Evaluate the Effects of Tourism on Traditional Activities, Alagnak Wild River

Project ID: J8W07080020

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Portland State University

Fiscal Year: 2008

Initial Funding: $55,000

Total Funding: $148,410

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Cultural

National Park: Alagnak Wild River

Principal Investigator: Deur, Doug

Agreement Technical Representative: Schaaf, Jeanne

Abstract: The National Park Service and Portland State University will collaborate in the development of a study of possible visitor impacts on Native traditional activities in the Alagnak Wild River corridor, in south-central Alaska. This study will document historic and contemporary use of the Alagnak River corridor by Native Alaskan communities. It will help to illuminate Alaskan Native communities’ traditional ecological knowledge pertaining to the Alagnak River and riparian corridor. The study will also document any impacts, both direct and indirect, of non-resident visitation of Alagnak River upon Native Alaskan communities, including their uses of lands and resources within the Alagnak River corridor. The research methodology will involve a review of the literature and of archival materials, but will rely primarily on ethnographic interviews. Researchers will work closely with participating communities in developing methodologies and products, to ensure compatibility with communities’ needs and preferences. This project is planned in five phases.