Rep. Young Files to Block NPS from Yukon Charley Waters

Gives authority for in-state waters to troopers, Coast Guard

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By CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Dec 16, 2011 at 9:16 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 16, 2011 at 9:16 AM AKDT

Thursday Alaska’s congressional delegation took action to address what they say is the overreach of federal land managers.

Representative Don Young, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski, worked together to craft the language in the 2012 Interior appropriations bill that blocks the National Park Service from conducting boat checks on the Yukon River within the Yukon Charley National Preserve.

The legislation was prompted after the September 2010 arrest of a 71-year-old boater on the Yukon River.

Young is very clear on the message he is trying to send.

“Well, I am hoping that the Park Service will recognize that they don’t have control over Alaskan waters,” Young said. “This is more than Mr. Wilde’s argument that they were exerting jurisdiction over Alaskan waters. Under our constitution we have jurisdiction, not the Park Service, over Alaskan waters, navigable waters, and I’m hoping that they’ll recognize that they’re on thin ground, ‘cause now this will be the law.”

The Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers will now have the authority to conduct boater safety and registration checks.

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