Unlike most of the United States, Alaska's ecosystems remain largely intact. Little loss or fragmentation of habitat has occurred. Population density has increased 32 percent since 1982. Even so, there is barely one person per square mile in the state. Approximately 11 percent of the original coastal temperate rain forests have been logged, and development and resource extraction pressures are increasing. There are eight federally listed threatened and endangered species in the state.

Biological Diversity Policy

Alaska does not have a formal biodiversity policy. However, the state has several related policies. For example, by statute the state recognizes a public interest in retaining land in public ownership in order to sustain the natural biodiversity of the state. (Alaska Stat. 38.04.015) In addition, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game developed a wildlife transplant policy in 1994 designed to protect the abundance of natural diversity in the state. The policy is implemented through proper wildlife management. An instream flow statute recognizes the value of water flows for fish and wildlife, recreation, visual qualities, water quality, and navigation and transportation purposes. (Alaska Stat. 46.15.145)

Status of Biodiversity Science

Alaska does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. However, the state utilizes other systems. For example, the Alaska Natural Heritage program focuses on rare, endangered, and threatened species of animals and plants, although only the plant component is well-developed. The state does not have GAP, although a pilot project has been proposed. Hunter surveys, tagging studies and aerial counts are used by the state to obtain data about fish and game populations.

Endangered Species

Alaska has an endangered species law that applies to vertebrate species and subspecies. (Alaska Stat. 16.20.180 et seq.) Plants are not covered. The law is based on a single species approach. Listings are based solely on science. The law does not require recovery actions or designation of critical habitat, but does mandate agency consultation for actions that could harm listed species. Penalties range from fines of $5,000 to 100,000 and jail terms of up to one year. (Alaska Stat. 16.20.500 et seq.)

State Agency Management for Biodiversity

State-owned Lands

The state constitution requires that all "replenishable resources" be maintained using the sustained yield principle. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game uses a public planning process to develop a management plan for each state refuge, critical habitat area and sanctuary consistent with the protection of fish, wildlife and their habitat. State parks are also managed to preserve important areas of biodiversity.

Cooperative Efforts

A state statute requires interagency coordination of public resources, including fish and wildlife habitat areas. (Alaska Stat. 16.20.520) In addition, state management of river corridors requires that affected municipalities, private property owners, and public and state agencies meet and determine long-range guidelines and management practices consistent with the conservation of fish and wildlife.

State Agency Training

This report did not identify any biodiversity training programs for agency staff.

Impact Assessment

Alaska does not have a "little NEPA," requiring assessment of major proposed agency impacts on the environment. However, before any person or governmental agency begins construction on a project, approval must first be granted by the Commissioner of Fish and Game. (Alaska Stat. 16.05.880) In addition, a Special Areas Permit must be obtained for any activity that may affect fish and wildlife habitat, populations, or public use of those resources in refuges, critical habitat areas, and sanctuaries, and any impacts to these resources must be mitigated.

Habitat Acquisition

Alaska does not have a statutory program designed to protect land for biodiversity. However, the state Waterfowl Stamp Program acquires monies for waterfowl habitat acquisition from the sale of waterfowl stamps and prints. The state has also used some of the money received from the Exxon-Valdez lawsuit to purchase critical habitat for wildlife.

Private Land Conservation

Alaska offers private land conservation incentives for the protection of wildlife. A conservation easement is authorized by statute to protect natural, scenic or open space uses of real property. (Alaska Stat. 34.17.060; 34.17.010) In addition, the Alaskan River Habitat Protection Tax Credit allows an offset of property taxes for private landowners who help to improve fish habitat in the Kenai River.

Exotic Species

State Fish and Game regulations prohibit the possession, import, release or export of live game without a permit. (Alaska Admin. Code tit. 5, 92.029) The Department of Natural Resources regulates and controls the entry and transportation of seeds, plants, trees and livestock. The Department is also responsible for the eradication of obnoxious weeds. (Alaska Stat. 44.37.030) No other statutes or regulations were identified.

Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities

Alaska's federal animal damage control program is separate from the state predator control activities; however, the two agencies cooperate to handle immediate and serious animal damage problems. Alaskan citizens are permitted to kill animals that are threatening their life or property. However, the use of poison is prohibited without written consent from the state. (Alaska Stat. 16.35.200) A bill promoting a $200 bounty for the taking of wolves was introduced into the 1995 legislative session, and although it did not pass, is expected to be reintroduced in the next session of the legislature. In addition, a ballot initiative for 1996 has been proposed that would restrict the use of airplanes in the hunting of wolves.

Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity

The state constitution has a public trust provision providing that "wherever occurring in their natural state, fish, wildlife, and waters are reserved to the people for their common use." (Alaska Const. art. VIII, 63) The state constitution also requires that all "replenishable resources" be maintained using the sustained yield principle.

Related Issues

Alaska uses Project WILD from which an Alaska Wildlife Curriculum was developed to educate students about the importance of wildlife. In addition, the state plans to publish a wildlife viewing guide as part of the Watchable Wildlife Program.

Alaska does not have a takings law. A bill requiring an annual publication of guidelines to help the state determine what types of government actions would constitute a takings was defeated in the 1995 legislature but will be carried over to the 1996 session.

Contacts:

Department of Fish and Game
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, AK 99802
907-465-2400

Department of Natural Resources
400 Willoughby
5th Fl.
Juneau, AK 99801
907-465-2400

State Extension Services
172 Arctic Health Bldg.
University of Alaska
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6180
907-474-7246