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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-18 KRSMA Board PacketKNAI li/ER Specdal Management Area "Working to9eeher.../or the rlveP' `~°'~ ~ F LaDb~~OG3~ n OG^~G°3D *** Meeting Agenda*** Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:00 p.m. Kenai River Center I. CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Call B. Approval of 2119/04 minutes C. Agenda Changes and Approval IY. PUBLIC COMMENT III. NE~V BUSINESS ~_.~.M._~ -m "~~ ':' c A. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Joy Bryan-Dolsby, DNR-DPOR IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Kenai River Working Group -discussion of issues acid representation from 3/11 work session B. Commercial Operator Committee Report V. PUBI,~IC COMMENT _. Zvi. ADJ6'3'JRivfi.`fIEP~T A. Board Comments B. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting Please Note: The Commercial Operator Committee will be meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday March 18, 2004 at the Kenai River Center. Please cantact Suzanne Fisler at 260-4896 for more information. Kenai Area Offlc& Box 1241, Soldotna, AK 99869, Soidotna 262-5581 ` Kenai Poninsula Borough, Box 850, Soldotna, AK 99669. Soldotna 262'-.441 _'y~~ Alaska Olvlsion of Parks antl Outtloor Recreatlon, Oepartmenl of Natural Resources, in cooperatlan with the Kenel Penlneufa Borauph. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 19, 2004 7:00 p.m. Kenai River Center I. CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Call Present: Chris Degernes, Pete Sprague, Rick Wood, Robin West, Deb Cooper, Tom Vania, Linda Snow, Kent Patrick-Riley for Jonne Slemons, Ted Wellman, Paul Shadura, Jim Golden, Dave Westerman, Roland Maw, Jeff King Absent: Ken Lancaster, Dick Hahn, Joe Connors B. Approval of 1/15/04 minutes Approved as written. C. Agenda Changes and Approval Add Senate Bill 190 after last item of old business. II. PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Ruffner, Kenai Watershed Forum, wanted to clarify the minutes from last meeting on the water well drilled in the vicinity of Cook's Tesoro. The well was drilled as part of a larger effort to evaluate the movement and relationship of groundwater in the vicinity of the Kenai River, not specifically for evaluating the presence of hydrocarbons. However, since the well was in place, a contractor asked for permission to test the water from this well, and a low level of hydrocarbons were detected. Robert is not sure of the origin of those hydrocarbons. Robert also expressed his appreciation for the funding assistance that KWF has received from the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, for water quality monitoring and for their sponsorship of the Kenai River Festival each year. Mel Krogseng, of Soldotna, asked the Board to ensure that any solutions proposed for guide management be in compliance with the state constitution, and that it will be important to hear from a variety of public members during the process, both those direcfly and indirectly involved. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Kenai River sportfishing Association, Ricky Gease, Executive Director Ricky Gease thanked the Advisory Board for asking KRSA to report on the organization's activities. He provided a review of the mission of the organization, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose objectives are to preserve and protect one of the greatest sportfishing rivers in the world thru protecting fish habitats, providing education and promoting responsible sportfishing. KRSA strives to achieve these missions with three major programs, including habitat rehabilitation and angler access projects, fishery conservation research and management studies, and public aauaric education and. outreach. A mix of funding sources combine to support KRSA project grants, ongoing programs and administrative functions. Support comes from the Kenai River Classic, corporate sponsorships, charitable gaming raffle and auction proceeds, grants, membership dues and contributions. A general overview of KRSA's current l million dollar budget includes: • Kenai River Classic provides about $450,000 • Corporate sponsorships provide about $350,000 • Gaming proceeds provide about $150,000 • Grants, Dues and Contributions provide about $50,000 The expenses break down into three general areas: • Classic expenses are $450,000 • Program expenses are about $300,000 • Continuity Fund Endowment is about $250,000 Less than 2% of the program expenses go to education efforts at the Board of Fisheries. The KRSA board of directors has along-term endowment plan to ensure thaC new and ongoing projects will be fianded now and into -the future. The purpose of the KRSA Continuity Fund is to cover administrative and maintenance costs of recurring project as well as capital costs associated with new projects. To cover the annual program expense budget of $300,000, KRSA projects needing an endowment in the range of 6 million dollars. This year KRSA has established a new scholarship program to help students study biology, fYSheries management and other conservationrelated fields. .Roland had a few grlestions: ® He asked if KRSA is im,compliance with tax reporting requirements. Ricky: yes. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 2004 Minutes Page 2 of 7 • Roland asked if there is a place one might find the KRSA tax copies. Ricky: yes, every non-profit has to file a 990 and those are available online. • Roland asked if the Classic is considered a derby. Ricky: the 2004 Classic will not be a fish derby. KRSA is in discussion with the Dept. of Revenue regarding the definition of a derby. In the past, KRSA asked the Dept. of Revenue this question, and KRSA was told that the Classic is not a fish derby and KRSA has assumed that was the case and they have not changed their mind since the question was originally asked. • Roland said that he understands there were some reports prepared by Kramer & Associates, and he wanted to know where the money that paid for this came from. Ricky: those are part of the public aquatic education and outreach programs. Jim Golden thanked Ricky for providing a thorough review of KRSA's activities for the Board. Robin West pointed out this board does not have oversight over KRSA, and expressed his appreciation for Ricky's participation and presentation. Paul Shadura asked about the amount of money KRSA has in reserve. Ricky said that was covered in the report, and that having a reserve account is considered a best practice for anon-profit and for the long term heath of any organization. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Kenai River Guide Management -Recap of afternoon workshop to .discuss public process, Gary Morrison, Director Garv Morrison gave a brief overview of the earlier meeting. What started. - this process was a letter from the DNR Commissioner to Rep. Kelly Wolf after a number of organizations with interest in the Kenai expressed interest to Wolf and the Commissioner for putting some restrictions or regulations on sportfishing guides operating on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. In this letter, the Commissioner suggested there are more issues on the Kenai River than simply guide issues and thought those ought to be evaluated as part of a working group process. This group could put together these issues and make recommendations to him. The purpose of the afternoon's workshop was to discuss'the working group idea, from which a draft praposal was developed. Ted W. made a motion to adopt the draft proposal. Dave W. seconded the motion. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 2004 Minutes Page 3 of 7 Paul S. suggested that the working group process commence before the next legislative session and we keep the number of members down to 12- 15 for the working group. Overall he supports this proposal. Gary Morrison said he wi1T come down whenever this board needs him. The motion passed with all in favor. It was suggested that Board members review the Management Plan as a reminder of what the important issues are, and work toward developing a short list of issues for the working group to discuss. It was felt that another work session before Che next board meeting would help to formulate the issues and make up of a working group. It was also suggested to review the public comments from the public scoping processes that were conducted during the management plan revision, as well as to solicit comments from the public now, for review. B. Kenai River User Fee Discussion Chris D. said that one item that came up in the Commercial Operator Committee discussion last week was that if guide fees might be increased, it's time to look at all Kenai River user fees. The concern is that these monies may not come back to the river. Chris asked the board if this is a task the board wants to consider, and if so, how Yo proceed. Dave W. asked what we hope to accomplish with this if the money does not come back to the river. Chris said there is already a proposal to increase guide fees for 2005. Gary Morrison said the first draft of proposed regulations are being reviewed by the Dept. of Law. Chris said we do not currently have the legal authority to impose a user fee. If this board decides that a user fee is a good idea then legislation would have to be passed to authorize DNR to impose. a fee. Chris asked Tom Pania about the possibility of fees being attached to the fishing licenses. Tom said he is not sure, but he will find out if it is possible. Jeff K said the fees are appropriate and Che people who are using the park should pay them. The only people who are paying are the ones coming through the gate rigla now; and pay a camping, parking or latimch fee. Lf ' we raise the guide fee alone that would be saying the guides are the only ones who impact the river and that is not true or appropriate'. Ted said that before we do anything we need to geC more information on getting the money returned to the river. He is not interested in feeding the Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 2004 Minutes Page 4 of 7 general fund. As far as fairness is concerned, he doesn't have an objection to fees if they are returned to the river. Board discussion continued, with suggestions to add this topic to the list to be addressed by the working group or deal.with alLuser fees collectively if we proceed with this issue. C. Commercial Operator Committee Report Jeff King said the Committee talked about user fees and discussed the Kenai Fishing Guide Academy. This idea would create a guide training program at the Kenai Peninsula College that could be a prerequisite for guiding. The Committee also discussed the mentoring program idea, but since this is a tough concept, many on the committee feel that the program at the college makes more sense. There was some discussion about the rental boats because there is still concern that rental boat operators have not had adequate orientation before they go out on the river. Ranger Bill Berkhahn is worMng on a check list that will be in the boat so when renters are stopped by rangers they can see that the renter was appropriately oriented before operating the boat. Suzanne Filler said that she and others will be working with Kenai Peninsula College Director Gary Turner and others on the draft guide program over the next month..... D. l~enai River Center Update, Suzanne Filler Suzanne has received a permit application from Dan McDowell to run an over horsepower motor on a boat operated for handicapped anglers. This boat is specifically designed for handicapped individuals with mobility impairments, and has a drop down bow like a landing craft. He has spent about 2-3 years developing tYiis business and has received awards from the Governor's Council on Disabilities. She will provide more information for next month's board meeting, and hopes to hear some feedback from the board on this. Dave Westerman asked about the Galbraith j-hook project. Suzanne said there would not be any movement on this until fall probably because there is objection on the. federal level from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Servace, EPA and NOAA: Also, it is too late for any permits and construction for the coming season. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 2004 Minutes Page 5 of'1 E. Senate Bill 190, Roland Maw This bill has two parts, part one is a proposal to add 550 acres to the KRSMA. Chris Degernes said that 500 acres are EVOS purchased properties in the lower rivex, with one parcel in the middle river. State Parks already manages those lands, so SB 190 formalizes them into KRSMA. There is an additional 50 acres of general State lands that would be added also. The second part of the bill would make changes to the Kenai River Advisory Board. Representatives of state and federal agencies would serve as ex-officio, non-voting members. Additionally, a person who is an employee or elected official of a state or federal agency would not be eligible to be appointed to serve in a public representative role.;. Robin West talked about his vote on this boazd and thaC when he was originally appointed to this board 9 years ago agency reps did not have voting privileges. He views this as anon-issue. He said it is important for agencies to continue to participate on this board regardless of this bill. Chris stated that because Dave Westerman is an employee of the state, he would not be eligible to serve on the board representing Cooper Landing as a public representative. Motion by Pete Sprague and seconded by Roland Maw: Support SB 190's land additions, but remain silent on Che board voting part, and send the letter to Senator Wagoner. After a few minutes, Ted asked to amend the motion Co state that the bill should delete the reference to persons who are employees of a state or federal agency. The friendly amendment was accepted. Paul Shadura said he supports all board members having a vote, and wondered why the bili contains so little of the proposed,KRSMA additions? Gary Morrison said the position Parks has taken on the bill is to advise the Legislature. DNR feels that it is important That federal and state agencies have a seat at the table. As` for the lands being added, DNR's position is that there is the normal state lands protection on those areas already. If the commtmities and local representatives feel Chat is adequate,or inadequate then it is their choice to move forward with legislation to include them or -not 'include them. There were some misunderstandings on those lands that are already managed bg~ parks. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 2004 Minutes Page 6 of 7 Dave Westerman said that Cooper Landing residents want the upper river lands included in the bill. Tom Vania let the other board members know that when he was appointed to this board he was directed to be anon-voting member. Linda questioned how the board would function with minimal voting members. Chris said the board would likely have to amend the bylaws regarding the quorum. Ted Wellman said did not think there is any intent to increase the number of public members. A vote on the motion passed, and a letter will be sent to Senator Wagoner. Ti'. I'I.II3I,IC COMMENT Joe Hanes, Kenai River Guide, commented about taking steps toward guide limitations, and urges the group to focus on guide limitations and not get distracted by lots of other issues. Specifically, he recommends finding a fair and legal way to reduce guide numbers on the river and deal with the rental boat issue. Deal with user fees later! VL ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments +' Ted W said he'would encourage othei private board members to speak their mind on SB 190. • Chris D. thanked Gazy for his willingness to work on guide management issues. • Linda S. thanked Gazy Morrison for coming to the meeting as she has seen the frustration of the board on this topic. .: • Paul S. expressed his appreciation for Gary Morrison organizing the work session and attending the board meeting. • i~oland Maw also appreciated Gary's work and looks forward to guide management being resolved. • Jeff K. said he has been working with CES to provide automatic defibrillators along the river in specific locations. • Gary Morrison stated that he appreciates everyone's work on the issues of guide management. B. DateJAgenda of Next Meeting March 11, 1 c0® pm - 5:00 pm -next ~vori~ session, at the Kenai River Center. Next board meeting: March I8, 2004. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Feb. 19, 200A Minutes Page 7 of 7