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Elfin Cove
For Photos of Elfin Cove click here
| Current Population: |
30
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
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| Coastal Management District: |
Northern Southeast |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Elfin Cove lies on the northern shore of Chichagof Island, approximately 70 miles by air and 85 miles by boat west of Juneau; and 33 miles west of Hoonah. The community is only accessible by small seaplane or boat. The community
lies at approximately 58.194440° North Latitude
and -136.343330° West Longitude.
(Sec. 25, T042S, R055E, Copper River Meridian.)
Elfin Cove is located in the
Sitka Recording District.
The area's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 52 to 63; winter temperatures range from 26 to 39. |
Topographic
map of
Elfin Cove
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| This protected, flask-shaped harbor was originally called "Gunkhole" by fishermen anchoring here. Its safe anchorage and proximity to the Fairweather fishing grounds made this a natural spot for fish buyers and supplies. Ernie Swanson built a store, restaurant and dock here in the 1920s. His wife, Ruth, applied for a post office in 1935, and gave it the new name of Elfin Cove. John Lowell, another fish buyer, arrived in the 1940s and built a second dock, a warehouse, store and restaurant. According to locals, the Tlingits who visited the harbor would not overwinter because of the "evil spirits" there.
The population of the community consists of 0%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Elfin Cove is a fishing community. Due to declining enrollment, the school was closed for the 1998/99 school year, and students must be home-schooled.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 35, and vacant housing units numbered 20.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 10.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 10 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
23.08 percent,
although
62.96 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $33,750, per capita income was $15,089, and
5.56 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Most of the homes are fully plumbed using individual surface water collection systems, and septic tanks with leachfields or beach outfall. A tank holds captured spring water. Due to the geography of the area, a landfill does not exist and is not feasible. Residents currently use an unregulated refuse burn area on tidelands.
Electricity is provided by Elfin Cove Utility Commission.
There are no state operated schools located in the community.
Auxiliary health care is provided by Elfin Cove EMS (907-239-2205).
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Elfin Cove is a fish-buying and supply center for fishermen. Most residents participate in commercial fishing, sport fishing and charter services, so the economy is highly seasonal. In 2006, 30 individuals listing Elfin Cove addresses held commercial fishing permits. Summer lodges and local retail businesses also provide seasonal employment.
A State-owned seaplane base is available. Moorage for 25 marine vessels is available. Skiffs are the primary means of local transportation. The State Ferry lands at nearby Pelican. Freight arrives by plane or boat. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Community Non-Profit -
Elfin Cove Community Council
P.O. Box 1
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Phone 907-239-2226
Fax 907-239-2224
Electric Utility -
Elfin Cove Electric Utility
P.O. Box 2
Elfin Cove, AK 99825-0002
Phone 907-239-2218
Fax 907-239-2218
Regional
Organizations
Regional Development - Southeast Conference
P.O. Box 21989
Juneau, 99802
Phone 907-523-2327
Fax 907-463-5670
E-mail shellyw@seconference.org
Web http://www.seconference.org
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