Dalton bill promotes wise use

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Dalton bill promotes wise use
By SEN. RALPH SEEKINS

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - I have read with great interest the many myths public-access opponents have created regarding Senate Bill 85--an act that would remove the state statute prohibiting off-road vehicles along the Dalton Highway corridor north of the Yukon River. Now that the Dalton Highway has evolved from a pipeline construction road into a state highway and land ownership has been solidified, the prohibition should be replaced with land-use plans that allow for reasonable recreational access.

Almost all the lands along the corridor are designated as "multiple-use" public lands. Our state constitution emphatically requires that we utilize, develop and conserve all our natural resources, including land, waters and wildlife, for the maximum benefit of all our people. In other words, our lands are to be developed and used responsibly in a manner that recognizes our collective interests as owners of these public lands and resources.

Our lands are not to be ruined or plundered. They are to be carefully developed consistent with the multiple-use principle yet in concert with the modern principles of wise stewardship. This is exactly what Senate Bill 85 finally allows.

Senate Bill 85 has an important provision that delays the date for removing the current prohibition until 12 months after the bill becomes law. This legislatively imposed delay provides the land managers--the Bureau of Land Management for federal lands and the Department of Natural Resources for state lands--with plenty of time to work through the public process necessary to have land-use plans in place before the current prohibition goes away.

The managers tell us they can have plans in place with time to spare. In fact, BLM has had a draft plan on the shelf since the early 1990s. Our state law is the only thing that has kept them from going forward. And, even then, some facilities have already been completed. Right now, there are turnouts, campgrounds, restrooms and visitor centers in place on the Dalton Highway that are intended to accommodate increased public interest in this huge part of Alaska.

The Alaska Board of Game has also committed to have regulations in place within the 12-month delay that would protect wildlife stocks from overharvest. And, just to be clear, harassment of wildlife continues to be illegal in all of Alaska.

In addition, a legislative letter attached to this bill makes it clear that, if for some reason the 12-month delay is not enough time for orderly completion of the necessary land and resource management plans, the Legislature will extend the effective date for an additional 12 months. We are willing to wait if that's what it takes to get a good plan.

Clearly, there are precious resources along this road that demand protection. A good example is the Toolik Lake Research Station--a world-class facility whose mission demands that it not be disturbed. But we don't need to close an entire area equal to the distance between Fairbanks and Anchorage to do so.

There are thousands, maybe millions, of acres of land where snowmachines could be allowed when adequate snow cover is in place. Alaskans know such activity is not detrimental to the environment and recognize that continued prohibition of such recreational opportunity is uncalled for.

Trails can be developed for wheeled vehicles in areas specifically designed for and dedicated to such use. Overnight cabins can be provided--much like they are now in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Whole families--from grandchildren to grandparents--can enjoy the backcountry together. Possibilities for sound recreational uses abound.

Removing the statutory prohibition will not result in rampant ruin of these lands. It does not mean there will be no restrictions or protections. It simply provides for a well-reasoned, orderly planning process to take place that will allow wise public use of these public lands that are owned by all the people.

Sen. Ralph Seekins, Republican of Fairbanks, is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 85.

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