Even as temperatures begin to lower, with snow making its way down the mountains, the topic of bears in Cordova is still fresh on people’s minds.
A discussion item surrounding proactive steps to address Cordova’s bear problem is slotted for the Nov. 7 city council meeting.
The discussion item stemmed from an email by councilmember James Wiese to City Clerk Susan Bourgeois requesting the discussion item be added to the city council agenda.
“I feel it would be negligent to not see us taking some pro-active steps to address our bear problem before next spring,” Wiese wrote in the email. “I would like to see us begin a conversation with all interested entities including Cordova Police Department, Cordova Refuse Department, ADF&G game biologist Charlotte Westing, the Cordova Division of Alaska State Troopers, our local USFS, and the Native Village of Eyak.”
Wiese suggested ways to educate residents in the spring, adjusting city codes to align with state codes, seeking potential partnership with NVE, trash collection possibilities and permit requirements for bear hazing.
Kerin Kramer, executive director for Native Village of Eyak, said residents don’t know where to turn for help.
Kim and Eva Hager invited The Cordova Times in September to see bear damage to their home. The Hagers said they felt they had done all the right things to avoid bear encounters. The Hagers said they called Cordova Police, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and then turned to their tribe for support.
“We met with the homeowners and heard their concerns over the amount of response from officials,” Kramer said. “We are hoping for more conversation about how residents can feel protected from wildlife and can get help from agencies when they need it.”
Read Wiese’s full email below:
Susan,
If you are able to forward this to council that would be great. I am just hoping to keep them in the loop as we move forward. I realize that this may turn into several discussions and know that with borough formation discussions, comprehensive plans and passing a sustainable budget everyone’s plates are seeming pretty full. I feel it would be negligent to not see us taking some pro-active steps to address our bear problem before next spring. I would like to see us begin a conversation with all interested entities including Cordova Police Department, Cordova Refuse Department, ADFG game biologist Charlotte Westing, the Cordova Division of Alaska State Troopers, our local USFS, and the Native Village of Eyak. I am not asking to exclude anyone from the public process and I will do my best to explain how these these parties may have a roll to play. Here are some things I am hoping to see accomplished.
1) Designing a program or pamphlet to educate our community of the coming “bear season” of 2019. I would suggest aligning city code with state code
5 AAC 92. 230 Feeding of Game
(A) (1) Negligently feed moose, deer, sheep, elk, bear, wolf, coyote , fox, wolverine or deleterious exotic wildlife or negligently leave human food, animal food, mineral supplements, in a manner that attracts these animals.
This would include creating a stronger standard for chicken coops including issuing citations for chickens not kept in enclosures as well as requiring bear proof electric fences for all chicken coops within city limits with no exceptions for people living in the unrestricted zones. It would also be wise to include what the fines that go along with these citations would be. We could draw on our state entities for guidance on how they handle these problems and have the opportunity to give our local police department input as well.
2) Isolate trash collection by creating transfer stations with dumpsters equipped with bear proof lids or creating reasonable expectations of our users for trash collection times. It has been suggested that we purchase personal bear proof containers and give people an option to have their rates adjusted to pay for them. Perhaps we could give a reduced rate to restaurants that purchase their own bear proof lids for dumpsters. I would be interested in hearing how some businesses have been allowed to modify dumpster lids while other entities have been instructed not to by penalty of fine. I would like to draw on our refuse department for solutions and suggestions, especially with how this may effect our new dumpster truck.
3) Seek potential partnership with NVE. I recently had a conversation with Charlotte Westing who lead me to believe they may have access to funding for bear proof dumpsters. I have not asked them personally and if I have misspoke I will be the first to apologize. Keep in mind this is just a discussion and it has always been in our 2020 plan to seek partnerships with this entity.
4) Learn what solutions our city staff has explored and seen as positive or prohibitive. Alan has mentioned before staff was pin-balling solutions. I would like to know what they have come up with as they are the experts with the most knowledge of city how the city could operate efficiently and effectively.
5) Discuss the permit requirements for bear hazing with “seal bombs” and if they could be acquired by local citizens. It is not my first choice to have small explosives going off in town but given the amount of life that was taken this year by citizens and government agencies I would like to explore any options I could to avoid another record breaking DLP year or have high powered rifle being discharged in residential areas.
With a second from a member of council we would have almost a whole month to prepare for discussion. That would be touching base with all entities listed and I would like to offer Charlotte Westing the opportunity the speak in a work session before the regular meeting on Nov. 7.
Thank you for your time,
James Wiese
