Safari Club International Alaska Chapter Names Su-Valley Rep "Legislator of the Year"

(Juneau) – Representative Mark Neuman today thanked the Alaska Chapter of Safari Club International for naming him the 2011 Legislator of the Year. Neuman, R-Su-Valley, was chosen for his “extraordinary support for the Sportsman’s Conservation Tradition and the many Alaskans who spend their time a-field enjoying Alaska’s great outdoors,” according to the group.

“Hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor recreation, and education/awareness of our habitat are all aspects of our Alaskan life. And it’s a pretty sweet one,” Neuman said. “I’d like to thank SCI Alaska for this honor. It’s recognition not just for me personally, but for our entire region in the Susitna Valley and throughout Southcentral Alaska. We live in a truly special place with unparalleled opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. I’ll continue to advocate on sportsman’s issues and try and impress upon future generations of Alaskans the importance of our conservation goals.

The award was announced in late February at SCI Alaska’s Hunting Expo & Sportsman’s Banquet in Anchorage.

Neuman has been involved with the Alaska Legislature’s Outdoor Heritage Caucus, which is a member of the National Sportsman’s Caucus, and has voted in support of legislation on conservation and hunting. SCI Alaska says his advocacy outside of the Capitol also helped him earn the award, as Neuman has supported their events, too – reaching out beyond his legislative work to participate in charity events and shooting contests.

House Rules Committee Chair Craig Johnson won the 2010 award.