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Takotna
(tuh-KOTT-nuh)
For Photos of Takotna click here
For a Map of Takotna click here
| Current Population: |
46
(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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Takotna is located in Interior Alaska on the north bank of the Takotna River in a broad scenic river valley, 17 air miles west of McGrath in the Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains. The community
lies at approximately 62.988610° North Latitude
and -156.064170° West Longitude.
(Sec. 35, T034N, R036W, Seward Meridian.)
Takotna is located in the
Mt. McKinley Recording District.
Takotna has a cold, continental climate. Summer temperatures average 42 to 80, winter temperatures range from -42 to 0. The Takotna River is generally ice-free from June through October. |
Topographic
map of
Takotna
area
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| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Takotna has been known as Berry Landing, Portage City, Takotna City, Takotna Station, and Tocotna. In 1908, merchants in Bethel hired Arthur Berry to bring supplies up the Takotna River. The village was founded at the farthest point on the river Berry's small sternwheeler was able to reach. By 1912, the community had several stores which supplied miners. Gold discoveries in the upper Innoko Region enabled the town to prosper. By 1919, there were several commercial companies, roadhouses, a post office, and about 50 houses. In 1921, the Alaska Road Commission improved the Takotna-Ophir road, and an airfield was constructed. In 1923, a radio station began broadcasting in Takotna, and the town had its own newspaper, The Kusko Times. Low waters at times precluded the arrival of steamboats, so the Takotna-Sterling Landing road was constructed to the Kuskokwim River in 1930. During the 30s, however, McGrath became the more dominant supply center, and the ACC store closed. In 1949, construction was begun on nearby Tatalina Air Force Station. It was the site of a White Alice communications system, but operations were phased out during the 1980s.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Takotna Village.
The population of the community consists of 42%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Takotna is a mixed population of non-Natives, Ingalik Athabascans and Eskimos. Subsistence is a prevalent activity. The sale of alcohol is prohibited in the village.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 49, and vacant housing units numbered 30.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 9.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 12 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
0 percent,
although
58.62 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $14,583, per capita income was $13,143, and
16.22 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water from Gold Creek is treated and hauled by residents from the washeteria. Water is also hauled from the Takotna Waterworks. Approximately 20% of homes have storage tanks with running water for the kitchen, but no homes are completely plumbed. Community buildings use individual wells and septic tanks. Honeybuckets and outhouses are used for sewage disposal. The high school has no running water or restrooms.
Electricity is provided by Takotna Community Assoc. Utilities.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 12
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Takotna Clinic (907-298-2214).
Takotna is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have limited highway, river and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Takotna EMS (Clinic 298-2214/2114).
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Takotna has a combined cash and subsistence economy. Employment is through the school district, post office, clinic, local businesses and seasonal construction. Most residents are involved in subsistence activities. Moose and salmon are the primary meat sources. Many residents garden during the summer.
Access to Takotna is by air or water. There is a State-owned 1,717' long by 65' wide gravel airstrip, and a 3,800' gravel runway at Tatalina Air Force Station 10 miles southeast of town. Cargo is offloaded at Sterling Landing, 24 miles southeast of Takotna. The community has 80 miles of local roads that connect with Tatalina AFS, Sterling Landing and existing mines. A winter trail is marked to McGrath (20 mi.) It is a check point for the Iditarod sled dog race. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Community Non-Profit -
Takotna Community Assoc., Inc.
P.O. Box 7509
Takotna, AK 99675
Phone 907-298-2211
Fax 907-298-2325
E-mail tca@starband.net
Village Council -
Takotna Village
P.O. Box 7529
Takotna, AK 99675
Phone 907-298-2212
Fax 907-298-2314
E-mail takotnatc@starband.net
Regional
Organizations
Regional Native Corporation - Doyon, Limited
1 Doyon Place, Suite 300
Fairbanks, AK 99701-2941
Phone 907-459-2000
Fax 907-459-2060
E-mail info@doyon.com
Web http://www.doyon.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Tanana Chiefs Conference
P.O. Box 129
Tok, AK 99780
Phone 907-883-5181
Fax 907-883-1114
E-mail rose.isaac@tananachiefs.org
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