COMMENTARY: Parnell pressed on change of DNR mission statement, Rossi charges

Alaskans were surprised to learn that there is a new and very different mission statement posted by the Department of Natural Resources on the State of Alaska website. 

The old statement of policy: “To develop, conserve and enhance natural resources for present and future generations.” 

The new mission statement: “To responsibly develop Alaska‘s resources by making them available for maximum use and benefit consistent with the public interest.” 

Questions about the mission shift dominated a recent press conference, where Gov. Sean Parnell was quick to defend the change.

“I certainly had a role in that mission statement,” he said. “It comes straight out of the Alaska Constitution. It is Article 8, Section 1 of the Constitution. I think that’s a pretty good foundation for a department’s mission.”

Parnell was pressed on the removal of the word “conserve,” the adding of the term “maximum development” and the lack of mention of future generations.

“Even though it doesn’t expressly mention that conservation element, it’s implied in the terms of that section,” the governor said. “So it’s development, it’s conservation, it’s everything. So read the Constitution – that’s exactly where that mission came from.”

Queried one reporter: “You’re saying it is implied that resources will be conserved for future generations. How so?”

It says they will be developed for maximum benefit – it doesn’t say anything about conservation or the future.

“You don’t believe maximum benefit for the people implies future generations as well?” asked Parnell. “I do, and I actually gave voice to that in my State of the State address. That it’s not about just us grabbing as much cash as we can now, it’s about our kids and our grandkids and that they have a legacy too. That’s exactly why I think conservation is implied in there as part of the policy. I’m not going to argue with the Constitution. I think it’s a pretty good direction for the Department of Natural Resources.”

APRN’s Dave Donaldson pointed out, “The state statute that actually defines and puts into statute as the mission for DNR does use the word conserve.”

Reporters also commented that the DNR policy change appeared to jump the gun, as department mission statements are required to be approved by the Legislature. 

“Well, look, I’m willing to have the conversation with legislators,” Parnell said. “Certainly the Legislature gets to set missions and measures by statute. I was a part of that and had a hand in that in the ‘90s when I was in the Legislature. This Legislature has not spoken and I am willing to have the conversation with them. And if they have something better than Article 8; Section 1 of the Constitution as a mission for DNR and want to set that, I’m willing to work with them on it.”

What it says

Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution addresses natural resources. Section 1, Statement of Policy reads: “It is the policy of the State to encourage the settlement of its land and the development of its resources by making them available for maximum use consistent with the public interest.”

Section 2. General Authority, states: “The legislature shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State, including land and waters, for the maximum benefit of its people.”

Section 3. Common Use, states: “Wherever occurring in their natural state, fish, wildlife, and waters are reserved to the people for common use.”

Gov defends ADFG

The governor also was asked at the press conference about recent alleged law violations by staff at the Department of Fish and Game, notably, Division of Wildlife Conservation Director Corey Rossi, who was recently indicted on 12 Class A hunting misdemeanors, and if Alaskans should be concerned that the Fish and Game Department is “broken.”

“Absolutely not,” Parnell said. “I think if you look at Commissioner (Cora) Campbell’s leadership, and you look at what’s happened, I think the right outcomes have resulted, and I think, frankly, if you looked at any work place, I think you would find issues. It’s a question of how they are dealt with in the end. And in these cases, I would say look at the department now and tell me what is wrong with it, because I think we have a very professional department and we have very professional leadership there.” 

Campbell on Jan. 25 appointed Doug Vincent-Lang, a longtime state fisheries biologist, as new Division of Wildlife Conservation director.   

Fishing safety star

Jennifer Lincoln, director of the Centers for Disease Control National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Commercial Fishing Safety Research Program in Anchorage, has received the first Life Saver award by National Fisherman magazine.

Lincoln, an injury epidemiologist, and her team are credited with developing emergency winch stops, vessel hatch and door monitors, and working with Alaska fishermen to field test personal flotation devices, to name a few.

Laine Welch lives in Kodiak. Visit alaskafishfactor.com for more information or contact msfish@alaska.com.