Palin signs bill adding islands to Marine Park

THE LOG STAFF

June 12, 2008 at 3:20PM AKST

Gov. Sarah Palin signed a bill June 4 from the Juneau legislative delegation to expand the Marine Park System to include 14 islands near Juneau. Some of those islands could be viewed from the background as Palin signed at a waterside classroom at the University of Alaska Southeast.  

“Alaska’s 32 marine parks are unique in that they specifically prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from limiting hunting, fishing and trapping. The land was selected by the state with the intent for recreational use, which this bill will ensure,” said Palin.

According to Sen. Kim Elton, SB 57 sponsor, the bill expands the Marine Park System 10-fold, from 850 to 8,500 acres. The effort began 30 years ago, with the Juneau State Parks Advisory Board.

Several long-time members were present at the bill signing, including Gary Miller, who worked as a catalyst through the Juneau delegation to get the bill passed.

“It was just a matter of coordination,” Miller said. “Republicans and Democrats worked together to make it happen.”

Southeast Parks Supervisor Mike Eberhardt said the next step is to involve the public in a plan for campsites, public use cabins and possibly lodges on the islands.