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Committee hears testimony on bill to create Alaska Invasive Species Council; fiscal note small but staff support requested
Summary
Senator Forrest Dunbar introduced SB 174 to create an Invasive Species Council and require a five‑year strategic plan. Fish and Game presented a fiscal note requesting one permanent part‑time biologist (about $84,600 first year) and $5,000 annually for meeting support; invited experts urged the council would improve coordination and access to federal funds.
Senator Forrest Dunbar (District J) told the House Finance Committee that Senate Bill 174 would establish an Alaska Invasive Species Council to coordinate state and nonstate actors, develop a five‑year strategic plan and improve preparedness for emerging invasive species threats.
"Invasive species impact every part of the state," Senator Dunbar said, citing northern pike and green crab among species that threaten fisheries and habitats. He said the council would bring "government and nongovernment response" together and require a strategic plan that is updated periodically.
Invited witnesses and agency staff described the proposal as modest but helpful for coordination. Emily Reed, Regional Invasive Plant Coordinator with the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, told the committee a formal council improves accountability and speeds joint responses: "Being able to get agencies together to talk and agree is going to be a huge step to reducing redundancy and confusion and actually making progress." Reed also said Alaska still has fewer invasive species than many states and the council offers an opportunity to prevent large-scale harm.
Joe Falco, deputy director in the Division of Administrative Services for the Department of Fish and Game, presented the department's fiscal note. It requests one permanent part‑time fishery biologist to assist in standing up the council and drafting the biannual strategic plan and annual report: approximately $84,600 in the first year (9 months) and $58,100 ongoing, plus $5,000 per year for meeting support and outreach.
Committee members asked how the council would coordinate with existing federal programs and with the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership, an informal group of agencies, nonprofits and local actors. Dr. Reed said the council differs from the partnership because it would be able to set state priorities, make formal recommendations and secure accountability and funding. She added that active councils in other states have used their status to obtain federal dollars.
Members also raised local examples — including chokecherry plantings — as evidence of how nonnative plants can spread through well‑intentioned distribution programs. Dr. Reed said early detection and coordinated response are critical and that the council would help prepare the state to act quickly.
Co‑Chair Foster set an amendment deadline for SB 174 of Monday, May 18 at noon and recessed the committee to accommodate floor work.
