This newsletter was originally published on or around May 23, 2025

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Chitina Dipnetters Association
PO Box 35230
Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703
Chuck Derrick, Pres.
cderrick@chitinadipnetters.com

May 23, 2025

Chitina Dipnetters:

I want to thank those of you that took the time to send comments to the legislature on HB125 (Designated Board of Fisheries Seats) to give Personal Use fisheries representation and again for your comments against the confirmation of Tom Carpenter to the BOF. Tom Carpenter did get confirmed but 20 votes of the 60 were to not confirm. A good reminder to Tom that maybe he should be more open minded when it comes to supporting fishery users other than commercial.

The movement of HB125 through two Alaska House committees and through the full House was very disappointing. The final version moved from the House to the Senate with no amendment for Personal Use representation. With the 2025 legislative session over, we will pick up the fight in the Senate in the 2026 legislature, at which time I will once again be asking you to inundate your legislators with comments supporting PU representation in HB125.

All 2025 new and renewing CDA members will be entered in a drawing for an on-boat dipnet charter for 2 with AK eXpeditions. So, if you haven’t already, get your name in there by going to shop.chitinadipnetters.com to buy your 2025 membership for only $20. You’ll be supporting our work to keep Personal Use Dipnetting an active and productive way to put food on the table. And a lucky member will win a free dipnetting trip for two out on the boat with AK-X.

It’s not long before we will be back on the Copper River, so here is wishing you a safe and bountiful trip to Chitina.

Thank you, Chitina Dipnetters Assn. cderrick@chitinadipnetters.com