There are no dock or harbor facilities in Karluk. Barge service is available twice a month from Kodiak, and goods are lightered to shore by skiff. |
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Karluk is an unincorporated community 88 air miles southwest of the City of Kodiak. Karluk has a maritime climate, with little freezing weather, moderate precipitation, and frequent cloud cover and fog. Severe storms and wind are common from December through February. Annual precipitation is 23 inches, and temperatures generally remain within a narrow range from 30 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are no stores, restaurants, or lodging facilities in Karluk. Emergency and medical services are limited; there is a clinic with EMT and ETT trained personnel. The community does not have an ambulance. Please visit the Kodiak Urban Area of the GRIN to find the nearest resources and facilities.
People
Population: 27
The mouth of the Karluk River is believed to have been inhabited for more than 7,000 years. Thirty-six archaeological sites exist in the area. In 1786, Russian hunters established a trading post in Karluk, constructing a village on both sides of the Karluk River in the area of the Karluk Lagoon. Many tanneries, salteries, and canneries were subsequently established in the area, and by 1800, Karluk was reputed to have one of the world's greatest salmon streams and largest cannery. In the early 1900s, additional canneries were constructed by the Alaska Packers Association, but these were closed in the late 1930s due to over-harvesting of the local fishery.
 Aerial Photo of Karluk |
After a severe storm in 1978, the village council relocated Karluk to its present site, upstream on the south side of the lagoon. Twenty-three houses were constructed at the new site by HUD. 91.5% of Karluk's population are Alaska Natives, and Karluk still exists as an Alutiiq (Russian-Aleut) village with a fishing and subsistence lifestyle.
Economy
In the past, the economy of Karluk relied mainly on fishing and fish processing. But since cannery operations have remained idle in recent years, the majority of the population depends on subsistence hunting and fishing activities.
According to a 2000 U.S. Census, there were approximately 24 total housing units in the community, 15 of which were vacant. Karluk was estimated to support 11 local jobs. The official unemployment rate for Karluk at census time was estimated at 47.6%. The median household income was $19,167.
Transportation
Karluk is accessible by air and water. Regular and charter flights depart from Kodiak. There is both a State-owned 2,000' long by 50' wide gravel airstrip and a seaplane base at Karluk Lake. Barge service is available twice a month from Kodiak, and goods are lightered to shore by skiff. Funds have been requested to construct a dock.
Government
Karluk is an unincorporated community. There is no local government intact.
| Native and Tribal Contact Information | ||||
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Organization |
Phone |
Address |
Fax |
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Native Village of Karluk (IRA) |
241-2218 |
PO Box 22 Karluk, AK 99608 |
241-2208 |
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The Kodiak Area Native Association is currently developing an Emergency Operations Plan for the villages on Kodiak Island. Please call the KANA EMS Coordinator at (907)486-9402 for information on Emergency Resources and Capabilities in Karluk.
