| |
Our Communities
|
 |
| |
Levelock |
|
| Current Population: |
84 (2002 est. by State Demographer, DOL/WD)
|
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
|
| Borough Located In: |
Lake & Peninsula Borough |
|
| School District: |
Lake & Peninsula Schools |
|
| Regional Native Corporation: |
Bristol Bay Native Corporation |
|
|
BBEDC Board Representitive: |
Name: Howard Nelson |
|
|
City Contact: |
Phone: (907) 287-3030 |
|
|
Tribal Council Contact: |
Phone: (907) 287-3030 |
|
Location:
Levelock is located on the west bank of the Kvichak River, 10 miles inland from Kvichak Bay. It lies 40 miles north of Naknek and 278 air miles southwest of Anchorage. It is located near the Alagnak Wild and Scenic River Corridor. It lies at approximately 59.115° North Latitude and -156.85667° West Longitude.
(Sec. 28, T012S, R045W, Seward Meridian.)
Levelock is located in the Kvichak Recording District.
The area encompasses 14.5 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water.
Levelock is in a climatic transition zone; it is primarily maritime, although the continental climate also affects the weather. Average summer temperatures range from 30 to 66; winter temperatures average from 4 to 30. Annual rainfall is 26 inches, with 70 inches of snow. Fog and low clouds are common during the summer. The River is ice-free from June through mid-November.
History:
Early Russian explorers reported the presence of Levelock, which they called "Kvichak." The smallpox epidemic of 1837 killed more than half of the residents of the Bristol Bay region, and left entire villages abandoned. Kvichak was mentioned during the 1890 census, although the population was not measured. A measles epidemic hit the region in 1900. A 1908 survey of Russian missions identified "Lovelock's Mission" at this site. The worldwide influenza epidemic in 1918-19 again devastated area villages. Koggiung Packers operated a cannery at Levelock in 1925-26. A large fire, attributed to a cannery worker's careless cigarette, threatened the entire village in 1926, but residents dug fire lines which saved their homes. The fire depleted the scarce wood resources used to heat homes. A second cannery operated from 1928-29. In 1930 the first school was built, and a post office was established in 1939. By this time, families had converted their homes to oil heat. Moose first appeared in the area in the 1930s. During the early 1950s, another cannery was in operation.
Culture:
Levelock is a mixed Alutiiq and Yup'ik village. Commercial fishing and subsistence activities are the focus of the community. Sharing is a way of life in this village; no one goes hungry for lack of ability to hunt or fish.
Economy:
Fifteen residents hold commercial fishing permits. Most travel to Naknek to fish or work in the canneries during the summer season. Several seasonal lodges operate in the area. The community relies upon subsistence activities for a large portion of its diet. Salmon, trout, moose, caribou and berries are harvested.
Facilities:
Levelock homes and facilities use individual water wells and septic systems, installed in 1981. 35 homes have complete plumbing. The school operates its own well and water treatment facility. A washeteria is available, operated by the Village Council. The Village Council also provides refuse collection services between May and September, and septic pumping.
Transportation:
Levelock is accessible by air and water. In the winter, trails to surrounding villages are used. The State owns a 1,900' lighted gravel runway and 1,800' crosswind runway in Levelock. Scheduled and charter flights are available. Bulk goods are delivered by barge. A 110' dock and beach unloading area are available. The dock needs improvements to enable barge landings.
Climate:
Levelock is in a climatic transition zone; it is primarily maritime, although the continental climate also affects the weather. Average summer temperatures range from 30 to 66; winter temperatures average from 4 to 30. Annual rainfall is 26 inches, with 70 inches of snow. Fog and low clouds are common during the summer. The River is ice-free from June through mid-November.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
