Alaska’s economy can be explained in three simple ways: oil production, federal spending, and the other category (consisting of mining, timber, fishing, tourism etc). Due to high costs in transportation and infrastructure, diversification of the economy is quite difficult in a state as unique as Alaska. Some hope that the more educated the population, the more ideas will begin to flow on how to reduce the state’s economic dependency.
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| Alaskan Pipeline |
A whopping 80% of Alaska’s general fund revenue comes from oil taxes and PFD investments. As oil production has slowed down, questions arise as to how this will affect the state’s economy. Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge still poses as an option though revenue would not be as plentiful because it is in federal territory.
Tourism has allowed for the creation of many new jobs in the state. On average, Alaska gets over a million tourists per year, mostly in the months from May to September. The most popular tourist attraction continues to be Denali National Park. However, many tourists venture up to the Arctic Ocean, take boat tours in the Kenai Fjords National Park, take the ferry to the coastal communities, and enjoy flight-seeing tours of the vast wilderness.
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| Pollack Fishing Net |
Commercial fishing continues to play a role in the economy. Though competition from other countries has decreased the market, many millions of pounds of fish and crab are caught and sold every year. Most Alaskans sure do love the taste of fresh salmon and crab legs—I know I do!
Other notable contributions to the Alaskan economy include agriculture, mining, and timber & wood products. The military bases are also a large part of the economy in the largest two cities in Alaska, Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Examine Question—What is the current status of farming, herding, logging, and tourism in Alaska?
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| Alaska Grown Logo |
Alaska has a short but intense growing season. There are approximately 500 farms in Alaska mostly in the Matanuska Valley, northeast of Anchorage and the Tanana Valley in the Interior. Leading crops include greenhouse and nursery products, hay, dairy products, potatoes, and cattle and calves. Milk, eggs, and beef cattle are a hot commodity produced in Alaska. However, compared to the rest of the nation, Alaska is ranked at the bottom as far as agricultural production.
More information on Alaskan agriculture here.
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| Reindeer Herder Inspects Snowmachine |
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| Klawok Timber |
More on the Alaskan timber industry here.
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| Orca Breaching |
Tourism in Alaska has produced many new jobs around the state, approximately 25,000. Princess Cruises, Holland-America, Alaska Airlines, and Westours are the main corporations involved in the tourism industry in Alaska. In 2003, about 5% of the state’s gross product was due to tourism—bringing in about $1.5 billion. People from all over the world come to enjoy all Alaska has to offer including majestic views, untouched natural beauty, Native culture, etc. I feel honored to live in a place that so many wish to visit!
Evaluation—
I found this module very interesting. I have lots of friends that are commercial fisherman so reading about the impact it has on the state really hits close to home. I also have a friend that works for the reindeer research project at UAF. This module gave me a little more insight into what he does and the history of reindeer herding. Likewise, I love reading and hearing about tourism in Alaska. I see lots of tourists every year; I have also had lots of friends and family come visit adding to those numbers! Overall, this module has been one of the most interesting for me.
Blogs I've Visited--
Brenda's Alaska Blog -- I enjoyed hearing Brenda reminisce on her past experiences in Kodiak. It sounds like she has had some great firsthand knowledge into the Russian culture. Beautiful picture of the church in Kodiak by the way!
Investigate Alaska -- It's really sad to hear Betty point out how unfair the Natives were treated by the Russians. I'm glad it wasn't all of the Russians, however. She did a great job covering this module--very thorough information!
Crossing Alaska -- I really like Kristi's use of visuals in this blog to demonstrate the Russian Colonization of Alaska. Great use of captions as well!
I like how you've layer out your blog, it flows well and has great visual appeal! It's interesting that you note that people come from all over the world to visit Alaska. If you ever visit Chena Hot Springs just outside Fairbanks you get a sense of this right when you walk in the door, we Americans can feel like a minority even on our own soil at times!
ReplyDeleteI liked your section on reindeer herding and really enjoyed reading the link in that section. I think that it is interesting that reindeer herding was introduced to the Natives by the Europeans, the very people who contributed greatly to the depletion of the sea animals. I also think that it is interesting that even today, only Natives are allowed to own reindeer.
ReplyDeleteWhitney Adams' information in Module V, on current reindeer herding through Kawerak regional corporation, was news to me. I didn't think the industry had been viable since the days of Sinrock Mary. I was unaware that it was still in operation today. While 20 active herders are not many, it is apparently enough to continue the research into the possibility of bringing the herds back. Buffalo is a viable meat source that has transitioned from wild game to raised product. Perhaps there is a similar future for reindeer, but getting the product to market from Western Alaska is sure to be daunting.
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