NEWS: Bill Protecting Public Access To Fishing Streams Sent to Governor
April 14, 2012
Today, the Speaker of the House sent Representative Les Gara’s legislation to ensure future public access to Alaska’s fishing streams, House Bill 144, to the governor for his signature. The bill passed the House last year with a vote of 38 Yeas and passed the Senate by a vote of 20 to 0 on February 27.
“I want to thank the Speaker for sending this bill to the governor and the legislative body for their support in protecting Alaskans’ access to fishing streams for this and the next generation. In other states you have to pay access fees to fish a stream, or are simply blocked from this public resource. We don’t ever want that to happen in Alaska,” said Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage), an avid fisherman and fishing writer.
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: Home Energy Upgrade $; Controversial Bills; Corporate Election $pending News & Um, HELP!!!
February 27, 2012
I just wanted to give you a quick update on some of the things we are working on in Juneau. And for those of you who missed last week’s constituent meeting held by our and Senator Ellis’ office – but have questions or concerns – please let us know. I’ll give the hard questions to Johnny. Kidding Johnny. Just kidding.
There are two controversial bills that I want to share some information on. First, on HJR 16 the House Finance Committee will take public testimony on a proposed constitutional amendment to use state money to pay for private schools.
Read More →
Bill Protecting Public Access To Fishing Streams Passes Legislature
February 27, 2012
Today Representative Les Gara’s legislation to ensure future public access to Alaska’s fishing streams, House Bill 144, passed the Senate. It now goes to the Governor. The bill passed the House last year with a vote of 38 Yeas, and today passed the Senate by a vote of 20 to 0.
“We want to protect fishing stream access for this and the next generation. In other states you have to pay access fees, into the thousands of dollars, to fish a stream. We don’t ever want that to happen in Alaska,” said Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch.), an avid fisherman and fishing writer. The legislation will inexpensively promote access to important fishing streams by encouraging voluntary land trades or purchases with willing landowners so Alaskans have public easements to travel to and along fishing streams that will otherwise be lost over time.
Read More →
House Acts to Protect Public Fishing Stream Access
April 12, 2011
Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed HB 144 protecting access to Alaska’s favorite fishing spots. The bill, sponsored by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage), would require the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to submit an annual report on its efforts to maintain and enhance public access to fishing streams.
“Protecting and enhancing public access to the hunting, fishing and recreational uses along the state’s waterways is of primary importance to many people and a wide variety of user groups,” said Ricky Gease, Executive Director of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association. “This legislation ensures that these areas will remain open for the public.”
Read More →
