Bureau of Land Management - Resource Advisory Councils

National RAC Home > Alaska RAC Home > Meeting Summary

Alaska Resource Advisory Council

Meeting Summary

Glacier Room
Clarion Suites Hotel, Anchorage, AK

November 3-4, 1999

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, November 3, 1999

Council members present:	BLM representatives present:
Karen Burnell	Fran Cherry, State Director
Brett Carlson	Clinton Hanson, Anchorage Field Office
Tom Crafford	Cathie Jensen, Glennallen Field Office
Tom Hawkins	Bob Schneider, Northern Field Office
Gary "Gus" Gustafson	Gene Terland, Resources
Paul Roehl	Ed Bovy, External Affairs
Rick Solie, Jr.	Teresa McPherson, RAC recorder
John Stroud
Larry Taylor
David van den Berg

Council members absent:	Guests/Others:
Susan Olsen	Harold Heinze
Elizabeth Whealy	Meg King
	June Taylor
	Joan Travostino

State Director Fran Cherry called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m.

Fran thanked council members and BLM staff for attending. He welcomed new members and thanked the three returning members (Gus Gustafson, Tom Hawkins, and David van den Berg) for remaining on the council to provide continuity for the next term.

Fran explained BLM has used citizen councils since 1946, when grazing boards were formed under the Taylor Grazing Service. Eventually, BLM’s use of citizen boards was expanded to include multiple use councils, formerly known as district advisory councils. In 1995 Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) were formed to replace district councils and provide advice and recommendations on grazing reform and multiple use resource management.

Fran explained he would like the Alaska RAC to be the eyes and ears of the State Director and Field Managers, to provide the perspectives of on-the-ground users of Alaska’s public lands. He said he wants an informed and involved RAC, and that BLM was willing to provide training and site visits to ensure that council members were familiar with the resources.

RAC members then briefly introduced themselves. Fran introduced Meg King of UAA’s Resource Solutions and announced Meg would facilitate the meeting starting with the afternoon session. Fran also welcomed former RAC chair, Joan Travostino. Joan said she enjoyed her involvement with the Alaska RAC, and found her four years on the council to be an excellent challenge.

Video & PowerPoint presentation:

Next council members viewed a 20-minute video entitled “The Public Lands: A National Treasure.” The video provided an overview of the history of the public lands and how they are managed today from a national perspective.

This was followed by a PowerPoint presentation on BLM’s multiple use mission in Alaska. Topics included:

land ownership patterns

land conveyance mission

public/private partnerships

recreation management

wildland fire management

BLM offices across the state

BLM field managers then gave an overview of their respective field offices.

Bob Schneider, Northern Field Office (Fairbanks)

Dalton Management Unit efforts include wayside developments and other visitor facilities, establishing recreation use permits to generate funds for maintenance of facilities, and administering approximately 70 land use authorizations and monitoring 25 placer mining operations.

Steese Management Unit: work includes managing recreation, riparian areas, mining occupancy, wildlife habitat, and rights-of-way.

Status of work in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and the Arctic, Central Yukon, Northwest, and Fortymile geographic areas was detailed in a handout.

Gus asked if BLM had made a decision to not complete the EA process for long-term camps on the Fortymile River as discussed at previous RAC meetings. Bob explained BLM had met with the State and agreed the best solution was to stop the EA process and enter into a compromise where the state would ask miners to have fewer and neater camps on gravel bars in exchange for BLM agreeing to allow those miners to temporarily move their things upland during high water events.

Gus asked whether the NPR-A subsistence board had been formed. Bob said BLM had met with the Regional Solicitor about Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) regulations as they relate to forming this board. The subsistence panel will be comprised of recognized tribal groups from the North Slope and should meet sometime in November.

David asked how proper functioning condition (PFC) surveys, such as the assessment at Porcupine Creek, would factor into standards. Fran explained PFC stream surveys follow a standard format, whereas standards and guidelines for Alaska would define conditions specific to Alaska. David asked that the RAC be informed about any future PFC surveys conducted by BLM.

Cathie Jensen, Glennallen Field Office

Results of the Gulkana River Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study due out this month. Some potential for conflict between subsistence and sports users.

Glennallen office gearing up for subsistence hunting, expect to handle approximately 2,800 permits this year.

Working with AHTNA, Inc. to educate the public on the use of 17(b) easements in the area.

Working with Ducks Unlimited to continue land cover inventory of public lands in the Glennallen area.

Clinton Hanson, Anchorage Field Office

Iditarod National Historic Trail management, including maintenance of four shelter cabins. Extensive rep airs completed on Rohn historic cabin, ready for winter use.

Campbell Creek Science Center and annual Outdoor Week provided educational programs for thousands of students in the Anchorage area.

Haz mat cleanup efforts continue at both Red Top and Red Devil abandoned mine sites.

Other work includes oil and gas permitting responsibilities, mining, Native allotments, ANCSA 17(b) easements, subsistence, forestry, cultural resources, plant inventories, river recreation, etc.

Lunch

Following the lunch break, Meg King explained BLM had asked her to facilitate a discussion of the of the goals, expectations, purpose and function of the RAC.

RAC goals and expectations

Meg explained that differences in expectations can create a perceived gap between the public and government. With good procedures and reasonable efficiency, a council which meets even 3-4 times per year can be productive.

Meg asked members to briefly discuss why they wanted to serve on the council, especially the returning members. David said he evaluated whether he could be of service to his constituencies and decided to seek reappointment. Tom Hawkins said he had found serving on the RAC to be very educational, that he learned from BLM staff and other RAC members. Gus said he found it challenging to find that middle ground and enjoyed the evolutionary process of bringing together divergent opinions. Larry Taylor said he enjoys group effort, such as the Fortymile work group, the sense of accomplishing something together.

RAC purpose and function

Meg then asked members to think about the council’s purpose--where would they like to be in two years, what would they like to accomplish? Members said they wanted to be more knowledgeable about each others’ positions, to exchange information and perspectives among members and with BLM, to make a positive difference and contribute to a better product. Members agreed they wanted to represent their constituencies well, but they wanted a RAC which was motivated by what was best for Alaska.

Fran added that the RAC would provide a reality check for BLM, since agencies can get caught up in details and forget to look at the big picture. He said he also liked the idea of the RAC working toward what’s best for both Alaska and the U.S.

Rick asked if the Secretary listens to RACs and uses that information. Fran said absolutely, that RAC members are appointed by the Secretary, not by the BLM director or state directors.

Brett said he wanted to hear more about why the three returning members wanted to remain on the council. David said he wants to provide BLM input into sensitive issues and the opportunity to work with issues he previously knew little about, to learn others’ values. Tom Hawkins said he enjoys learning other points of view and participating in a healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. He also enjoys hearing public comment and sees value in that. Gus said he was pleased this wasn’t a grazing RAC and that he was encouraged by this council’s willingness to work together.

David said he was sometimes disappointed the RAC didn’t put in longer days when they meet (start earlier and run later in the evening). Teresa reminded members this is driven in part by airline departure/arrival times, but the group could discuss whether they want to handle this differently for future meetings.

Input procedures

Meg suggested the RAC may want to consider when formal advice, such as recommendations or resolutions, is warranted and when to provide informal advice during council discussion and deliberations.

Fran stressed the value of the RAC serving an educational role with the various constituencies and keeping a two-way dialogue with those groups. He said a RAC which maintains a two-way information exchange between BLM and its constituencies can sometimes be of greater value to an agency than long lists of resolutions.

BREAK

RAC structure discussion

Following the break, council members discussed how to structure the RAC. Returning members were asked if the previous co-chair structure worked. David said he like using co-chairs and felt this model balances the three RAC categories. Meg suggested members might discuss the qualities they would like in a chair and the specific duties of the chair before deciding which model to choose. Members agreed and compiled the following:

Characteristics of a good chair

Experience serving on boards or councils

Solid understanding of the issues in Alaska

Sense of fairness: allows everyone to speak, encourages participation of all

Ability to wear “two hats” and to know when to request outside facilitation

Good communicator/problem solver/facilitator

Has time to take on additional challenges of chair

Chair duties

Work with BLM and other RAC members to prepare meeting agendas

Chair the meetings

Encourage the participation of all members; contact members who miss meetings

Serve as spokesperson for the RAC when appropriate

New members agreed it might be best to select a returning member as chair to take advantage of their expertise. After further discussion of whether to use a chair/vice chair model or co-chairs, it was moved and seconded that the RAC elect a chair and vice chair. The RAC agreed these individuals should be able to exercise a sense of fairness, be a good communicator, have time to assume the responsibility, and be able to facilitate group solutions. The RAC agreed to wait until the next day to elect the chair and vice chair.

Date of next RAC meeting

The council then discussed possible dates for the next meeting. After brief discussion, February 24-25, 2000, was selected. It was agreed the meeting would be held in Anchorage and the RAC would meet in Fairbanks during the milder spring and summer months.

The RAC then decided to begin compiling a preliminary list of issues for discussion the following day. The RAC came up with the following topics:

subsistence

standards & guidelines

ANCSA 17(b) easements

Colville River management plan

trespass cabins • Dalton Highway issues

gas pipeline

Steese National Conservation Area

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Campbell Tract withdrawal

Gulkana Wild & Scenic River LAC

“3809” regulations rewrite

mining bonding

public access to digital information

Meeting recessed 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, November 4, 1999

Council members not present: same as day one, with the addition of Rick Solie who had to return to Fairbanks.

Meg King opened the meeting at 8:40 a.m. and called for any new business.

New business:

Fran mentioned the Alaska Miners Association’s annual convention was in session and encouraged RAC members to drop in for a visit. The RAC then discussed whether they were ready to elect a chair and vice chair at this time and decided to do so later in the day.

Tom Hawkins announced he and BLM specialist Mike Hanson attended a recent planning meeting with The Nature Conservancy. He said this was an interesting approach and involved BLM and other agencies. Fran added that planning meetings such as these are great opportunities since BLM will be doing similar planning for the remaining public lands once conveyances is completed.

Gus suggested removing the reference to rangelands in the Alaska RAC charter when the document comes up for renewal again.
Issues discussion

John wanted information about how BLM determines when and how to use public involvement in planning process es.
Several RAC members wanted to follow Dalton Highway issues from an information perspective, but not duplicate the efforts of the working group already devoted to this issue. Fran said increased use of highway warrants the RAC keeping current on this topic. Karen added that the North Slope Borough had held a public meeting to gather information and compiled a list of projects for consideration which they submitted to the state. Karen said she was interested in how facilities are determined necessary. Fran said this is an example of how Dalton Highway issues are multi-jurisdictional.
Tom Crafford was interested in 3715 regulations regarding mining occupancy.
John was interested in the conveyance process in general, how BLM prioritizes selections, deals with overselections, etc.
Karen said the Dalton Highway has been proposed for designation as an All American Highway. She felt this needs to be looked at in terms of impacts to industrial activities, that increased tourism could impact other activities.
David was interested in hearing more about NPR-A items the previous RAC addressed: Colville River Special Area planning and role the RAC will play in this effort, what’s happening in the lease blocks, etc. Fran assured the RAC that this information would be included in future updates on NPR-A. Fran also noted that multiple landowners (ASRC, State & BLM) pose a challenge in terms of planning. Bob Schneider said he would be available to talk with RAC members who had specific questions about leasing activities.
Fran suggested the RAC might want to learn about DOI’s increasing use of prescribed fire as a management tool. Tom Crafford wanted to know more about how suppression levels are determined. Larry Taylor added that briefings from BLM’s Alaska Fire Service would be helpful and that the RAC may be able to help with educating others in remote levels about fire suppression.
David said it might be beneficial for the RAC to learn about the Fortymile Caribou Management Team’s work.
Larry Taylor noted that the Taylor Highway is a major artery for people entering or leaving Alaska by vehicle so tourism related issues similar to the Dalton could be a future concern.

BREAK

Following the break, Meg asked if RAC members wanted to prioritize the above list or select certain issues from the list to focus on. Gus suggested the RAC ask BLM where their help was needed.

Fran looked at the issues list and offered the following comments:

Subsistence - a panel was being assembled to examine this topic already.

Standards and guidelines - the RAC definitely has a role with this topic.

Gulkana River - would like the RAC’s involvement, maybe a site visit to the river in 2000.

Colville River - will keep the RAC informed and involved in this and other NPR-A topics. RAC may be asked to review proceedings of raptor workshop.

ANCSA 17(b) easements - hot issue as 2001 termination deadline approaches. RAC may be asked to help BLM set priorities. Tom Hawkins suggested the RAC help BLM determine a process or system for managing easements.

Trespass cabins - this is an ongoing issue, unsure if this is the best forum for this topic.

Recreation - demand is increasing. RAC might help BLM prioritize recreation efforts.

Campbell Tract withdrawal - complex issue. Suggested next RAC meeting be held at the Tract with an update on status of withdrawal.

Public access to digital information - BLM can provide a briefing on digital info we provide.

Gas pipeline - very controversial issue, not sure if RAC has a role here.

TAPS EIS - RAC could help educate public about why BLM is doing an EIS.

3809 rewrite - postpone for now until the dust settles, this is a “moving target” at present.

Mining - bonding pool somewhat inadequate, but this issue isn’t solely BLM’s.

General planning priorities - this administration may provide funds for planning so this could be an area where BLM could use RAC’s input.

Dalton Highway - covered this earlier.

Conveyances - good for the RAC to be informed so BLM may provide an educational briefing at future meeting. Beyond this, not sure if the RAC has a role.

NPR-A - many sides to this issue as discussed earlier. Topic for future meeting(s), maybe a site visit also.

Prescribed fire & AFS briefings - appropriate for RAC to hear more about.

Council members then divided the topics into those which involved information or education alone and those which might involve action by the RAC.

Action

Campbell Tract withdrawal

ANCSA 17(b) easements

Priorities for planning

Standards and guidelines

Gulkana River LAC process (site visit)

Education/information only

TAPS right-of-way renewal EIS

NPR-A topics

digital information

Dalton Highway

conveyances

fire policy

The RAC reviewed these lists and agreed these were the topics they wanted to work with over the next several meetings.

Fran then suggested a rough agenda for the February meeting could include touring the BLM Campbell Tract facility and Campbell Creek Science Center, with an update on the Campbell Tract withdrawal process; ANCSA 17(b) briefing and Q&A; short TAPS EIS briefing and Q&A; and planning priorities and public involvement. The following meeting in early summer could then include a comprehensive NPR-A briefing.

BREAK

Following the break, BLM planner Curt Wilson provided an overview of Standards & Guidelines.

Curt explained standards and guidelines were essentially born out of grazing conflicts in the Lower 48 as part of rangeland reform. Some 38,000 specific comments were received by BLM on this EIS, so the issue generated lots of interest.

Originally BLM Alaska was exempt from producing standards, since grazing isn’t an issue here. However, later the Bureau decided S&G have value for managing resources beyond rangeland and Alaska was asked to produce standards also. Work on standards for Alaska began in 1997. The previous RAC produced a draft conceptual document which was sent to Washington earlier this year. Bureau officials felt the draft read more like a set of goals and objectives.

John asked if the RAC worked with BLM staff to produce the draft. Curt explained BLM provided some background but didn’t work directly with the RAC on the draft as most Lower 48 states did. Many states formed work groups of RAC members and BLM resource specialists, although this varied by state.

Curt explained standards describe conditions needed to sustain the health of watersheds, habitat and ecological processes on public lands. Guidelines are management tools, methods, strategies or techniques to achieve these standards. BLM uses standards and guidelines to spell out terms and conditions in permits.

Curt then outlined the development process used by other BLM states and their RACS to prepare standards:

Start with public scoping to learn what public feels is appropriate.

Develop draft standards.

Public and departmental review.

Develop final standards and EA

Review existing permits to ensure compatibility with standards.

Brett asked if the previous RAC used this process. Gus explained they didn’t get this far. They started with the fallback standards and the State’s approved area plans, which had undergone extensive public review, and produced a draft for BLM’s review. This draft was rejected for reasons discussed earlier.

Meg asked if this process worked for the last RAC. David said he had mixed feelings about the task and the RAC’s progress, and felt the fallback standards were satisfactory.

Fran added that the fallback standards included phrases such as “restore or improve,” which the last RAC felt didn’t fit Alaska, and this was why they wanted to craft something different.

Selection of chair

Prior to recessing for lunch, the RAC decided to elect a chair and vice chair. Gus nominated Tom Hawkins for chair. The motion was second by Paul and David. Motion carried. Tom Hawkins accepted the office of chair and opened the floor for nominations for vice chair. David nominated Gus and Paul seconded the nomination. Motion carried. Gus accepted the office of vice chair.

Before breaking for lunch, Meg said she had prepared an outline for the RAC to consider when working on issues. Meg said she could put this on a chart for the RAC to consider as a tool for future discussions. Tom Hawkins asked if the RAC would like to do so. Council members were interested and agreed they would like to look at Meg’s suggestions.

BREAK

The meeting resumed with a discussion of RAC procedures. Meg suggested the RAC might want to discuss how to obtain information from and provide input to BLM. Larry Taylor said he would like more outside reading material for members to review between meetings. Fran agreed BLM could prepare handouts on “hot” topics and provide this information earlier for members to review prior to meetings. Larry wanted any reading materials relevant to the agenda topics for the February meeting. Fran agreed to provide background materials 30 days prior to meetings.

Discussion followed about length of RAC meetings. Some members favored meeting from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Others preferred a start time of 8:30 or 9 a.m. so they could check in with their offices first. RAC members agreed that longer council meetings made it worth their time to travel and be away from their regular jobs. It was decided the chair would work with BLM on meeting times and agenda items.

Resume standards discussion

Next, the RAC discussed their role in helping BLM with standards for Alaska. Meg suggested the RAC look at the steps she had outlined on a flip chart during the break to determine level of involvement in preparation of standards or other similar tasks. RAC members discussed their role given these steps.

Tom Hawkins felt BLM should decide where the RAC fits into the scoping and review process. David concurred and felt BLM should begin the process and involve the RAC during public review. After further discussion, the RAC decided BLM should move forward with drafting standards and the RAC would provide input prior to public review. Gus suggested that since the next meeting was three months away, BLM provide a work plan at that meeting for the RAC’s review.

The RAC then discussed how their input would differ from general public comment. Tom Hawkins pointed out that one primary difference is that the RAC must agree as a body and provide a collective opinion. Bob Schneider suggested that members consider providing individual comments as well as a collective opinion in the form of a council resolution.

Council members then summarized how they would like to proceed with the standards task:

The RAC wants BLM to take the lead in preparing a draft set of standards, along with a work plan and timeline.

The RAC would then provide their individual comments on the documents and later in the process submit their collective opinion in the form of a resolution.

RAC members would like to review the standards before the public review process begins.

Non-agenda items

Fran explained he wants to see a close working relationship between BLM field managers and the council. He said RAC members were carefully selected for their ability to work with various groups to find common ground and to represent a wide array of constituencies. He said he wants RAC members to have full access to the people at BLM who make decisions and interpret policy and to have a meaningful role in those decisions and actions.

Fran said he wanted RAC members to know he was available to them and would make time in his schedule to speak with or meet with members between the RAC’s regularly scheduled meetings. He said he could be reached at 271-5080. Fran also assured the RAC that BLM staff are available to RAC members.

Gene Terland said he could be reached at 271-3344 if members wanted specific information about the TAPS EIS process.

Gus said he would like the Secretary’s representative, Marilyn Heiman, to address the RAC during a future council meeting.

Bob Schneider said RAC members might like to attend the annual training session on ANILCA sponsored by DOI November 30. Teresa said she would get specific information out to RAC members about the course and coordinate registration. Fran emphasized that BLM wants to provide training opportunities to RAC members whenever appropriate courses are offered.

Date/location/agenda items for next meeting:

The next RAC meeting was set for February 24-25, 2000.

Clinton Hanson of the Anchorage Field Office confirmed that the Campbell Creek Science Center was available and had been reserved for the RAC meeting on those days.

Teresa will work with the chair to coordinate meeting times based on travel schedules of out-of town members and will provide directions and a map to the Science Center prior to the meeting.

The agenda will include Campbell Tract withdrawal, land conveyance, planning priorities, 17(b) easements, the TransAlaska Pipeline right-of-way renewal process and EIS, and continuation of standards and guidelines. Gus asked that a briefing be provided on TAGS (gas pipeline) as well as TAPS. Fran said BLM staff would compile background materials on several of these topics for the RAC to read prior to the February meeting.

Conclusion

Fran thanked RAC members for attending this first meeting of the newly reappointed Resource Advisory Council and for making the time to take on this important public service. He also thanked Tom and Gus for taking on the additional challenge of serving as council chair and vice chair. He said he and his managers believe in the value of citizen councils and would do everything possible to make the next two years a meaningful experience for RAC members.

Meeting adjourned 2:00 p.m.

Please contact the Alaska RAC Coordinator for further information.