Kodiak Island is a land of contrasts. This place is where the rugged, mountainous terrain meets the lapping waves of the Pacific Ocean. It is also a land of outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, farmers and fishermen, and nature enthusiasts and scientists. From its rugged coastline to its lofty peaks, Kodiak Island offers an incredible array of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a place to explore, camp, fish, hike, kayak, or simply relax by the ocean, Kodiak Island has something for everybody.
Contents
All About Of Kodiak Island
History
Kodiak Island has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of ancient Native American tribes. Today, Kodiak Island is home to some of Alaska’s most iconic attractions – including scenic coastal villages and world-class wilderness areas.
Geography
Kodiak Island covers an area of 786 square miles (2,000 square kilometers). It is located in the Gulf of Alaska in the southwestern corner of Alaska. The island is separated from mainland Alaska by Cook Inlet and stretches approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) east-west at its widest point. The highest point on Kodiak Island is Mts. Yasur and Fitz Hugh, which are 4,576 feet (1,371 meter) above mean sea level.
The island consists primarily of steep valleys with rather low peaks (around a 1500 foot range), but surprisingly there are larger mountains in the area other than Mt’s Masig and Geikie Peak mountain ranges that also hold snowcap year-round between December – February as well as retaining permanent ice caps in several high areas such mainly along Kirby Inlet north up to Icy Strait among others.
Climate
The climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean and has a dry summer. The temperature averages 53 degrees in July and 33 degrees in January.
The winds are mainly from the northeast during winter and from the southwest during summer; both bring fair weather to Kodiak Island year-round with only local thunderstorms possible, most notably in late spring/early summer when warm air drains into colder ground below leading to instability (though these rarely cause any serious damage).
Sea temperatures average 49 degrees in July and 38 degrees in January. The seas are usually calm, but minor oceanic storms do come through the Gulf of Alaska between March – May when winds can carry an airborne swell to Kodiak which generally dissipates within a day or two; there is no danger from the strong waves off these regional violent weather systems even though they often produce waves up to 15 feet high at bay points such as Port Ellice.
Culture
The Kodiak Island culture is a mix of many different cultures. The most dominant culture on the island is Aleut. Other dominant cultures include: Eskimo, Russian, Scandinavian, and Japanese. Many Native Americans also live on the island and have been doing so for hundreds of years. They play an important role in Kodiak’s society and economy by providing services such as hunting and fishing.
Politics
Kodiak Island is a U.S. island territory with limited self-governance under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Interior through the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and U.S. Customs and Border Protection which operates the Port of Kodiak on behalf of DOI, while local law enforcement is provided by both the Alaska State Troopers and City Police departments .
Though rare, there is a town council under ASKT called The Kodiak Island Borough. It includes twelve voting members who are elected every four years for staggered terms of two years each; so that one third of the seats remain open againterm.
Those in charge are called “Board’. Under them and at their direction work municipal employees such as City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager (for Public Works), Police Chief, Fire Chief & Deputy Fire Chiefs, Sewage Plant Operator & Inspectors/Engineers etc.
Government services
There is no State of Alaska or U.S. Postal Service on the island, but there are local television and radio stations (Kodiak Island Broadcasting Company – KIBC), a port authority, as well as various departments within the City of Kodiak operated by municipal employees .
Tourism
Tourism is the main industry on Kodiak Island. The island has a variety of places to stay and eat, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking and skiing.
The target market for tourism on Kodiak Island is primarily Alaskans who want to experience nature up close without having to leave their home state. Visitors come from throughout Alaska and around the world, with spending reaching nearly $50 million in 2016 .
Transport
There is no regularly scheduled passenger or freight transport to or from the island, though there are a number of tour operators that provide transportation to and from Kodiak Island. The most common form of transport used for tourists visiting Kodiak Island is air travel.
Offshore oil and gas exploration and production is currently taking place in federal waters about eight miles north-northeast of the island. In response, various environmental groups have filed lawsuits against the government, arguing that any offshore drilling will cause irreparable harm to both marine life and human health .
Conclusion
Kodiak Island is a remote island located in the Bering Sea, about 200 miles from the Alaskan mainland. The island is part of the Kodiak Archipelago, which is home to Kodiak bears, eagles, and other assorted mammals. The island was first settled by the Aleut people in the early 1800s.
In 1887, Kodiak Island was purchased by mining magnate William A. Brown. The first permanent settlers arrived in 1890. Today, Kodiak Island is a popular tourist destination, with attractions including wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.
FAQs
1.What Are The Climate Conditions On Kodiak Island?
Ans: The average temperature on Kodiak Island is around 56 degrees Fahrenheit. The island experiences a great range of weather variations, from very mild temperatures in the summer to heavy blizzards in the winter.
2.How Long Does It Take To Get To Kodiak Island From The Mainland?
Ans: It takes about eight hours by boat or airplane to reach Kodiak Island.
What are some popular tourist destinations on Kodiak Island?
Some popular tourist destinations include Wildlife Preserve at McCarthy Beach, Eagle Viewing Area at Bird Point, and the Red Onion Marina at Hughes Bay.
3.Do Dogs Live On Kodiak Island? Can I Take My Dog There?
Ans: Yes, a small percentage of the population keeps pets on their property or in feed lots for security purposes. Dogs are allowed everywhere but those areas where wildlife is present, such as McCarthy Beach Wildlife Preserve or Bird Point Eagle Viewing Area—both 2 miles north of Dillingham AFB Airport along James Cuddy Road past Route 1A/Kirkland Jet Center (base). No dogs can be kept inside any building without prior approval from base personnel provided dog stays on the owners property, not kenneled.
4.Do Bears Live There?
Ans: Black Bears are native to Kodiak Island but brown bear and grizzly bear populations were decimated by hunters in the late 1800s as a result of over zealous “predator control” efforts. Today’s Kodiak population is comparable to other similar Alaskan locations: about 2500-3000 animals statewide (in 2017). Over 80% of our North Slope bears are tranquilized annually for fur removal using shot guns or rifles with either box traps or purpose built pens masqueraded as “bear boxes”, and even that practice is in the process of being phased out. Restraint methods are used on bears encountered by firefighters, etc.
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