Big Alaska Alaska

Population: 2839

Location and Climate
Big Lake is a community on the shore of Big Lake, 13 miles southwest of Wasilla, in the Chugach Mountains. It lies adjacent to Houston and Knik-Fairview. It lies at approximately 61.525590° North Latitude and -149.9415° West Longitude. (Sec. 28, T017N, R003W, Seward Meridian.) Big Lake is located in the Palmer Recording District. The area encompasses 131.9 sq. miles of land and 12.9 sq. miles of water. January temperatures range from -33 to 33; July can vary from 42 to 83. Precipitatiion includes 14 inches or rain and 48 inches of snow.

History, Culture and Demographics
Early inhabitants were the Athabascan Dena'ina Indians. Around 1899, the Boston and Klondike Company made the first sled trail north into the Talkeetna Mountains from Knik via Big Lake. Homesteaders in 1929 and after World War II settled Big Lake. Materials were transported from Pittman railroad station over eleven miles of rough trail. By 1959, a number of lodges and several children's camps were operating on the lake, and at least 300 cottages and camps were owned by individuals. Lake-front lots became accessible in the 1960s and 1970s, with the expansion of roads and power. In June 1996, the "Miller's Reach" wildfire destroyed more than 37,500 acres in the Big Lake and Houston area, including 433 buildings and homes valued at $8.9 million. Low housing costs, the semi-rural lifestyle, and a 45-minute commute to Anchorage have supported growth in the Mat-Su Valley. 10.6% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Boating and fishing are extremely popular on the lake during the summer months. High school students attend Houston Jr./Sr. High School. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 2,122 total housing units, and 1,151 were vacant. 1,024 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 1,068 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 13.52%, although 47.05% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $43,382, per capita income was $19,285, and 14.57% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
85% of homes have individual water wells and septic systems, with complete plumbing. The schools and Big Lake shopping mall also have individual well systems. The remainder of residents haul water and use outhouses. A Borough refuse transfer station is located at Big Lake. Piped natural gas, provided by Enstar, is used to heat homes. The gas line ends at the High School on Jay Hawk Drive. Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association. There is one school located in the community, attended by 358 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Valley Hospital in Palmer (746-8600) or Anchorage hospitals. Big Lake is classified as a highway town/Sub Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 2C in the Mat-Su Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access, and are within 30 minutes of a higher-level satellite health care facility. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers. Auxiliary health care is provided by Valley Hospital in Palmer or Anchorage hospitals.

Economy and Transportation
Most residents are employed in Anchorage, Palmer/Wasilla, or at businesses serving the community. There are several lodges on the lake to support summer recreational boating and fishing activities. Unemployment is relatively low. Six residents hold commercial fishing permits. Big Lake Road is accessible from mile 52 of the George Parks Highway. A State-owned 2,435' long by 70' wide lighted gravel airstrip and float plane dock are available. Several boat launches and a marina support recreational water craft.

Source: State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development.

Big Lake Alaska Links
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Alaskan Cabin Chalet
Located in Big Lake Alaska. Relax in this modern Alaskan cabin with a bedroom, loft, living room and kitchen nestled in the woods overlooking Jade Lake.
http://www.alaskanchalet.com/

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