Douglas River Proposal


The Douglas River area is a name we use to describe a parcel of state land situated between the McNeil River Sanctuary and Katmai National Park. This piece of land was closed to hunting in the 1970s because the State felt it was unethical to hunt habituated bears as they passed between these two protected areas. However, since we were successful in getting the McNeil River Refuge closed to hunting, the Alaska Outdoor Council, its leadership and other hunters are trying to reopen the Douglas River area to bear hunting.

This issue is likely to reoccur every time the Board of Game considers game management in the area. There are two solutions that have been discussed by the Board of Friends of McNeil River. Either ask the legislature to add the area to the McNeil River Refuge or complete a land exchange with Katmai National Park, wherein Douglas River is added to the Park and other Park lands are traded to the state.

The current legislature's attitude appears to be that the only valid use of game animals is for hunting and that they will not take any actions to permanently close an area to hunting. This makes it very unlikely that legislation can be passed that would add the area to the McNeil River Refuge. However, this is just the opinion of the Board, and we are asking our members to help determine if this is a possibility. You can help by asking your legislators if they will help and support adding the area to the Refuge. If legislators seem willing to consider such an action, members of our Board will visit with them and provide any information and assistance possible in developing and passing such a bill.

However, since it is unlikely the Legislature will add Douglas River to the Refuge, the Board has approved investigating assisting in a land trade between the State of Alaska and Katmai National Park. It has been reported that Park Service boundaries on the western side follow an irregular pattern that cuts across a popular trail and hunting area. A land trade for this area and the Douglas River area were initially looked at many years ago, but the political climate prevented completion of the trade. The Department of Fish and Game appears to support such a trade and with their support, it may be possible to complete a land exchange.

We expect that it may take many years negotiate such a trade and we will be seeking help from every possible source. Members of Friends of McNeil River can help by writing the Commissioner for Fish and Game, the Commissioner of Natural Resources, the Superintendent of Katmai National Park, legislators and Friends of Katmai National Park. If these people receive enough encouragement from the public they may provide the support and leadership necessary to exchange lands in the Douglas River area for lands elsewhere.

Mr. Frank Rue
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, AK 99802-5526

Mr. John Shively
400 Willoughby Ave.
Juneau, AK 99801-1724

Friends of Katmai
P.O. Box 735
King Salmon, AK 99613

Mr. Bill Pierce, Superintendent
Katmai National Park
P.O. Box 7
King Salmon, AK 99613