How is the Alaska economy a reflection of diverse, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives of the natural landscape?
In the 1898 the first oil well was drilled in Alaska. Serious drilling didn’t occur until years later. In 1957 the population of Kenai, the largest village near the drilling development, had a population of 500 people. In the late 1970s shopping malls were brought to the area. Many people in the area continue to work for oil companies. Now the population of all the Kenai is about 7,000. The Kenai Peninsula Borough, which includes Seward, Homer, and Tyonek is nearly 50,000. Today in the opposite direction, the North Slope also has some of the largest deposits of natural gas in North America. Oil has brought the state of Alaska a strong income and continues to strengthen the economy.
www.alaskahistorycourse.org
Drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been an ongoing political controversy in the United States since 1977. It is the largest protected wilderness area in the US and was created by Congress under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. In module 3 we learned about the Porcupine Caribou Herd. An agreement was made on July 17, 1987 between the United States and the Canadian government to protect the species from damage to its habitat and to their migration route.
As Alaska began to grow different styles and types of fishing came and went. By the late 1800s commercial whaling died out as a result of over hunting, whalers were now in search of walrus. Commercial fishing also had begun to sprout. Commercial fisherman emerged in search of salmon, cod, crab, herring, halibut, and shrimp. Much of the changes that occurred in the late 1800's-1930's developed Alaska's natural landscape today. To better manage the use of these resources the game and fish manages four user groups which include commercial, sport, guided, and subsistence fishing and hunting.
walkingcatfish.blogspot.com
What is the current status of farming, herding, logging, and tourism in Alaska?
Most farming is done in the Matanuska Valley or on the Kenai Peninsula. There is only a 100 day growing season. The long summer days with lots of sunshine help make the growing season more productive though. The primary crops are potatoes, carrots, lettuce, and cabbage. The area around Delta Junction produces barley and hay. The Alaska State Fair is a great place to view the produce grown in the area. "Alaska Grown" is the famous slogan you will see.
Herding is seen mostly on the Seward Peninsula. Wild caribou are herded to prevent them from mingling and migrating with domesticated reindeer. From June through September when there is no snow reindeer are allowed to roam freely on allotted ranges. The herder knows the general area the reindeer are in from pilot reports or other travels. They may travel by boat, plane or ATV to check the herd. Reindeer are brought into corrals two times a year during June-July. During this time calves are marked, they are given vaccinations and velvet antler is harvested. In mid-winter they are checked by a vet agin. Most slaughtering is done during the snow season or when there is an economic need.
www.gi.alaska.edu
According to the Alaska Forrest Association the future of timber industry is uncertain. Most of the industry comes out of Southeast Alaska. For years Congress has been passing different laws and putting stricter stipulations on timber harvesting. Due to these changes in management of the national forest the federal timber sale program has shrunk by 90%. Efforts are underway to establish local sawmill operations in SE AK. Hopefully through collaborative projects between the U.S. Forest Service, conservation organizations, local city and tribal governments, and business owners this will happen.
www.akforest.org
During the 1880s many people started writing books and conducting lectures about their travels to Alaska as a result more travelers started venturing north. In 1884 cruise ships were seen off of the coasts of Alaska. Hunting, fishing and mountain climbing began to attract more people to The Great State. Today many people pay thousands of dollars to come and hunt. Guides will lead many Dall Sheep, moose, Musk Ox, and bear hunts throughout the seasons. Halibut charters out of Homer bring many visitors as well. Another attraction that I have yet to experience but can’t wait is Mount McKinley National Park!! Tourism is a large staple to AK economy.
http://www.alaskahistorycourse.org/
Extend-Describe the economic base for your area of Alaska and share any current issues confronting the local residents.
I live in the Wasilla/Palmer area which is also known as the Matanuska Valley. The area has rich soil and long daylight hours in the summer. As a result agriculture has become an important part of the economy in the area. In the summer months throughout the fall months you can find stands set up in numerous places throughout the area selling fresh vegetables. Farming dates back to the Colony Days of Alaska history. Dairy farms were in abundance as well as farm fields. Now these fields/farms are diminishing as subdivisions are developing. The suburban life is spreading out. Farmers are reluctant to sell the precious land that they have owned for years but with a struggling economy they have no choice.
www.Ktuu.com
Evaluation:
Alaska is such a vast region it was interesting to find out all the different components that make it “tick”. One thing that I continue to enjoy learning about is all the ways that Alaskans have used the land and animals around them to survive. It didn’t realize that caribou were herded. Back home I have been a part of cattle drives!! Interesting information was given throughout this module.
Three Blog Reviews
Gary’s diagrams were very helpful throughout his blog. His explanation of the 3 components Alaska’s economy was very clear and easy to follow.
I found it interesting while looking at module 5 the amount of farming that Alaska does produce because the long daylight hours in the summer. Next year at the state fair I will have to keep my eyes open for the enormous carrots and cabbage!!
I really liked how Lane described the economy with “boom and bust”. He explained this well with examples of whaling, the gold rush, and oil spills.
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