Press Release, No. 06-06: January 31, 2006

Contact: Sarah A. Gilbertson, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, at (907) 465-6137

Judge Upholds State’s Predator Management Programs

(Juneau) – Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason today upheld the state’s predator management programs by denying a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction brought against the Board of Game’s recent emergency regulations.

“The Judge’s decisions, both today and in the recent Summary Judgment Ruling, are major victories for the State of Alaska,” said Governor Frank H. Murkowski. “We will continue to conduct these management programs, which are based upon sound science, to ensure that Alaskans have the moose and caribou that they need to feed their families.”

In her decision today, Judge Gleason ruled that the Board acted within the legal definition of an “emergency.” She commented that the Board acted expeditiously to address the concerns outlined in her January 17 Summary Judgment Ruling and correct regulatory inconsistencies. Judge Gleason also noted that she had found the Board complied with state and federal statutes in her recent Summary Judgment Ruling.

“I am very pleased with this outcome and want to especially thank the Board of Game, Department of Law, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) for acting so promptly,” said Gov. Murkowski. “These programs are already yielding promising results, but they need to be conducted for several consecutive years. Today’s ruling will allow these important programs to continue.”

“I also want to thank Board of Game members, our attorney at the Department of Law, and those ADF&G staff who have worked day and night to ensure that the State of Alaska addressed all of the court’s concerns in a thorough and well-thought-out manner,” said ADF&G Commissioner McKie Campbell. “Opponents are likely to continue their legal attempts to attack our programs, but these rulings show the depth of detail that the Board and Department staff went to comply with the law.”

The Department began issuing new wolf control permits last Friday under the new regulations.

The Board will consider making the regulations permanent at its next regularly scheduled meeting in Fairbanks from March 10-20. Public testimony will be accepted at this meeting.

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