Press Release:   March 7 , 2003

The State's Habitat Permitting Reorganization Plan

The plan transferring Title 16 habitat permitting functions from the Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is designed to streamline permitting without sacrificing Alaska’s environmental safeguards. Specific permitting functions will move to DNR, while certain habitat related functions will remain within ADF&G divisions.

“In order to facilitate this process change, Commissioner Irwin and I will be developing a detailed memorandum of understanding to ensure close coordination between the agencies,” said Kevin Duffy, Acting Commissioner of ADF&G. “I’m looking forward to the new relationship between our agencies and will work hard to make this a positive transition.”

DNR is creating the Office of Habitat Management and Permitting to administer the agency’s new responsibilities. The new DNR office will include:

• Title 16 fish passage and anadromous fish stream permitting
• Anadromous Waters Catalog (regulatory function)
• Project-related research and compliance monitoring
• Consistency review, land use plan review
• Forest Resources and Practices Act permitting, monitoring and compliance

While protecting valuable fish and wildlife habitats, the new office will work to reduce permit issuance times and lower permitting costs through close coordination.

Habitat-related activities that will be maintained within other ADF&G divisions include:

• Special area permitting
• Fish stream surveys and database
• Various research and restoration projects
• Oil spill contingency plan reviews
• Land use support
• Wildlife-related projects
• Mariculture leases
• Log Transfer Facility Dive surveys

“An outstanding group of experienced and professional staff dedicated to resource conservation will be transferring to DNR,” Duffy said. “In addition, I am very pleased that many of our staff will remain within the department.”

The plan anticipates transferring 36 ADF&G Habitat positions to DNR with a remainder of 38 positions moving to other ADF&G divisions. The streamlining effort will layoff 22 currently filled positions from ADF&G’s Habitat Division and eliminates 12 currently vacant positions.

The Executive Order directing the transition will become effective April 15, 2003.

###