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.