Since 1974 PO Box 78, Denali Park, AK 99755
March 19, 2001
March 19, 2001
Dear Board Members,
Denali Citizen’s Council urges you to adopt Proposal 11, the enlargement of the previously adopted closed area north of Denali National Park. We support the new boundaries established in Proposal 11. They are much more recognizable than those of the existing area, being associated with the Stampede Road and the Savage River on two sides. We also support Proposal 11’s prohibitions on hunting and trapping of wolves.
We urge the Board to revisit this issue often, as the pressures of population and development in lands north and east of Denali National Park will bring increased hunting and trapping pressure on Denali’s wolves. The park wolves tend to be less wary than wild wolves who have had few human contacts. This of course makes them more vulnerable to hunting and trapping.
In addition, the Denali Citizen’s Council urges the Board of Game to take a look at recent proposals for rail and road development in the Wolf Townships as to how they may affect the wildlife in that area. The Tanana Basin Plan guidelines did not favor development here, but instead favored leaving the Wolf Townships in state ownership for multiple use management. DCC believes that keeping transportation corridors out of the Wolf Townships is the best way to promote the health of wildlife there.
We appreciate the opportunity to present testimony.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bale
President, Denali Citizens Council