**Bureau of Land Management (BLM)**

**Alaska Resource Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting**

Campbell Creek Science Center -- Anchorage, Alaska

May 16-17, 2007

**DAY 1: Wednesday, May 16, 2007**

**[ATTENDANCE]{.underline}**

> **Council Members Present**: Greg Beischer, Phil Driver, Tom Crafford,
> Suzanne McCarthy, June McAtee, Charlie Boddy, David van den Berg,
> Scott Hala, Keith Tryck, Jim Posey, Denise Michels, Susan Olsen.
>
> **Council Member Absent**: Teresa Imm, Sandra Key, Barbara Fullmer
>
> **BLM Representatives Present**: Tom Lonnie (DFO), John Payne, Vanessa
> Hice, Bob Schneider, Vince Galterio, Jeanne Standley, Mike Zaidlicz,
> Dave Alt, Scott Guyer, John Payne, Bob Schneider, Cathy Vitale,
> Vanessa Hice, Roy Collins, Skip Theisen, Jeff Brune, Gene Ervine, Mark
> Fullmer, Cory Larson, George Oviatt, Ramona Chinn, Jim Ducker, Ramone
> McCoy, Gary Reimer, Sharon Warren, Danielle Allen, Satrina Lord,
> Sharon Wilson.
>
> **Other**: Denny Lassuy, FWS; Mary Patania (Member of the public)

**[CALL TO ORDER -- 8:05 a.m.]{.underline}**

Meeting **CALLED TO ORDER** by acting Chair Greg Beischer.

**WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS:** Beischer welcomed everyone and thanked
the council for considering him for RAC chair. Beischer encouraged
active participation and stressed the importance of attending the
meetings. He also encouraged members to make and pass resolutions to let
Tom Lonnie and BLM know what the body is thinking. Introductions of
everyone in attendance followed.

**Meeting Minutes Approved:** A motion to approve the minutes of the
February 7-8, 2007 RAC meeting minutes was made and seconded.

**[REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS]{.underline}**

**STATE DIRECTOR'S REPORT -- Tom Lonnie, BLM-Alaska State Director**

Lonnie discussed the Managing for Excellence initiative and BLM's move
to a three-tier organizational structure. Lonnie also addressed the
collaboration and sharing of employees between BLM Human Resources and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Human Resources. Lonnie said he
took a long hard look at the existing structure of BLM-Alaska and
concluded there were too many divisions. He also pointed to the results
of the General Management Evaluation (GME), which proposed a decrease in
the number of divisions. The BLM is looking to reduce the number of
divisions and save overhead dollars, without impacting its mission.
Olsen inquired about the impact of possible budget reductions on the
2009 Conveyance Division initiative. Lonnie explained that it will take
another 8-10 years before all the land status issues are settled, but
there is a firm goal to identify all land patterns by 2009.

**ALASKA INTERAGENCY SHARED ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT**

**SERVICES - Vince Galterio, Deputy State Director, Support Services**

Galterio discussed the Managing for Excellence initiative, which
requires BLM to assess its business practices and find efficiencies and
savings. All administrative functions are being evaluated.
Centralization of administrative services nationally is a key component
of the Managing for Excellence initiative. Galterio explained that an
Alaska administrative support center was proposed by the BLM and USFWS
to their respective Washington Offices (WO). The WOs supported the
shared services concept.

The first major function to be consolidated is human resources (HR). The
HR initiative will combine all aspects of human resources with no
increase in employees (no decrease at the present time), no additional
funds (budget neutral), and the use of existing space. The goal is to
create a seamless organization where the USFWS can pay, hire and retire
BLM employees and vice versa. There will be a delegation of authority
across agency lines. The current HR collaboration is between BLM and the
USFWS. Once things are up and running, the BLM and FWS will approach
other agencies about forming partnerships. Galterio noted that the HR
shared services initiative is a three-year pilot program. If the program
proves successful within that time, it will become permanent.

**ALASKA MINERALS PROGRAM UPDATE -- Vanessa Hice, Mineral Law
Specialist; Cathy Vitale, Alaska Resource Library Information System**

***Vanessa Hice**.* Hice overviewed the status and impacts to the Alaska
Mineral Program in light of its dissolution due to Congress' failure to
provide funding. Three key areas of impact are: (1) Personnel, (2)
Facility, and (3) Documentation/Data. Cathy Vitale of the Alaska
Resource Library Information System (ARLIS) will present the
documentation/data status.

Personnel. There is a concerted effort to maintain the displaced Mineral
personnel within BLM-Alaska so the technology and knowledge are
retained. Open positions within BLM are being assessed to determine if
non-funded Mineral employees are qualified to fill those positions. The
goal is to have all personnel placed by the end of September.

Facility. The final disposition of the Juneau Mineral facility is still
unclear. In response to Allen's inquiry about the number of personnel
impacted, Hice said 15 employees are directly affected (geologists,
librarian, mining engineers, etc.) as well as administrative and other
personnel.

***Kathy Vitale** -* Documentation/Data***.*** Vitale discussed the
handling of existing minerals data/records. The mass filing system,
organized by location, will be maintained by ARLIS. In response to
Olsen's question about the percentage of the mineral data/records
assessment completed, Hice proposed 35%, as a "seat of the pants
estimate." Hice indicated that we are devising ways to maintain
collected data, but methods for collecting additional data have not been
devised.

Crafford expressed concern that there will no longer be an active
mineral voice to ensure mineral considerations are incorporated into the
planning process. Hice explained that geologists, geophysicists, and
other minerals positions will remain within the BLM and be involved in
the land use planning process. Lonnie said BLM remains committed to its
multiple use purpose, and BLM will continue to have a mineral voice in
the planning process.

**BERING GLACIER UPDATE -- Scott Guyer, Natural Resources Specialist**

Guyer thanked the RAC for supporting and taking a substantive interest
in the Bering Glacier project by visiting the research facility/camp and
meeting the researchers in 2005. He said photos from the RAC's trip to
the Bering Glacier were posted on the web at
[www.beringglacier.org](http://www.beringglacier.org/).

According to Guyer, the project's budget has been challenging. There has
been a steady decrease in funding over the last two years from \$200K,
\$100K, then to \$80K. Outside partners have provided money. The
University of Alaska -- Fairbanks provided \$40K in funding this year.
The Altarum Institute provided \$15K in funding this year. There was
also a grant of \$18K received from USFWS for helicopter time to support
the botanical research. Guyer described the history of the Bering
Glacier project and the collaborative nature of the program.

**BREAK** at 9:35 a.m. **RECONVENED** at 9:50 a.m.

**NORTH SLOPE SCIENCE INITIATIVE UPDATE -- John Payne, Acting Director**

Payne summarized the history of the NSSI budget, noting that past
funding has generally been insufficient. With a current budget of two
million dollars, NSSI must effectively distribute/allocate the funds.
The BLM research and monitoring team identified ten focal areas for
study and project development. One was a study of the black brandt at
Teshekpuk Lake. Others involve some aspect of geographic information
gathering, assessment, and management. The 2004 Stakeholder Workshop
identified the need for a one-stop shop for information/data retrieval.
The Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA), characterized by a
distributed network with remote sensing data, was developed to address
this need. GINA will also feed into the Arctic Observing Network (AON).

Some geographic information system projects, including the GIS/Remote
Sensing Workshop, have already been completed. In addition, new
hydrologic gauging stations will be dispersed throughout the North Slope
to facilitate study of North Slope hydrology. Crafford inquired about
the State's interest/involvement in the research and projects on the
North Slope. Payne explained that the State has shown much interest in
NSSI, particularly GINA's ability to provide one-stop shopping for
wide-ranging North Slope information.

**INVASIVE SPECIES -- Jeanne Standley, BLM Natural Resources Specialist,
Denny Lassuy, USFWS Invasive Species Coordinator**

Jeanne Standley talked about BLM's involvement in invasive species
management in Alaska. BLM-AK has worked cooperatively with other groups
to strategize about invasive species challenges. Because funding was
provided for weed management, BLM-AK focused its attention on non-native
plants, including noxious weeds. The invasive plant program has been
limited to a minimal budget of \$33K annually. BLM has leveraged its
limited staffing and funding by partnering in education and outreach
efforts. It has also initiated inventory and control in the highest
priority areas. The BLM's nationwide budget for addressing the invasive
plants or weeds is \$7.6 million of which Alaska receives less than
4/10^th^ of one percent because it is widely believed that Alaska does
not have an invasive species problem. The 2004 wildland fires resulted
in \$300K Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation funds to prevent
weeds from spreading and degrading burned areas. This influx of funding
allowed BLM-AK to build the infrastructure for its weed program.

Other work includes weed inventories at Campbell Tract and along
highways. Areas thought to be relatively immune to invasive weeds have
been invaded by "high priority" weeds. Invasive weeds were also
inventoried along the Dalton, Steese, Taylor and Richardson Highways.
Approximately 40 individual species of highly invasive weeds per square
mile were found along the Dalton highway. Beischer asked if any
particular weeds are of significant concern in Alaska. Some species of
concern are the White sweetclover (found on most highways in the state),
Purple loosestrife (a wetland invader, recently found in Anchorage),
Bird vetch (common in the Mat-Su Valley and Fairbanks area), Spotted
Knapweed (a serious habitat transformer in South East and South Central
AK). Olsen asked what we can do about the growing threat. Standley
suggested a three-pronged approach: prevention, early detection/rapid
response, and containment/control, with prevention as the most cost
effective method.

Beischer suggested the RAC set aside more time on its agenda in the
future to discuss invasive species.

**FIRE REPORT/FIRE SEASON UPDATE -- Rob Collins, Acting AFS Manager**

Collins said he is the Acting Fire Service Manager until the end of July
when the new manager starts. Alaska's fire potential for the 2007 fires
season is normal to above normal due, in part, to below normal snowpack,
particularly in northern/central Alaska. This area is also expected to
continue with higher than normal drought conditions. Above normal
temperatures in western and southern Alaska are expected this summer.
Areas with bug-killed timber, especially on the southwestern Kenai
Peninsula and portions of the western Cook Inlet, are of special
concern. The combination of low snowpack and warm summer conditions is
expected to create above normal fire potential in portions of central
and southwest Alaska.

**CABIN PROTECTION POLICY: Bob Schneider, Fairbanks Distr. Mgr.**

Schneider noted that the structure protection policy has not changed
since 2000, so he would provide an overview instead of an update. The
policy provides guidance on initial attack and long-term fire fighting,
and it focuses on public and firefighter safety. Beischer asked about
prescribed burns and whether the AFS had invasive species mitigation
plans. Collins said some precautionary actions are currently taken. For
example, before engines are moved out of an area, they are washed.

**RESPONSE TO RAC FIRE RESOLUTION 06-02: BLM RESPONSE - Skip Theisen,
FDO Fire Management Officer, and Kent Slaughter, AFS Fire Management
Officer.**

Theisen and Slaughter addressed each recommendation in RAC Resolution
06-02 and provided responses as follows:

***[Recommendation 1]{.underline}:*** Require each fire manager to post
in all communities in its management area maps showing the locations of
all buildings and structures.

***[Response]{.underline}*:** We cannot post the management maps (Fire
Map Atlas) because the maps contain highly sensitive information. Many
maps show the location of cultural resources. The location of cultural
resources is kept confidential to prevent theft and vandalism.
Disclosing the location of such resources is prohibited by law. Also,
some agencies prohibit the release of any information contained in their
interagency maps. The locations of all permitted structures on
BLM-managed public lands are known, and each permit-holder is requested
to notify BLM if he/she will be at his/her site during the field season.
BLM does not monitor activities on state and private lands.
***[Recommendation 2:]{.underline}*** Require each fire manager to
develop its local fire plans with input from residents, the mining
community and the public.

***[Response:]{.underline}*** The Alaska Interagency Fire Management
Plan was developed with public input. There were 13 planning areas.
Public meetings were held at villages, towns and cities throughout the
state during the development of the 13 original plans. The Alaska
Interagency Fire Management Plan, Fortymile Planning Area contains the
public issues and the responses to those issues for the Forty Mile area.
Plan signatories include all federal agencies, the State of Alaska and
relevant Native corporations. Private properties owners were represented
by the State of Alaska. There were additional meetings in communities
directly affected by the 2004 fire season.

***[Recommendation 3:]{.underline}*** Require each fire manager to
designate contacts who can provide assistance during fire emergencies in
their area.

***[Response:]{.underline}*** Fire contact lists and fire reporting
protocol are created by each Alaska Fire Service Zone and State of
Alaska area. The fire reporting procedures, phone numbers and fire
contact information are widely distributed. BLM AFS offered to train
Public Information Officers (PIO) from the local community to help
distribute fire information during fire season. Only one person in the
40 mile area accepted the offer, was trained as a PIO, and worked as a
PIO during the 2004 and 2005 fire seasons. We are working with other
land management agencies to increase the number of PIOs, including one
with the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

***[Recommendation 4:]{.underline}*** Require each fire manager to
improve dialogue with adjacent wildland fire managers to insure the
public's interests are not lost in areas of abutting and overlapping
jurisdiction.

***[Response:]{.underline}*** A fire readiness inspection is conducted
each spring to assess and examine fire suppression, support and
administration issues and ensure AFS is prepared for the upcoming
season. A fire review is also conducted during the fall to evaluate how
we did, what worked, what did not work, and devise new and improved fire
management techniques. These interagency reviews are updated and
information is exchanged among interagency partners.

***[Recommendation 5:]{.underline}*** Develop a communication
plan/system for emergencies to insure all parties have ready access to
up-to-date information and the current status of BLM efforts and goals
in their areas.

***[Response]{.underline}:*** Several things were put in place to
improve communication following the 1999 Knik fire. Information boards
were established in Chicken, at the Fortymile Bridge, the Chicken Field
Station and at the boat launches along the Fortymile River system. A
local resident was trained and hired as a PIO and to keep items on the
information boards. There is also a trained PIO at the Fairbanks
District Office (FDO). When there is high fire activity, this PIO is
sent to Chicken to be BLM's point of contact for fire information.
Extensive information is also available on the AFS website.

Tryck offered that there were two issues at the forefront of the fire
resolution, the primary issue being the lack of communication between
the ground team and management. He inquired about ways to bridge the
communication gap, suggesting that outreach was needed. Tryck also
wanted to know why certain structures are on the map and others are not.
Collins stated that the incident management team put out a situation map
showing structures with value. Theisen said permitted structures are all
on the map and are known. The field office permit process clearly
provides notice that the permit holder will not receive fire protection.
Slaughter said that the State's policy and BLM's policy are different.
BLM updates its maps annually to change protection areas, Slaughter
cited the area near Pump 7 as an example. He stated that BLM had a
meeting with the Fortymile miners after 2004. Tryck reiterated that each
of the RAC fire resolutions, in one form or another, deals with the need
for better communication. He wanted agencies to take the initiative to
increase communication regarding events occurring on the ground and
events at the management/agency level. Collins said that the Fireline
(AFS newsletter to the public) provides a method of communication and
contains articles to facilitate communication. Slaughter stated that
each zone, on an annual basis, ensures information for radio stations,
satellite internet access, and the AFS website. He emphasized that
methods of communication are constantly being improved. Tryck agreed
that the AFS website was important and should be used as well as other
forms of communication that facilitate outreach. Theisen responded that
the BLM also puts forth an effort to go out and talk to people,
particularly those in remote areas.

***\[Editor's Note: Mr. Tryck submitted the following information and
requested it be included in the meeting record as additional
information.\]***

*In summary, Tryck commented that it appeared that AFS hadn't really
done much to address the fire resolution's recommendations, other than
to bring up documents and procedures that predated the resolution and,
if anything, were a part of the problem, not a part of the cure. Tryck
suggested that for starters AFS acquire accurate and current contact
information\--postal addresses, e-mail addresses and contact numbers for
cities/communities, tribal governments, Native corporations and
organizations (Alaska Miners Association, AFN, etc.) in the AFS service
areas and be pro-active and take the initiative to reach out to them.
Tryck encouraged AFS to develop a dialogue that ensures AFS has done its
part to create and maintain a current, accurate inventory of rural
assets and properties and inform the rural public and keep them informed
of what measures they might expect if AFS is called on to take action in
their area.*

**BREAK** at 11:32 a.m. **RECONVENED** at 11:45 a.m.

**OUTDOOR WEEK OVERVIEW - Jeff Brune, Director, Science Center**

Brune said this was Outdoor Week's 33^rd^ year. Approximately 1650 sixth
graders from the Anchorage School District, which has been a Science
Center partner since 1975, will descend on the Science Center grounds to
participate in Outdoor Week. To put the significance of Outdoor Week
into perspective, Brune briefly discussed a book entitled *Last Child in
the Woods* by Richard Louv. The book coined the term *nature deficit
disorder* to describe the state of an overwhelming majority of today's
children, who spend an average of 44 hours a week "plugged in." This
lack of outdoor activity has been linked to obesity, attention deficit
disorder, and depression, among other maladies.

**LUNCH** 12:00 Noon

**CALL TO ORDER** at 1:10 p.m.

**BLM-ALASKA INTERPRETATION PROJECTS -- Gene Ervine, Interpretive
Specialist**

Ervine began his presentation with a poem called *This Place is
Different*. He went on to explain interpretive programs as a means of
"feathering the edge between us and where we are" and "getting into
minute particulars and sharing news about the resources." In sum,
interpreters talk about the resources and help people understand; they
connect regular folks with our agencies.

Ervine briefly discussed the Dalton Highway travel guide, which was
created to get people to drive safely along the Dalton. Ervine stressed
the importance of partnerships to accomplish such projects. He noted
that two trucking companies were key partners/sponsors in the
development of the Dalton Highway brochure. Other partnerships have been
established with US Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park
Service, both of whom participate in the Interagency Arctic Visitors
Center. The Alaska Department of Transportation, who sponsors wayside
panels, is also a partner. Similarly, volunteers play a key role.
Tragically, one such volunteer was killed in a

one-car accident on the Dalton. Ervine discussed some upcoming projects,
including one along the Taylor Highway and Eagle-Ft. Egbert area. Ervine
also discussed a proposed poster entitled *Let's Not Meet the
Neighbors*. Ervine closed with a poem he wrote entitled *Driving North*.

**GLENNALLEN FIELD REPORT -- Ramone McCoy, Glennallen Field Manager**

McCoy briefly discussed the East Alaska Resource Management Plan as well
as the plans for the Tangle Lakes Archeological District (TLAD), the
Delta Wild and Scenic River Corridor (Delta River), and the Gulkana
National Wild River. The East Alaska RMP packet is currently outdated.
The TLAD plan is currently on hold because of the possible transfer of
lands to the State of Alaska. The Gulkana River plan was signed in
August 2006; it is already completed. McCoy noted that this year is the
50^th^ anniversary of the Denali Highway. McCoy provided current status
of the Bering Glacier research, subsistence hunting, and heli-skiing
activities.

**EAST ALASKA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE -- Ramone McCoy,
Glennallen Field Manager**

According to McCoy, the area covered by the plan includes 33 million
acres (7 million acres are BLM-managed, 5.5 million acres are State or
Native lands, and 1.5 million acres are unencumbered). The notice of
intent (NOI) was published in March 2003. The process has taken longer
than expected due to the extensive public scoping, which included more
than 30 public meetings. Three protests were filed in response to the
Proposed RMP/Final Environmental Impact Statement released in June 2006.
In its August 2006 Consistency Review, the State requested that the BLM
revoke the withdrawal on the entire pipeline/utility corridor and allow
those lands to be conveyed to the State. BLM sent its response to the
Governor on May 11, 2007. The State has 30 days to respond, which means
the BLM record of decision (ROD) could be signed

June 18, 2007.

**Glennallen Field Office - Conveyances Update -- Mark Fullmer, ANCSA
Branch Chief**

Fullmer explained that the Division of Conveyances transfers land under
three programs as follows: (1) Native Allotment program -- land is
conveyed to Native applicants who applied under the Native Allotment Act
of 1906 as well as Natives who applied under the Alaska Native Veterans
Act passed in 1998, (2) ANCSA program -- land is conveyed to village and
regional corporations under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, (3)
State of Alaska -- land is conveyed to the State pursuant to the Alaska
Statehood Act.

State. Fullmer presented a map of the State of Alaska's priorities. The
lands designated were assigned a priority of one through four by the
State, with a priority of one being the highest. The State's entitlement
will probably be fulfilled somewhere in its priority three lands.

Native Allotments. In the Glennallen Field Office area there are 29
pending veteran applications with four scheduled to be field examined
this summer. At this time, 52 alternative parcels must be located.

ANCSA. Ahtna Incorporated, within the GFO area, represents seven (of the
eight) villages and the regional corporation. BLM reviewed Ahtna's 12(c)
selections and found that Ahtna had selected over 700,000 acres outside
its core township. Initially, Ahtna is required to select all acres in
its core township. Approximately 400,000 acres are also topfiled by the
State and about 300,000 acres are in a conservation system unit. In
January 2007, the BLM rejected Ahtna's over-selections (708,776 acres).
Ahtna appealed BLM's decision. Based on past history, it can take
anywhere from a year or more for the Interior Board of Land Appeals to
reach a decision on the issue.

**BREAK** at 2:40 p.m. **RECONVENED** at 2:55 p.m.

Beischer requested that the South NPR-A and the RAC's bylaws be
discussed briefly prior to the close of the today's meeting (after
public comment).

**TANGLE LAKES ARCHEOLOGICAL DISTRICT -- BENEFITS BASED PLANNING, Cory
Larson, Outdoor Rec. Specialist**

Larson defined the benefits based planning process as a focus
group-oriented process that identifies (within a given zone) the
land/resource users and ascertains their activities, experiences and
benefits, with the ultimate goal of protecting/promoting those elements
for future users. Larson's presentation covered the Tangle Lakes
Archeological District (TLAD) and the Delta River Management Plan.

TLAD. The TLAD, which is a National Register property, contains over 600
archeological sites. Unfortunately, unregulated trail growth and the
increased presence of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) over the past 20 years
have compromised the TLAD's cultural resources. Benefits-based planning
was initiated in 2006 to address the problem. Larson discussed
advantages and disadvantages of the benefits-based planning process.

**DELTA RIVER MANAGEMENT PLAN -- BENEFITS BASED PLANNING, Cory Larson,
Outdoor Recreation Specialist**

The Delta River Management Plan Benefits Based Planning presentation was
written by Heath Edmonds, another recreation specialist. The current
Delta River Management Plan was created more than 20 years ago (in
1983). Significant changes since then require the development of a new
Delta River management plan. In addition, the East Alaska RMP preferred
alternative designated the Delta River as a Special Management
Recreation Area. A new plan is required to plan for the future use of
the Delta River. Benefits Based Planning is BLM's planning model of the
future. Larson briefly reviewed the Benefits Based Planning process and
described recreation management zones in the TLAD and the Delta River
areas.

**FAIRBANKS DISTRICT MANAGER'S REPORT, Bob Schneider, Fairbanks District
Manager**

Schneider presented a brief status of the programs/activities in the
Arctic Field Office (AFO), Eastern Interior Field Office, and Central
Yukon.

***Arctic Field Office***. The Fairbanks District Office (FDO), through
its Arctic Field Office, is responsible for surface management of the
National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). Schneider provided an update
on the activities of the two oil and gas operators (FEX L.P and
ConocoPhillips Alaska) and the seismic operators (Kuukpik/Veritas and
PGS) working in NPR-A this winter. Schneider described the "snow trail"
created this winter and used by more than 200 people driving from Barrow
to Prudhoe Bay. Schneider briefly discussed the Coleville River --
Liscomb Bonebeds, which is the northernmost dinosaur quarry and world
class site.

***Eastern Interior Field Office.*** The planning units that comprise
the Eastern Interior RMP are the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River, Fort
Egbert National Historic Site, White Mountains National Recreation Area,
Steese National Conservation Area, Black River. Preliminary issues
identified with this 6.5 million acre area include: Fire management and
rehabilitation, OHVs, mining, wild/scenic river management, land tenure
adjustment. Another project in the works is the Jack Wade Dredge River
Dismantle project.

***Central Yukon***. Schneider discussed the Hughes, Alaska Episcopal
Church undertaking. He also provided status on the Kobuk-Seward RMP,
noting that the final plan is scheduled for publication by the end of
June. Schneider showed a slide presentation entitled the "Tundra Truck
Tales," which documented the misadventures of a Silver Ford and a Red
Dodge pickup stuck in the arctic tundra northeast of Toolik Lake,
Alaska.

Schneider briefly discussed the South NPR-A plan and reasons why it was
discontinued. In response to Olsen's inquiry regarding whether RAC
members were or should be involved in the Coleville River project,
Schneider suggested that as the BLM works on the various plans, the RAC
should identify related issues and inform the BLM of relevant issues.
The pros and cons of combining planning areas were discussed.

**PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:** Although invited to do so, the only member of
the public in attendance (Mary Patania) declined the invitation to
comment.

**CHARTER, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES, BYLAWS -** **Sharon Wilson,
Office of Communications**

In response to a request from the RAC members, Wilson provided an update
on the recent changes to the RAC charter. Wilson explained that late
last year, the Department of the Interior asked all RACs to revise their
charters because they were too long. RACs were directed to create a
Bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures section. At the RAC meeting in
Barrow, there were procedural questions about handling resolutions. The
BLM Office of Communications revised the RAC Charter and submitted it to
the WO where it is currently being reviewed. Wilson explained that the
Bylaws and SOPs were extracted from the current Charter and the
procedures for handling resolutions were added. The Bylaws and SOPs
comprise one document and the new Charter is another document. Olsen
expressed some concern about the use of the term "subgroup" in the
modified Charter. Beischer thanked Lonnie for taking the initiative to
send the Charter to the Washington office for review. He (and Olsen)
also inquired about the need for the RAC to approve the modified
Charter. Olsen noted that the existing Charter expires October 2007.

Olsen made a **MOTION TO AFFIRM** the new Charter as well as the Bylaws
and Standard Operating Procedures. The motion was seconded and passed.

Beischer made a **MOTION TO ADJOURN**. Michels seconded the motion.
Meeting **ADJOURNED** for the day at 4:35 p.m.

**\
**

**DAY 2: Thursday, May 17, 2007**

**[CALL TO ORDER -- 8:03a.m.]{.underline}**

Meeting **CALLED TO ORDER** by acting Chair Greg Beischer.

**Housekeeping:** Beischer reminded those who had not signed in
yesterday to sign in for yesterday and today.

**[REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS]{.underline}**

**CONVEYANCES UPDATE -- FAIRBANKS DISTRICT, Ramona Chinn, Conveyances
Chief**

Chinn noted that Nenana and Ft. Yukon conveyances were scheduled to
occur shortly. There are 89 veteran applications in the Northern Field
Office area; the next step is to find alternative parcels for those who
are qualified but cannot be accommodated in the location they originally
applied. Chinn also discussed emerged islands, which have appeared since
statehood from the beds of navigable water bodies. The emerged island
issue has affected acreage counts and the ability to close ANCSA
entitlements because entitlement calculations are impacted. BLM has a
process in place to resolve conveyances that are found to have been
impacted by emerged islands.

**ANCHORAGE FIELD MANAGER'S REPORT -- Gary Reimer, Anchorage Field
Manager**

Reimer discussed his new role as District Manager, law enforcement,
public lands in West Alaska, Campbell Creek Science Center, Ring of
Fire, and the Bay RMP.

As **district manager**, Reimer plans to spend time in Glennallen to
gain a better understanding of field office programs. Overall, he does
not expect much change. Reimer has tried to get **law enforcement** out
of Anchorage and onto BLM-managed public lands, and he will continue to
pursue this objective. **West Alaska** is experiencing more activity due
to land use planning, so Reimer supports a BLM presence there,
especially local hires. **Campbell Creek Science Center** funding
sources and outreach programs are a high priority. The Center is working
with the Friends group to secure funding to support the Center's
activities. The Center is also pursuing outreach to low-income families.
The **Ring of Fire** final environmental impact statement (EIS) is being
reviewed by the Office of the Solicitor in Washington DC as there was an
editorial change in Chapter 4 of the final EIS. The **Bay Resource
Management Plan** comments and responses are currently being addressed.
Reimer assured the RAC members that their comments are read and
considered.

**CONVEYANCES UPDATE -- ANCHORAGE FIELD OFFICE, Ramona Chinn**

Chinn stated that over 500 thousand acres of land have been conveyed in
the Bay RMP area this year. Since the last RAC meeting, BLM closed out
Brevig Mission. In the Nome area, BLM is trying to locate alternative
parcels for approximately 18 Native veteran allotment applicants. Olsen
inquired about the possible location options for alternative allotments.
Fullmer explained that the alternative allotment must be available land
in the same ANCSA region as the allotment described in the original
application.

Chinn also discussed reinstatements. Reinstatements occur when a Native
allotment applicant seeks to have his/her closed Native allotment
application revived after a village has received title to the lands
claimed by the allotment applicant and the village has received full
ANCSA entitlement. Section 304 of the Acceleration Act addresses
reinstatements, so BLM is seeing some reversal of ANCSA entitlement
closures because lands need to be found to compensate the corporation if
a Native allotment claim is revived on closed village lands.

Chinn discussed reserved mineral selections filed by the State of Alaska
in the Mat-Su and Kenai areas. In response to Olsen's inquiry, Chinn
confirmed the State's subsurface selections do count against its
entitlement. Crafford asked why the State selected such a scattered
array of subsurface lands. Chinn said she did not know, and Crafford
requested the map so he could talk to the State.

**NORTHEAST NPR-A SUPPLEMENT UPDATE -- Jim Ducker, Environmental Program
Analyst**

Ducker said BLM is on schedule to produce the plan, and that the plan
can go to print tomorrow, but some approvals are required. He commended
the Alaska Solicitor's Office for doing a very thorough review. The
North Slope Borough (NSB), a cooperating agency, also reviewed the plan.
The consensus was that BLM did a good job responding to the scientific
community's concerns. At a recent meeting, NSB expressed interest in
phased leasing, which means BLM may not offer for lease all the lands
made available by a Record of Decision (ROD) in any given lease sale.

**17(b) EASEMENTS UPDATE-- George Oviatt, Special Assistant**

According to Oviatt, the BLM met with various Native land management
agency representatives in April 2006 to discuss the 17(b) easement
issue. At the meeting, the BLM committed to review issues identified and
hold a follow-up meeting. The follow-up meeting was held April 26-27,
2007. Approximately 57 individuals attended, including representatives
from 11 regional corporations, two village corporations, two
Congressional offices, the State of Alaska, and others.

Day one of the meeting focused on program education and information
sharing. Each agency representative talked about its 17b Easements
policy. Day two was devoted to reviewing the issues and establishing
work groups to devise possible solutions. Oviatt said the BLM will try
to form a joint federal, state, Native 17(b) easement oversight group.
There is a conference call scheduled in July. There is also a large 17b
easement group meeting in October to touch base. Hala asked how the
signs in Glennallen were working. Oviatt stated that there is a problem
with signs being damaged or taken. According to Oviatt, a State trooper
attended the meeting and indicated that in order to prosecute a
trespass, he needs legislation. Trespass occurs on private land, not BLM
lands.

Beischer suggested a regular RAC update on the 17(b) issue so the RAC
can track this issue.

**BREAK** at 9:45 a.m. **RECONVENED** at 10:05 a.m.

Beischer asked which BLM group oversees the 17(b) easements. Oviatt
stated that it touches several BLM groups because 17(b) easement is a
lands issue, a conveyance issue, as well as a field and district manager
issue. He noted the State had recently stepped up also. Oviatt observed
that BLM cannot take responsibility for managing 17(b) easements on park
lands. Lonnie said the BLM point of contact for 17(b) easement is still
in flux, but the point of contact will likely be in Chinn's shop. BLM is
providing the leadership to bring other agencies together to address
17(b) easements, but the issue impacts different land managers so it is
not limited to BLM. McAtee explained that 17(b) easements are only on
private lands that provide access to public lands. Identification and
record-keeping responsibilities generally fall to the BLM, but the
upkeep and management of the easements/trails are the responsibility of
the land owner.

**[ELECTION OF OFFICERS]{.underline}**

The floor was opened for nominations for **RAC Vice Chair**. **Suzanne
McCarthy** was nominated and the nomination was seconded. There were no
other nominations. Vote was taken, and all RAC members were in favor.
Suzanne McCarthy was elected as RAC Vice Chair by a unanimous vote.

The floor was opened for nominations for **RAC Chair**. **Greg
Beischer** was nominated and the nomination was seconded. There were no
other nominations. Vote was taken, and all RAC members were in favor.
Greg Beischer was elected as RAC Chair by a unanimous vote.

**[MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS]{.underline}**

Chair Comments: Beischer made the following suggestions for future RAC
meetings: (1) a map of Alaska should be displayed at all time during the
meetings, (2) Power Point presentations should be legible, (3) 17(b)
easements should be a regular agenda item, (4) field manager reports
should be more succinct, (5) a meeting schedule should be established
and distributed \[Allen will follow up\], and (6) the AFS should be
prepared to provide additional response to Resolution 06-02 at the next
RAC meeting.

\[Lonnie suggested the RAC review the published fire report to see if it
addressed the issues raised in Resolution 06-02\].

Beischer stressed the importance of staying on top of the invasive
species issue. An invasive species committee was formed, comprised of
Keith Tryck, Tom Crafford, and Susan Olsen. A Colville River
subcommittee was also formed, comprised of Susan Olsen, David van den
Berg, Sandra Key and Teresa Imm. Allen agreed to try to streamline the
work plan; she will provide the modified plan to RAC members for review.

**Nome Field Trip**. Michels and Allen will collaborate with Tom Sparks
to develop a trip itinerary, ensuring that the group engages in
BLM-specific activities and is provided learning opportunities. There
was discussion about whether a public meeting should be held. If so, a
*Federal Register* notice will be required. Allen will follow up and
schedule formal public comment. Hala recommended meeting as a group
during the trip to touch base. McCarthy suggested a hot topics briefing
prior to the trip.

**South NPR-A closeout**. Hala expressed concern that the RAC stopped
talking about the South NPR-A planning effort when it was terminated.
Hala believed the RAC was working on a list of pros and cons related to
the South NPR-A, and he wanted to preserve that list, particularly if
the planning effort is resurrected in the future. Schneider believed an
administrative record for the South NPR-A planning effort was being
assembled. Beischer agreed to recover the list of pros and cons so that
the list could be made part of the administrative record. It was
recommended that the RAC make a report to the State Director so the list
can be a part of the administrative record.

Beischer made a **MOTION TO ADJOURN**, and the motion was seconded.
Meeting **ADJOURNED** at 11:05 a.m.