It happen! Trap line cabin permit fees have increased! Unbeknownst to any trapper with a current permit or the Alaska Trappers Association. The DNR enacted a new fee schedule effective 1 July, 2018.

(1) application fees for the following revocable and temporary surface use authorizations and cabin use authorizations:
(A) land use permit for
(i) existing trapping cabin under AS 38.95.075, or $200 for up to 8 hours of staff time;
(ii) new trapping cabin construction under AS 38.95.080, $500 for up to 20 hours of staff time;

(2) permit fees for the following revocable and temporary surface use authorizations and cabin use authorizations:
(A) trapping cabin
(i) use permit under AS 38.95.075, $300 annually;
(ii) construction permit under AS 38.95.080, an annual fee established under AS 38.95.080(c)(5)

Currently the DNR state, they have reduced these fees by approximately 20-25%, for now. But at any time the Director of DNR can increase those fees, not to exceed what is in regulation.


I only discovered this change researching some regulations and confirmed that this really did happen last year. still trying to find the public notice from last year.

I'm curious as to whether or not the DNR really has the authority to raise the fees. I didn't think the Trapping Cabin Permit legislation as enacted by the Legislature gave the DNR the authority to raise these fees. I thought the legislature had to do that?

you are partly correct Waggler. Yes the DNR can raise and create application fees as they have done. No the DNR can not adjust statutory fees, such as the $10 fee for the construction of a trap line cabin AS 38.95.080(c)(5).

What else i do not believe is correct, is how the DNR interrupted that statue.(note: (2)( ii) in my first post). that states "an annual fee established under AS 38.95.080(c)(5)"


Here is why i say their interruption is incorrect.

AS 38.95.080(c)(1) states. (1) permits shall be issued for a period of not more than 10 years, with succeeding 10-year renewal options, if periodic use and occupancy is established, and the qualifications of (a) of this section continue to be met;

And the same statue states.(5) the payment of a trapping cabin permit fee of $10.

What this says to me is. The fee of $10 is for the length of the permit, not to exceed 10 years. The statue does not state or imply that this $10 fee can be applied "annually" for the length of the permit.

To further my point. The DNR created a regulation 11 AAC 94.310. it states: A trapping cabin permit is valid for 10 years and will be renewed each 10 years if all conditions of the permit are met and the cabin or the use of the cabin does not conflict with other land uses planned by the division. A permit which is not renewed terminates.

So this regulation clarifies it, that a trap line cabin permit is valid for 10 years. The statue says the permit fee is $10, for 10 years and not $100 for a 10 year permit.

Is this how you would interpret this?

Yes.

I renewed mine in June of 2017 and it was $100. I think this is my 4th renewal and it has always been $100. I think DNR just figures that $10 application fee applies to each & every year for which the permit is issued.

The amount is not an issue. It's absurdly cheap but all the other regulations they have issued certainly are issues. My first permit was one and a half pages. The most recent one has 11 pages of regulations that were NOT part of the original.

White, do you like being over charged?

One way that DNR has found to completely circumvent the statute appears to be this: Trapper applies for the less expensive TCCP. But DNR, instead of issuing a TCCP, issues a Land Use Permit for the cabin(s). By issuing the permit under different laws/regulations, they are able to charge higher fees.

Pete

The unworkable limitations, that I ignore, are a bigger issue.
30 gallon fuel limit and no occupation during moose season, which is most of the winter. For example.

Really ?

You don't think there are bigger issues here than paying $10 per year ?

We got a bunch of dumb rules surrounding trap cabins scrapped about 15 years ago.Took quite a bit of finagleing with MNR top brass and also getting some politicians on board.We pushed the fact that modern trapping is not the same as it was 100 years ago.Today we should not be expected to handle fur where we live and sleep,for health reasons,as well as with all the modern equipment we have we need separate storage facilities for fuel storage,equipment etc.
We are now allowed to use Cabins year round with family or friends,and are able to have up to 600sq ft for main cabin with two ancillary buildings,one for storage and one for fur handling up to 200sq ft each.
Any other line cabins are the old 400 sq ft with one ancillary building.
There is no charge for the Cabins,it is included in the licence purchase.Licence for each registered line is around $50.$18 for a helpers licence(to trap someone elses line with permission)
We are responsible for removing all improvements when retiring or giving up the line if the incoming trapper does not agree to purchase or otherwise assume ownership.

White, yes i do think there are bigger issues to be tackled.But this misinterpretation of the statue on the fee is just the first example of DNR creep. That is why we are meeting with the DNR today. To point out some of the conditions to everyone's permits that are not found or stated or implied in the regulations. like no shinny tin roofs, no occupancy during a moose season, can not set traps in trails, may not hang moose meat within a 1 mile of cabin site, performance bounds, no cutting of live trees,permits issued for less than 10 years, and so on.
All of these issues are not found in the statue or the regulations pertaining to trapline cabin permits. Just DNR creep to keep trappers under their iron fist.

I agree this whole thing is out of control.

Pete has my permit as an example of all the confusion and contradictions among the regulations

I think the meeting went pretty well. The Asst Commissioner agrees that the administration of the Cabin Program is not working well and is not consistent. We are going to look into getting some changes in the law. Hopefully both DNR and trappers can agree on some badly needed changes.

When the Wizards of Smart in Juneau get done flinging poo at each other over the current budget veto mess, we will try and have some proposed legislation ready.

Pete

Thanks to you two and Randy for taking this on !