AK HB17

Establishes a fish and wildlife conservation program in the Department of Fish and Game to provide an alternative contribution method for persons who do not support intensive big game management programs.

Creates a separate fish and wildlife conservation program account within the fish and game fund to deposit and track contributions and grants made to the conservation program.

Authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to accept contributions and grants of $20 or more and provide contributors with recognition items such as decals, certificates, or artwork bearing annual conservation emblems.

Specifies that funds from the conservation program must be used for activities that directly benefit fish and wildlife conservation, explicitly excluding intensive management programs for big game prey populations under AS 16.05.255(e).

Modifies AS 16.05.110(a) to reference the new fish and wildlife conservation program and clarifies that interest earned on fund money is "earned on" rather than "earned upon" the fund.