1989 - in McDowell vs. State of Alaska , Alaska State Supreme Court repeals the state's subsistence statute, arguing that it is discriminatory and violates the Alaska Constitution. 1995 - in Katie John vs. U.S., Supreme Court rules that the federal government has an obligation to manage subsistence fishing on public lands. But implementation of rural subsistence preference has since been blocked each year by annual Congressional moratoria negotiated by Sen. Ted Stevens and Interior Secretary. Sen. Stevens agrees. Summer 1998 - Gov.
Package fails to pass legislature, despite two special sessions devoted solely to the issue.
Moratorium due to expire Sept. 30, 1999. Meanwhile, the issue is becoming politically and economically more explosive, with the continued precipitous decline of the fish and game harvest. Close this window to return to the FNDI site.