|
Trustee Council
Note: Picture not current.
EVOSTC
Overview
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council was formed to oversee restoration of
the injured ecosystem through the use of the $900 million criminal settlement.
The Council consists of three state and three federal trustees. They are:
- Membership
-
| James Balsiger |
Director, Alaska Regional National Marine Fisheries Service |
| Michele Brown |
Commissioner, Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation |
| Dave Gibbons |
Supervisor, Chugach National Forest, US Forest Service |
| Drue Pearce |
Senior Advisor to the Secretary, US Dept. of Interior |
| Frank Rue |
Commissioner, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game |
| Graig Tillery |
Asst. Attorney General, Alaska Dept of Law |
The Trustee Council adopted a Restoration Plan in 1994 after an extensive
public process that included meetings in 22 spill-area communities as well as
in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. More than 2,000 people participated in the
meetings or sent in written comments.
The Council continues to be a vital part of the restoration and research that
is conducted in Prince William Sound.
Reimbursements.
As part of the settlement agreement, $173.2 million went to reimburse the
federal and state governments for costs incurred conducting spill response,
damage assessment, and litigation. Another $39,9 million went to reimburse
Exxon for cleanup work that took place after the civil settlement was reached.
The remaining funds were dedicated to implementation of the Restoration Plan,
which consists of five parts:
- Part 1: Research and Monitoring
-
Surveys and other monitoring of fish and wildlife in the spill region provide
basic information to determine population trends, productivity, and health.
Research increases our knowledge about the biological needs of individual
species and how each contributes to the Gulf of Alaska ecosystem. Research also
provides new information and better tools for effective management of fish and
wildlife populations.
- Part 2: General Restoration
-
This category includes projects to protect archeological resources, improve
subsistence resources, enhance salmon streams, reduce marine pollution, and
restore damaged habitats.
- Part 3: Habitat Protection
-
Protection of habitat helps prevent additional injury to species due to
intrusive development or loss of habitat. The Trustee Council accomplishes this
by providing funds to government agencies to acquire title or conservation
easements on land important for its restoration value.
- Part 4: Restoration Reserve
-
This savings account was established in recognition that full recovery from the
oil spill would not occur for decades. The reserve fund will support long-term
restoration activities after the final payment is received from Exxon in
September 2001. The reserve is expected to be worth approximately $140 million
by that time.
- Part 5: Science Management. Public Information & Administration
-
This component of the budget includes management of the annual work plan and
habitat programs, scientific oversight of research, monitoring and restoration
projects, agency coordination, and overall administrative costs. It also
includes the cost of public meetings, newsletters and other means of
disseminating information to the public.
For more information on the council, restoration plans, research projects, and current activities visit the Council's website:
http://www.evostc.state.ak.us
|
|
