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Copper River Migratory Birds Co-Management Council
The Copper River Migratory Bird Co-Management Council (CRMBCC) represents the eight federally recognized Tribes within the Ahtna Territory in matters related to migratory bird subsistence harvest and co-management. Through collaboration with Tribal leadership, hunters, Elders, youth, and agency partners, the Council works to ensure migratory bird regulations reflect regional knowledge, cultural practices, and conservation priorities.
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AITRC supports the CRMBCC by coordinating logistics, preparing outreach materials, assisting with regulatory submissions, and ensuring the region’s voice is represented in statewide co-management efforts. The Council meets twice annually and participates in the statewide spring and fall meetings of the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council (AMBCC).
Next Meeting!
Open to the Public
Topic: CRMBCC Special Meeting- Review By-laws
Time: Feb 2, 2026 10:00 AM Alaska
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88233106361
Meeting ID: 882 3310 6361
Background.
The Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council (AMBCC) was formed in 2000. It consists of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, and representatives from the Alaska Native population. The Alaska Migratory Bird Regional Council's primary purpose is to conserve migratory birds through development of recommendations for the subsistence spring/summer harvest in Alaska.
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The AMBCC is split up by region, with AITRC overseeing the AMBCC's Copper River Migratory Birds Co-Management Council (CRMBCC). CRMBCC activities include setting and adjusting, as necessary, annual spring and summer subsistence bird hunting regulations in the Ahtna Territory (GMU 11, 12, 13). In addition, AITRC now hosts the AMBCC Executive Director, further strengthening our role in the co-management of migratory bird resources in Alaska.
Regulatory Engagement.
CRMBCC participates in the regulatory process when necessary to ensure regional inclusion and stewardship priorities are reflected.
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Last fall, two regulatory proposals were submitted on behalf of the region:
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The first proposal requested a name change in the Migratory Birds Regulatory booklet. The region, previously listed as the Upper Copper River Region, now reflects the Ahtna Territory. This change ensures that all eight federally recognized Tribes under Ahtna, Inc. and Chitina Native Corporation are inclusively represented. The proposal does not change geographic boundaries or negatively impact bird populations; it strengthens accurate representation.
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The second proposal requested a shift in spring harvest dates. This adjustment aligns harvest timing with Interior region dates and considers nesting closure periods, supporting conservation while maintaining culturally important subsistence opportunities.
CRMBCC Committee!
The CRMBCC is composed of representatives from the eight federally recognized Tribes of the Ahtna Territory. Each Tribe appoints delegates to ensure regional voices, harvest experiences, and community priorities are reflected in regulatory discussions.
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The Committee serves as the regional advisory body to the statewide AMBCC and participates in collaborative decision-making with federal and state partners.
Shirley 'Tursy' Smelcer
Chair
Native Village of Kluti Kaah
Katie Finnesand
Committee Member
Michael Jordan
Committee Member
Native Village of Chitina
Mentasta Traditional Council
Robert Sequak
Committee Member
Evelyn Beeter
Vice Chair
Cheesh'na Tribe
Native Village of Gakona
Donna Renard
Committee Member
Native Village of Tazlina
Nicholas Jackson
Committee Member
David Nicklie
Committee Member
Native Village of Cantwell
Gulkana Village