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Mentasta Lake
(men-TASS-tuh); a.k.a. Mentasta
For a Map of Mentasta Lake click here
| Current Population: |
112
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
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| Location
and Climate |
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Mentasta Lake is located 6 miles off the Tok-Slana Cutoff of the Glenn Highway on the west side of Mentasta Pass, 38 miles southwest of Tok Junction. The community
lies at approximately 62.931550° North Latitude
and -143.792730° West Longitude.
(Sec. 07, T013N, R009E, Copper River Meridian.)
Mentasta Lake is located in the
Chitina Recording District.
Mentasta Lake is located in the continental climate zone, with long, cold winters, and relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from -57 to 93. Average snowfall is 69 inches, with a total of 16 inches of precipitation per year. |
Topographic
map of
Mentasta Lake
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The area is reported to have been the best-known route of Native immigration across the Alaska Range. Early village settlements have been located at various sites around the lake. The families that presently reside in Mentasta Lake come from Nabesna, Suslota, Slana and other villages within the area. The U.S. Army Signal Corps established a telegraph station at Mentasta Pass in 1902. A post office was established at the village in 1947, but was discontinued in 1951.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Mentasta Traditional Council.
The population of the community consists of 71.1%
Alaska Native or part Native.
The community is primarily Athabascan, and subsistence activities are important.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 89, and vacant housing units numbered 35.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 5.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 36 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
28 percent,
although
60.44 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $17,344, per capita income was $11,274, and
35.66 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Almost half of homes have individual wells and septic tanks and are fully plumbed. Treated well water is available from the washeteria, and privies are used by most residents.
Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 18
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Mentasta Lake Health Clinic (291-2320).
Mentasta Lake is classified as a highway village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have highway, air and lake access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Mentasta Rescue Squad (291-2312/2320/883-5111).
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering make up much of Mentasta Lake's economy. Cash employment is limited and seasonal.
Mentasta Lake is connected to the Tok Cutoff to the Glenn Highway by a 6-mile spur road. There is a small airstrip at Mentasta Lodge. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Council -
Mentasta Traditional Council
P.O. Box 6019
Mentasta Lake, AK 99780-6019
Phone 907-291-2319
Fax 907-291-2305
E-mail kmartin@tribalnet.com
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Ahtna, Incorporated
P.O. Box 649
Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone 907-822-3476
Fax 907-822-3495
E-mail rtansy@ahtna.net
Web http://www.ahtna-inc.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium
P.O. Box 357
Gakona, AK 99586
Phone 907-822-5399
Fax 907-822-5810
E-mail ebeeter@tribalnet.org
Web http://www.mstc.org/
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