NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest
Contact: Bobbie Jo Skibo, Interagency Coordinator June 8, 2010
(907) 288-7739 office (907) 362-1527 cell
Working Together on the Russian and Upper Kenai Rivers
Agencies, Partners, and Visitors Will Work Together to Address Complex Public Safety Challenges in the Kenai and Russian River Area
COOPER LANDING – For the 2010 fishing and recreation season, agencies and partners managing the Russian River area ask that visitors help minimize the potential of adverse encounters with bears by being responsible with their fish waste, harvested fish, food, beverages, and garbage that may attract bears.
The agencies and their partners will work with anglers and other visitors to the area to ensure a safe and accessible fishery, and sustain the valued fish and wildlife resources. Members of the public who take responsibility for their fish waste and other personal belongings help improve public safety and promote a positive recreational experience.
In 2010 the agencies request angler support and encourage them to do their part in handling their food and personal belongings, and in reducing fish waste that can collect along the riverbanks.
“In 2010, as one of our main priorities, agencies are asking for full support and encourage all anglers to do their part in reducing the amount of fish waste that collects along the riverbanks and attracts bears,“said Travis Moseley, District Ranger, Seward Ranger District, Chugach National Forest. “Working together will help ensure a safe and accessible fishery and conserve our valued wildlife resources.”
“Utilizing as much of the fish as possible is the best solution, “said Sasha Lindgren, Tribal Elder and past Cultural and Educational Director for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. “It is part of our tradition and respectful of the bountiful resource utilized since my ancestors gathered food here.”
“Keeping visitors safe and good stewardship of fish and wildlife resources are at the core of these efforts, and we are asking for the public’s help,” said Andy Loranger, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Manager.
Anglers are being asked to do their part by following the regulations and recommendations for the area:
Food Storage Regulation
A food storage regulation is in effect on both the USDA Forest Service lands and US Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters in the area which means that all attractants (for example: food, beverages, and garbage) and equipment used to cook or store food (for example: coolers and backpacks) must be acceptably stored (in a bear resistant container, in your vehicle, or kept within 3 feet of you at all times).
Retained Fish in Possession Regulation
Fish must be kept within 12 feet of you all at times to ensure that bears do not take your fish.
Processing Harvested Fish
Anglers are asked to remove fish whole. If they prefer to fillet, they are asked to use tables that are provided at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers and at the ferry site. If filleting, anglers are asked to Stop, Chop, and Throw (cut carcasses up into numerous pieces before throwing into the fast moving current).
The Russian River Interagency Coordination Group (RRICG) was formed in 2006 to coordinate management of public resources of the Russian River area. The group includes representatives from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Divisions of Wildlife and Sport Fish; Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation; U.S.D.A. Forest Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.
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