Homer fish, game panel seeks more community involvement

With the Alaska Board of Game meeting coming up March 15 to 19 in Kenai, the Homer Fish and Game Advisory Committee's work is done for that meeting, but the "AC," as it's called, would like to see more interest in Homer's local voice on fish and game issues.

"We're a committee to represent the constituents of Homer," said Dave Lyon, a longtime hunter and fisherman, former guide and water taxi operator who is the new AC chairman.

The Homer AC meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the NERR building on Kachemak Drive, and meets this Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Lyon took over in January from Marv Peters, chair since 2000, who stepped down after years of service. Longtimesecretary Trina Fellows also retired in January. They'll be recognized for their service at Tuesday's meeting.

With roots going back to statehood, local advisory committees work with area biologists and Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials to help guide fish and game management decisions, or at least express their opinions to the Board of Game and Board of Fish and other management groups.

In January, the 15-member Homer AC voted and commented on proposals coming before the Board of Game. Not all the members are hunters, Lyon said.

"We have a very dedicated AC. We also have a really great cross section of folks," he said.

The Homer AC includes big game guides, bird watchers, commercial fishermen and hunters. The issues they look at get down to the nitty gritty of