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Klawock

"We, a group of Indians having common bonds of occupation in the fish industry, including the catching, processing and the selling of fish and the building of fishing boats and equipment, in Klawock Territory of Alaska, in order to promote our welfare through the development and operation of economic and social enterprises."

Early inhabitants were from Tuxekan, a Tlingit winter village to the north. Klawock was used as a summer fishing camp and has been known as Klawerak, Tlevak, Clevak, and Klawak. The history of Klawock is closely tied to the fishing industry. A trading post and salmon saltery were established in 1868, and the first cannery in Alaska was built in Klawock by a San Francisco firm in 1878. The subsequent canneries that sprouted in the area were operated under contract with Chinese laborers. A hatchery for red salmon operated at Klawock Lake between 1897 and 1917. In 1929, Klawock incorporated as a city, and a school was constructed. In 1934, Klawock received federal funds under the Wheeler Howard Act to develop a local cannery, on the condition that residents vote to be liquor-free. In 1971, the Alaska Timber Corporation built a sawmill. Soon after, the Klawock-Heenya Village Corporation, the Shaan Seet Corporation of Craig, and Sealaska Timber Corporation expanded area facilities with a log-sort yard outside of Klawock and a deep-water dock on Klawock Island. The state constructed a salmon hatchery on Klawock Lake in 1978, very near the former hatchery site.

Today Klawock is a mixed Tlingit and non-Native city. The Island has been greatly influenced by logging operations. Most residents pursue a subsistence lifestyle to provide food sources. The community takes great pride in its Totem Park, which displays 21 restored totem poles and replicas from the old village. The Totem Park includes a Heritage Center and Long House.

Location & Climate

Klawock is located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, on Klawock Inlet, across from Klawock Island. It is 7 miles road north of Craig, 24 road miles from Hollis, and 56 air miles west of Ketchikan. It lies at approximately 55.552220 North Latitude and -133.095830 West Longitude. (Sec. 09, T073S, R081E, Copper River Meridian.) Klawock is located in the Ketchikan Recording District. The area encompasses 0.6 sq. miles of land and 0.3 sq. miles of water. Prince of Wales Island is dominated by a cool, moist, maritime climate. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 63 °F; winter temperatures range from 32 to 42 °F. Average annual precipitation is 120 inches, with 40 inches of snow. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.

2010 Population

755 (US Census)

Government

1^st Class City originally incorporated in 1929. The City currently employs 5 staff members. Regular elections are held every 1^st Tuesday in October. The City Council meets every 1^st Tuesday of the month. The current city sales tax is 5.5%.

Electric Utility

Alaska Power Company (Private). Power source: hydro with diesel back-up. Kilowatt capacity: 1,375. In November of 2010 the small commercial rate for 1,500kWh/month was $0.1320 with a monthly fee of $12.93. (JEDC Asset Mapping Report)

Water & Sewer Utilities

Water is derived from a dam on Half Mile Creek, then treated, stored in a tank, and piped throughout Klawock. Most homes have piped sewage collection, which receives secondary treatment.Over 90% of homes are fully plumbed.

Solid Waste

The City provides refuse collection which is hauled to the Klawock transshipment facility for shipment to the lower 48. Community also owns a plastics baler that is currently not being used.

Transportation Facilities

A 5,000ft x 100ft paved, lighted, small jet capable runway. Klawock has a small boat harbor and boat launch ramp. A deep draft dock is located at Klawock Island, which is primarily used for loading timber. The community is connected to the State/City Highway on the Island.

Transportation Services

Accessible by wheeled and float/sea plane and small water craft. Access to IFA ferry terminal via Hollis 23 miles away.

Schools: Klawock City School is in the Klawock City Schools District K-12. Enrollment in the 2010-11 school year was 136. Student-teacher ratio: 10.4:1.

Health Care

Alicia Roberts Medical Center. Owner/Operator: SEARHC. Klawock Volunteer Fire/EMS. Community Health Aid Program CHAP site.Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide.