Mike Smith of Fairbanks named to Fish Board

This just in from the governor's office:

April 23, 2010

Gov. Parnell Announces Board of Fisheries Appointment

ANCHORAGE — Gov. Sean Parnell today named Mike Smith to the state Board of Fisheries.

Smith, of Fairbanks, has worked for the Tanana Chiefs Conference for 20 years in a variety of positions related to fisheries and resources, and currently serves as the organization's director of subsistence resources.

He has been a subsistence and commercial fisherman in the Interior and has gained experience in fisheries management issues as a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Bering Sea Salmon Bycatch Workgroup, the Yukon River Panel Technical Committee, the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative, and the Western Arctic Salmon Stock Identification Program.

Smith also has served as a state legislative aide and as a member of the Fairbanks Community Health Corp. and Fairbanks Habitat for Humanity.

Smith will begin service immediately, completing the remainder of the term formerly filled by Janet Woods, which runs through June 30, 2012. His appointment will be subject to legislative confirmation.

The seven-member Board of Fisheries is responsible for conservation and development of the state's fishery resources by setting seasons, bag limits, methods and means for the state's subsistence, commercial, sport, guided sport and personal-use fisheries. The board sets fishery management policy and makes allocation decisions for the Department of Fish and Game to implement.

More on Janet Woods

Deckboss asked the governor's press secretary, Sharon Leighow, for a copy of any resignation letter or notice outgoing Board of Fisheries member Janet Woods might have submitted.

Leighow provided the following e-mail Woods sent to Jason Hooley, the governor's director of boards and commissions.

Woods "was not asked to resign," Leighow said.

Here's the e-mail:

Jason,

Note to confirm that I am stepping down from BOF appointment much to my dismay. I truly enjoyed being a part of the process and working with such wonderful people and constituents that I was privileged to meet, serve and work with. Thank you Janet

Janet L. Woods

Woods resigns from Board of Fisheries

This just in from the governor's office:

March 26, 2010

Vacancy Created on the Board of Fisheries

JUNEAU — Gov. Sean Parnell accepted the resignation of Janet Woods from the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

The resignation creates a vacancy on the seven-member panel that is charged with the conservation and development of Alaska's fisheries resources. Woods, of Fairbanks, was appointed on July 22, 2009.

"I am grateful for Janet's service during her tenure on the board," Gov. Parnell said.

According to state law, the governor shall, within 30 days after a vacancy occurs, appoint a person to serve the balance of the term and submit that name to the Legislature for confirmation.