Big Lake

Community Overview
Current Population:	3,191  (2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
Incorporation Type:	Unincorporated
Borough Located In:	Matanuska-Susitna Borough
School District:	Matanuska-Susitna Schools
Regional Native Corporation:	Not Applicable
Location: Big Lake is a community on the shore of Big Lake, 13 miles southwest of Wasilla, in the Chugach Mountains. It lies adjacent to Houston and Knik-Fairview. It lies at approximately 61.525590 North Latitude and -149.941500 West Longitude.  (Sec. 28, T017N, R003W, Seward Meridian.)   Big Lake is located in the Palmer Recording District. January temperatures range from -33 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. July temperatures can vary from 42 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation includes 14 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow. History: Early inhabitants were the Athabascan Dena'ina Indians. Around 1899, the Boston and Klondike Company made the first sled trail north into the Talkeetna Mountains from Knik via Big Lake. Homesteaders in 1929 and after World War II settled Big Lake. Materials were transported from Pittman railroad station over eleven miles of rough trail. By 1959, a number of lodges and several children's camps were operating on the lake, and at least 300 cottages and camps were owned by individuals. Lake-front lots became accessible in the 1960s and 1970s, with the expansion of roads and power. In June 1996, the "Miller's Reach" wildfire destroyed more than 37,500 acres in the Big Lake and Houston area, including 433 buildings and homes valued at $8.9 million. Low housing costs, the semi-rural lifestyle, and a 45-minute commute to Anchorage have supported growth in the Mat-Su Valley. Culture: Boating and fishing are extremely popular on the lake during the summer months. High school students attend Houston Jr./Sr. High School. Economy: Most residents are employed in Anchorage, Palmer/Wasilla, or at businesses serving the community. There are several lodges on the lake to support summer recreational boating and fishing activities. Unemployment is relatively low. Six residents hold commercial fishing permits. Facilities: 85% of homes have individual water wells and septic systems, with complete plumbing. The schools and Big Lake shopping mall also have individual well systems. The remainder of residents haul water and use outhouses. A Borough refuse transfer station is located at Big Lake. Piped natural gas, provided by Enstar, is used to heat homes. The gas line ends at the High School on Jay Hawk Drive. Transportation: Big Lake Road is accessible from mile 52 of the George Parks Highway. A State-owned 2,435' long by 70' wide lighted gravel airstrip and float plane dock are available. Several boat launches and a marina support recreational water craft. Climate: January temperatures range from -33 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. July temperatures can vary from 42 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation includes 14 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow.