmen, but it also benefits the U.S. Park Service’s conservation efforts both in our state and across the Lower 48.
SCI Alaska looks forward to continuing its advocacy efforts in future pro-hunting, pro-fishing, and pro-conservation initiatives.
Jeff Garness
President, Safari Club International, Alaska Chapter
Eagle River
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