FY 14-15 Discover Kodiak Eco Tourism Press Kit
Photo by: Adina Preston
KODIAK ISLAND- AN ECONOMICALLY FRIENDLY DESTINATION!
Authentic Kodiak
Kodiak is a clean, green destination unlike any other in the World. Nature is still a huge part of
our environment and is only continuing to grow. Discover Kodiak recognizes the importance of
the environment to help sustain a healthy, active community. By working closely with small
local businesses, Discover Kodiak aims to make the community more sensitive to the impact
they are having on the environment, while helping to generate income, employment, and
Kodiak conservation.
With a population rounding 15,000 and a limited industrial platform, Kodiak’s human impact on
the environment is limited. Visitors to the area are able to experience Kodiak’s wildlife and
scenery away from the crowds. Often times, you will find yourself alone on whispering beaches
or high on the mountain tops.
Conservation of the Natural Environment
Kodiak: the “Island of the Great Bear.” Genetically distinct, Kodiak brown bear inhabit the wild,
rugged Kodiak Archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska, 252 miles southwest of Anchorage. Inspired by
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FY 14-15 Discover Kodiak Eco Tourism Press Kit
concerned sportsmen and conservationists, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created Kodiak
National Wildlife Refuge in 1941 to protect Kodiak bears and their habitat.
Kodiak’s Wildlife Refuge makes up 2/3 of Kodiak Island. Today, the refuge has a global
conservation role - to instill regard for bears, salmon, and other wildlife; to protect
interdependent species of fish, wildlife and plants within the largest intact, pristine island
ecosystem in North America; and to ensure compatible management of wildlife, subsistence,
recreation, and economic uses of refuge resources.
Misty fjords, deep glacial valleys, and lofty mountains distinguish the 1.9 million-acre refuge.
Diverse habitats encompass 117 salmon-bearing streams, 16 lakes, riparian wetlands,
grasslands, shrub lands, spruce forest, tundra, and alpine meadows. Collectively these habitats
sustain 3,000 bears, account for up to 30 million salmon caught by the Kodiak-based fishing
fleet, support more than 400 breeding pairs of bald eagles, and provide essential migration and
breeding habitat for another 250 species of fish, birds and mammals. Such natural abundance
and spectacular scenery attracts thousands of visitors to the refuge annually.
Source: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kodiak/about.html
The Kodiak Island’s community and law enforcement alike have duties to research, regulate,
preserve and protect Kodiak’s wildlife and economy.
Preservation
Kodiak Island now has wind-turbine generated electrical power to help preserve energy.
Developed to operate in conjunction with local hydroelectric generation, the Pillar Mountain
wind energy project is an integral part of Kodiak Electric Associations goal of producing 95% of
its energy with cost-effective renewable power by 2020. Because Kodiak is a sensitive are in
terms of wildlife, the project required significant assessment, planning, mitigation, and
coordination. Since commissioning, the six Pillar Mountain wind turbines have met or exceeded
electrical generation expectations.
See more at: http://www.tetratech.com/projects/kodiak-island-windproject.html#sthash.8rZ9zetv.dpuf
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FY 14-15 Discover Kodiak Eco Tourism Press Kit
Top 7 Eco-Friendly Kodiak Visitor Activities
Hiking: Grab your boots and hit the trails! Kodiak offers
over 80 hiking trails that range from easy, medium, or
hard depending on your level of fitness. Throughout
these trails you can see wildlife in its truest form, birds
and the wind powered energy turbines.
Boat Trip: Many local tour operators provide eco-friendly
boating excursions to different locations on the Island. Stop on the shore for a great hike or
continue cruising for a glimpse of the Kodiak whales. Marine life is abundant on Kodiak Islandyou are sure to see sea lions, otters, and much more.
Explore Town: Kodiak Island has a history like no other. From tsunamis, earthquakes, Russian
takeover and more, there is quite a story to tell. Kodiak features two museums that provide
native artifacts, photo albums and stories. Kodiak also features churches, military museums
from WWII and art from many local artists. You can sure make a day exploring Kodiak’s rich
cultural history.
Wildlife Viewing: While preserving our lands in Kodiak, we have also set up our Island so we are
able to explore the wildlife in their natural habitat. By taking an air charter to a remote location
on the Island you are able to see abundant wildlife without interfering with their well-being.
Dinner Cruise: Take a dinner cruise on Galley Gourmets yacht and explore the marine life.
While whale watching, Marion is sure to cook you up a delicious dinner from her home garden
where she carefully nourishes her veggies and greens.
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FY 14-15 Discover Kodiak Eco Tourism Press Kit
Tide pooling/Beach Combing: Explore Kodiak’s beaches and find
out more about the smaller aquatic animals that are typically
unseen. Many times you can learn about the sea life while
cleaning up the beaches. Not only is beach combing a great way
to promote a cleaner economy, but you never know what kind of
goodies you will take home. Kodiak tends to have colored beach
glass and Japanese glass floats in wealth.
Birding: Kodiak is the prime location for birding. Kodiak’s local
Eagles, Puffins, and Ptarmigans make for great photographs.
Also local to the area are many types of Geese, Ducks, Albatrosses,
Cormorants, Sandpipers, and more!
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