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Fear of potential fisheries legislation influenced by politicians and anglers in the Matanuska-Susitna region has spurred the city of Kenai to form a salmon task force.

"This is an attempt to get information from the residents of the city of Kenai and business owners that make a living or enjoy a quality of life because of the Kenai River," said Joe Moore, city councilman.

The council voted unanimously to create the eight-member task force composed of members from different interest groups including the commercial fisheries, the sport fish guide industry, personal-use anglers, local politicians, environmental groups and a retired fish and game biologist.

Moore said he's still looking for members to join the task force.

"I think anybody who feels the river is an important resource should be involved," he said.

The river has long been a critical resource to the city.

"The Kenai River is extremely important to the city," Moore said. "It's the reason the city is here; oil and gas only came later."

In the past 30 years however, the role of salmon, both in the economy and life of the city, has shifted.

Moore pointed out that 10 years ago, three of the top 10 taxpayers in the city were seafood processors. Now they've disappeared from that list.

The task force isn't necessarily about trying to revive an old industry, though.

"We shouldn't strive to get them back on top," Moore said of the commercial salmon fishing industry. "They're declining and we need to recognize that."

Moore sees the task force more as a collective body organized to address threats from other municipalities, most notably, the Mat-Su borough.

Earlier this spring, the state Legislature approved the creation of the Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force, a body made up of five house representatives and five state senators. Of the 10 members, only two preside outside the Mat-Su and Anchorage districts, Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai, and Rep. Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan.

Moore is concerned that the task force, along with similar efforts backed by the Mat-Su borough, may impact fishing in the inlet and on the river.

Jim Butler, one of the local residents appointed to the task force, agreed with Moore, and pointed out that though there have been few visible changes in the Cook Inlet fisheries so far, it's only a matter of time.

"Other communities like the Mat-Su borough are very proactive. It takes time to affect policy, but over time you can't help but to. The Cook Inlet task force is an example of that manifesting itself," he said.

He believes the city is at risk of losing an integral resource, saying, "It's always in the community's interest not to take things for granted."

Butler said he sees the task force as a means to educate the city on the importance of the river.

"My hope is that the product will be broad-based and give the council a more current perspective on what's going on," he said.

Armed with knowledge on the issues, Butler said he hopes the city can better advocate its interests in Juneau.

"It's in the city's interest to be aware of and decide how this fits into all the other priorities they have," Butler said. "(The city) gets informed and it becomes a better advocate for its interests."

The task force has members from user groups that have historically butted heads.

Task force member Dwight Kramer, the president of the Kenai Area Fisherman's Coalition, said he is worried about the groups working together.

"What's going to be the telling thing is science. People will realize that there's going to be conflicting political agendas, and that's where we plan to be a valuable player, by bringing in the science," he said.

Moore said he hopes different political views can be overcome.

"They're all working together to make sure the Kenai River is there for their kids, too," he said.

The task force has only been instituted for the short term as of now. Moore envisions the body lasting until March or a little longer if necessary.

Members of the city of Kenai Salmon Task Force

* James Butler III-Set netter/City tideland lease holder;

* Robert Scott --¿¿CEO Salmatof Seafoods Inc./City lease holder;

* Ken Tarbox -- retired Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist;

* Dwight Kramer -- president of Kenai Area Fisherman's Coalition;

* Peter Micciche --¿¿mayor of Soldotna;

* Robert Ruffner --Kenai Watershed Forum;

* John Torgerson --- Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District; and

* Ross Harding -- Riddles Fishing Lodge.

To get involved with the task force contact the city of Kenai Clerk at 283-7535, ext. 231.

Dante Petri can be reached at dante.petri@peninsulaclarion.com.