2009-02-13: Rep. John Harris (R-12), Sen. Charlie Huggins (R-H)

(Juneau) - para
Representative John Harris, R-Valdez, today announced that he and Senator Charlie Huggins, R-Mat-Su, were selected as Co-Chairs for the Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus. The Caucus met for the first time Wednesday to select co-chairs, welcome new members and begin outlining their goals for the 26th Alaska State Legislature.

The Outdoor Heritage Caucus was formed during the second session of the 25th Legislature, with Rep. Harris and former Senate President Lyda Green, R-Wasilla, serving as Co-Chairs. The Caucus is a member of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, and was chartered following the guidelines of the Congressional Sportsman's Caucus.

"We began compiling our list of legislation and issues to watch and work towards, and are actively recruiting new legislators to the cause," Harris said. "Over the interim I had a chance to meet with members from different commercial fishing groups to help better define our role and open a dialogue among users. Our goal isn't to impinge upon their rights or weaken their industry, and they understand that. I look forward to meeting with other outdoor resource groups as well. Our state's natural resource wealth is diverse and should be available to all. Our Caucus fits in well with other user-group Caucuses like the Fish Caucus and Bush Caucus."

"We will continue to use a bi-partisan approach to protect and preserve our state's traditions in hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing. And continue our advocacy on issues important to Alaska's outdoorsmen and women," Huggins said. "We'll also continue to solicit input from user groups across the state in an effort to preserve our outdoor heritage activities."

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