Sponsor Statement for SB 265

Designating the Moose as the State's Land Mammal

I was privileged to be contacted last fall by community members who were interested in designating a state land mammal. They had researched the matter and found that while a marine mammal had been designated, we had not officially designated a land mammal. Their intention was to involve the students of Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School with the project from its origin to its completion.

The students conducted research on the various mammals in Alaska, including discussion with a wildlife biologist. They have studied the impact each mammal has had on Alaska’s culture and history. They met with members of Soldotna High School’s government class, who acted as legislative committee members so the elementary students could practice their presentations.

In December, the students held a primary election, complete with campaign posters done as an art class project. The primary election resulted in a short list of four finalists - the moose, wolf, brown bear, and wolverine. On January 23, 1998, the general election was held and the winner was the moose.

The students will follow this bill, tracking it through the legislative process in both the Senate and the House. They will be involved in public opinion messages and letters of support for the bill. They will ask for the support of the local governments on the Kenai Peninsula.

I am confident of their ability to promote their selection of the moose as Alaska’s land mammal, and encourage your support for this measure.

SS SB 265 S(RES) 1/29/98: mj