Feds appoint Unalakleet man to Subsistence Board

The U.S. Interior and Agriculture Departments announced Tuesday that Tim Towarak, an Alaska Native who lives in Unalakleet, will take over the reins of the federal agency that manages congressionally mandated hunting and fishing rights for rural Alaskans on federal land.

Towarak will be tasked with leading the board through a period of revitalization aimed at ensuring local advisory councils have genuine authority and input, and review whether the board is adequately funded and staff to provide the required, long-term oversight.

A press release announcing Towarak's appointment indicates that while the Federal Subsistence Board, created nearly two decades ago, was initially intended to be a temporary management solution to a conflict between the Alaska constitution and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, it now appears the state does not plan on regaining its management authority. It's now assumed federal oversight will remain for the foreseeable future, according to the press release.

"Tim has participated in subsistence activities all his life and has demonstrated a keen understanding of the needs of rural residents of Alaska as well as the workings of government and the private sectors," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is quoted in the prepared statement. "With his experience and understanding, he is uniquely qualified to lead the Board in carrying out improvements that will strengthen its role in managing fish and wildlife on the public lands in Alaska."

"We are confident Tim can lead the Board's revitalization initiative," added Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The federal subsistence management program embodies key USDA roles and priorities, including sustaining livelihoods of rural families, ensuring access to healthy and affordable food, providing jobs in rural communities, sustaining culture and traditional ways of life, and strengthening relationships with Alaska Native tribes."

Contact Jill Burke at jill(at)alaskadispatch.com.