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Buckland
(BUCK-lund)
For Photos of Buckland click here
For a Map of Buckland click here
| Current Population: |
458
(2008 DCCED Certified Population)
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| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
| Borough Located In: |
Northwest Arctic Borough |
| Taxes: |
Sales: 6% (City),
Property: None, Special: None
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| National Flood Insurance Program Participant: |
Yes |
| Coastal Management District: |
Northwest Arctic Borough |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Buckland is located on the west bank of the Buckland River, about 75 miles southeast of Kotzebue. The community
lies at approximately 65.979720° North Latitude
and -161.123060° West Longitude.
(Sec. 26, T007N, R012W, Kateel River Meridian.)
Buckland is located in the
Cape Nome Recording District.
The area encompasses 1.2
sq. miles of land and 0.2 sq. miles
of water.
Buckland is located in the transitional climate zone, which is characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. Temperatures range from -60 to the 85 °F. Annual precipitation averages 9 inches, and annual snowfall averages 40 inches. Crosswinds can restrict flying during the winter. |
Topographic
map of
Buckland
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The residents have moved from one site to another along the river at least five times in recent memory, to places known as Elephant Point, Old Buckland, and New Site. The presence of many fossil finds at Elephant Point indicate prehistoric occupation of the area. The Inupiaq Eskimos depend on reindeer, beluga whale, and seal for survival. The city government was incorporated in 1966.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Buckland.
The population of the community consists of 96.8%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Buckland is an Inupiat Eskimo village, and subsistence activities are an important focus of the economy. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 89, and vacant housing units numbered 5.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 94 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
33.8 percent,
although
57.27 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $38,333, per capita income was $9,624, and
11.92 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is pumped from Buckland River, treated in the washeteria building, and stored in a 100,000-gallon tank. Some residents have water delivered to home tanks, but most haul their own water. The city pumps flush/haul waste tanks or hauls honeybuckets to the sewage lagoon. A flush/haul system has been problematic on the south side of town, and it sometimes freezes and fails during the winter. Only 8 homes and the school have functioning plumbing; 74 homes are not served. Individuals dispose of refuse in dumpsters, which are hauled to the landfill. DEC has approved the landfill for use, although it is not permitted.
Electricity is provided by City of Buckland.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 166
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Buckland Clinic (907-494-2122).
Buckland Clinic is a Primary Health Care facility. Buckland is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 4A in the Maniilaq Association Region. Emergency Services have coastal and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Residents depend on a subsistence lifestyle for most food sources. Employment is primarily with the school, city, health clinic, and stores. Some mining also occurs. One resident holds a commercial fishing permit. The community is interested in developing a Native food products and crafts manufacturing facility to produce reindeer sausage, berry products, labrador tea, and ivory and wood carving.
Buckland's major means of transportation are plane, small boat, barge, and snowmachine; there are no roads outside of the village. Buckland has a state-owned 3,200' long by 75' wide gravel airstrip, which serves a number of scheduled and chartered flights. Crowley Marine barges in fuel, and various lighterage companies deliver cargo and supplies each summer. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
City -
City of Buckland
P.O. Box 49
Buckland, AK 99727
Phone 907-494-2121
Fax 907-494-2138
E-mail city_of_buckland@yahoo.com
Village Council -
Native Village of Buckland
P.O. Box 67
Buckland, AK 99727
Phone 907-494-2171
Fax 907-494-2217
E-mail erweber@maniilaq.org
Web http://www.maniilaq.org
Regional
Organizations
Borough - Northwest Arctic Borough
P.O. Box 1110
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone 907-442-2500
Fax 907-442-2930 & 3740
E-mail hhildreth@nwabor.org or mwhiting@nwabor.org
Web http://www.nwabor.org
Regional Native Corporation - NANA Regional Corporation
P.O. Box 49
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone 907-442-3301
Fax 907-442-2866
E-mail info@nana.com
Web http://www.nana.com
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