Southeast Alaska Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs ...

Southeast Alaska Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection ActS. 340 and H.R. 740
Presentation for the Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Federal AreasFairbanks, AlaskaJune 7 – 8, 2013
Introduction
Sealaska made a presentation to the Commission during the February 2013 meeting in Juneau.There have been many issues raised by the Commission or the Public that have been addressed in current versions of the legislation.Concerns have included: Public Access; 17(b) and reservation of easements; impacts on commercial guides; recreational use and access; timber harvest and the environmentThis presentation will attempt to highlight some of those changes that address Commission concerns.
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Current Status
S. 340Hearing Held April 25, 2013 – Before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining.- Administration favorable, but seeking CMAI Language – to adjust Cumulative Mean Annual Increment so 2ndgrowth could be harvested sooner.- CMAI is not a Sealaska Issue – requested by the Forest ServiceCommittee Mark-Up potentially by the end of June 2013.- Mark-up will add CMAI languageAfter Committee Approval, likely inclusion in a package with several Senate Public Land Bills to be developed by Senate Leadership.
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Current Status (continued)
H.R. 740Hearing Held on May 16, 2013 – Before the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs- Testimony by Sealaska and Jimmie Rosenbruch (Bear Guide)- Testimony by Administration – favorable to goal of bill; prefer Senate version and would like to see inclusion of CMAI languageNo projected date for House Committee mark-up.
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Summary of Current Senate Bill
Completes conveyance of final 70,075 acresThree categories of lands:Large Economic Development Parcels (Timber Lands)– 68,581 acres; 9 sites- Not a pool; all lands specifically identifiedSmall Economic Development Sites– 1,004 acres; 9 sites- Significantly decreased as a result of public input; 2 energy sitesCemetery and Historic Sites– 490 acres; 76 sites- No sites within Conservation System Units- Must apply for sites within 2 years of enactment- Must use the ANCSA 14(h)(1) application and approval processQuick Conveyance; but current amendments allow time to ensure conveyance documents can be amended to recognize all easements and preexisting uses (per 17(b) process).17(b) window remains open until 17(b) process completed by the BLM
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Summary of Current Senate Bill (continued)
Public AccessPermitted for subsistence use and non commercial recreational usesSubject to “reasonable restrictions” (public safety; minimize conflict; protect cultural resources; scientific research; environmental protection)Also permitted across Cultural Sites where there is no reasonable alternative access availablePublic Access along salmon streams for subsistence, sport and recreational fishing along salmon streams within cultural site boundariesPermit Holders – Recognized and RenewedPermit continues through remainder of term; plus one 10-year renewalConservation Lands – 150,000 acres of new LUD II areasReference to ANILCA Sec. 803 will eliminated
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Summary of House Bill
House Bill Very Similar to Senate Bill in this Congress – Some Distinctions Addressed BelowTimber Lands reduced by roughly 1,000 acres to accommodate additional small economic parcels and cultural sites.Small Economic Development ParcelsAn Additional Seven (7) Sites are included in the House Bill; all energy sitesCemetery & Historic SitesAn Additional Fifty-One (51) Sites are included in the House Bill (because no CSU limitation for location of historic sites)Public Easements for salmon streams not required for cultural sitesNo Conservation Lands
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Summary of House Bill (continued)
Technical Amendment to the National Historic Preservation ActProvides that ANCSA Corporations shall be eligible to participate in all programs administered under this Act for the benefit of Indian Tribes, including securing grants and other support to manage their historic sites and preservation programs.Technical Amendment to the Tribal Forest Protection ActProvides that forest land owned by ANCSA Corporations shall be eligible for agreements and contracts authorized under the TFPA.Both Amendments Clarify:Does not validate, invalidate, or otherwise affect any claim regarding the existence of “Indian Country” in Alaska
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Questions?
We are available to answer questions now and will be on the phone line during the Land Bill discussion tomorrow (June 8).
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