|
|
|
|
| |
Our Communities
|
 |
| |
Pilot Point |
|
| Current Population: |
76 (2002 est. by State Demographer, DOL/WD)
|
|
| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
|
| Borough Located In: |
Lake & Peninsula Borough |
|
| School District: |
Lake & Peninsula Schools |
|
| Regional Native Corporation: |
Bristol Bay Native Corporation |
|
|
BBEDC Board Representitive: |
Name: Dan Kingsley |
|
|
City Contact: |
Phone: (907) 797-2200 |
|
|
Tribal Council Contact: |
Phone: (907) 797-2208 |
|
Location:
Pilot Point is located on the northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula, on the east shore of Ugashik Bay. The community lies 84 air miles south of King Salmon and 368 air miles southwest of Anchorage. It lies at approximately 57.56417° North Latitude and -157.57917° West Longitude.
(Sec. 29, T030S, R051W, Seward Meridian.)
Pilot Point is located in the Kvichak Recording District.
The area encompasses 25.4 sq. miles of land and 115.1 sq. miles of water.
Pilot Point's maritime climate is characterized by cool, humid and windy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 41 to 60; average winter temperatures range from 20 to 37. Low cloud cover and fog frequently limit travel. Precipitation averages 19 inches per year, with 38 inches of snowfall.
History:
This mixed Aleut and Eskimo community developed around a fish salting plant established by C.A. Johnson in 1889. At that time, it was called "Pilot Station," after the river pilots stationed here to guide boats upriver to a large cannery at Ugashik. In 1892, Charles Nelson opened a saltery which was sold the Alaska Packer's Association in 1895. The saltery continued to expand, and by 1918, developed into a three-line cannery. Many nationalities came to work in the canneries - Italians, Chinese and northern Europeans. Reindeer herding experiments at Ugashik helped to repopulate the area after the devastating 1918 flu epidemic, although the herding eventually failed. A Russian Orthodox Church and a Seventh Day Adventist Church were built in the village. A post office was established in 1933, and the name was changed to Pilot Point at that time. The deterioration of the harbor forced the cannery to close in 1958. Pilot Point incorporated as a city in 1992.
Culture:
There is a history of ethnic diversity in Pilot Point. The community is primarily of Alutiiq ancestry, with Yup'ik Eskimos, and practices a fishing and subsistence lifestyle.
Economy:
The residents of Pilot Point depend upon commercial fishing for the majority of their cash income. 21 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Up to 700 commercial boats fish in the district. Subsistence is an important part of the community lifestyle, and trapping is a source of income during the off-season. Salmon, caribou, moose, geese and porcupine are harvested.
Facilities:
Individual wells, cisterns, septic tanks and outhouses are used in Pilot Point. There is no central water or sewer system, but all occupied homes have complete plumbing. The City provides septic pumping services and maintains a sewage lagoon. Over half of homes are used only seasonally. Major improvements were recently funded. Wind strength is being monitored by three towers; plans are underway to install a wind turbine during the summer of 2002 to supplement electricity. A new landfill is nearing completion.
Transportation:
Pilot Point is accessible by air and water. A State-owned 3,100' gravel airstrip is available, and plans are underway to relocate it. Two air taxis provide regular flights six days a week out of King Salmon as a part of the mail service. There is a second 5,280' gravel airstrip located 10 miles southeast at Ugashik, owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Barge service is provided from Seattle in the spring and fall, and are chartered from Naknek. Dago Creek serves as a natural harbor; a dock is available. Modes of local transport include ATVs, snow machines, skiffs and trucks.
Climate:
Pilot Point's maritime climate is characterized by cool, humid and windy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 41 to 60; average winter temperatures range from 20 to 37. Low cloud cover and fog frequently limit travel. Precipitation averages 19 inches per year, with 38 inches of snowfall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
