Help Protect McNeil-Katmai Bears
Rep. Seaton Waffles on Support for
McNeil-Katmai Bears
The McNeil Bear saga continues. Representative Paul Seaton of Homer is waffling on his support for bears by contemplating withdrawal of HB 127, which would provide permanent protection to these bears.
The plan to hunt McNeil-Katmai Bears in 2007 was recently halted by the Board of Game. Worldwide public support was overwhelming for this action. Reasonable people have a rare opportunity to applaud the Board of Game
for stopping the proposed hunt. Be aware! Next years’ Board of Game could put the hunt right back on the table. A permanent fix for the issue was on the table until recently.
Rep. Seaton from Homer introduced HB 127, legislation that would have added state lands adjacent to the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary to the existing Sanctuary. Adding these lands to the sanctuary simply makes good sense, providing the permanent protection that these bears require.
On March 9, 2007, Rep. Seaton informed us that he has withdrawn support
for his bear protection bill. In his recent press release, Rep. Seaton states that “The Bears of the McNeil River area support a popular bear viewing industry that injects millions of dollars into the economy of Southcentral
Alaska each summer.” Constituents concerned about a viable Southcentral Alaska economy and bear viewers worldwide wonder why Rep. Seaton has gotten cold feet and withdrawn support for his own bill!
Seaton’s legislative priorities are puzzling. He has worked long and hard pushing “gooeyduck” legislation that has questionable merit for his district, little economic value for anyone in South central Alaska, and flaunts mother natures rules by allowing introduction of non indigenous species to Kachemak Bay and Southcentral Alaska.
Yet, he bails on his commitment to protect McNeil-Katmai bears, recommending to his supporters that we claim victory as a result of the recent Board of Game decision and stand down.
It is as if the bears are serving time on death row, but have now been granted a temporary
stay of execution.
Please send your emails/faxes as soon as possible - please do not delay!
We must preserve the future of these bears & time is running out fast!!! Personalized letters are preferred. However, you can simply copy and paste the following:
I Urge you to stand up and fight to preserve the McNeil River-Katmai bears and bear viewing areas.
Please remember to add:
I Support the Advocates For McNeil-Katmai Bears of Homer, Alaska.
The following 4 people are the most important:
Representative Paul Seaton:Rep_Paul_Seaton@legis.state.ak.us
Phone: 800-665-2689 fax: 907-465-3472
Representative Les Gara: Co-Sponsor of HB 127 Rep_Les_Gara@legis.state.ak.us
fax: 907-465-3518
Senator Gary Stevens: Senator_Gary_Stevens@legis.state.ak.us
fax: 907-465-3517
Tina Day, Executive Director, Homer Chamber of Commerce tina@homeralaska.org
If you have a little time available it would be good to copy these people as well
House Resources and Finance Committee members:
Representative Carl Gatto:Rep_Carl_Gatto@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Craig Johnson:Rep_Craig_Johnson@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Vic Kohring:Rep_Vic_Kohring@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Bob Roses:Rep_Bob_Roses@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Peggy Wilson:Rep_Peggy_Wilson@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Bryce Edgmon:Rep_Bryce_Edgmon@legis.state.ak.us
Representative David Guttenberg:Rep_David_Guttenberg@legis.state.ak.us
Representative Scott Kawasaki:Rep_Scott_Kawasaki@legis.state.ak.us
Governor Sarah Palin:http://www.gov.state.ak.us/govmail.php(for topic select: legislation)
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
Governor Sarah Palin
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001
Fax (907) 465-3532
Advocates For McNeil-Katmai Bears
Homer, Alaska