Most of Unalaska Island is part of the Alaska Maritime
National Wildlife Refuge, a vast refuge of over 2000 islands, islets and
rocks
stretching along Alaska's coast. The refuge is home to 40 million
nesting seabirds, Steller sea lions, sea otters and rare endemic birds such
as the whiskered auklet.
For more information you can visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Or you can go directly to their Unalaska page.
Ounalashka Corporation Land Use Permits
Much of the land on Unalaska Island is privately owned by the Ounalashka Corporation. OC, as it is commonly referred to, is the Native village corporation formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which returned lands to the Native peoples of Alaska . The Ounalashka Corporation requires individuals to purchase a Land permit before any recreational land use is allowed.
Land Use Permit Fee Schedule:
| Daily Permit:
Individual Family*
|
Seasonal-Six (6) Month Permit: Individual Family* $30.00/person $50.00/family Seasonal-Six (6) Month Permits are valid for six (6) months from date of purchase. |
| Weekly Permit: Individual Family* $15.00/person $20.00/family Weekly Permits are valid for a calendar week from date of purchase. |
Annual Permit: Individual Family* $60.00/person $80.00/family Annual Permits are valid for twelve (12) months from date of purchase. |
*Family*
Includes Applicant, spouse, and children under the age of eighteen (18)
–does not include extended family.
To contact the Ounalashka Corporation call, (907) 581-1276.
www.ounalashka.com
The permit covers all land uses such as bonfires, backpacking, hiking, camping, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, etc. Please note that the use of 4-wheelers and ATV’s for “off-roading” purposes is prohibited as it permanently damages the tundra and surrounding environments.
The
Aleutian Islands boast a plethora of sea mammals. Sea lions, whales, sea
otters, porpoise, and harbor seals frequent our waters. A number of
terrestrial mammals are also found around Unalaska. Most are non-native, and
the list includes: fox, ground squirrels, meadow vole, lemming, hares on Hog
Island, escaped pet rabbits downtown, a small herd of horses near town, wild
cows in the northeast end of the island, and on the far western end, sheep,
cows and horses from the active ranch at Chernofski. However, part of our
community identity, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is based on our LACK
of terrestrial animals: hiking in the Aleutians is a bear-free experience.
Plants & Wildflowers in the Aleutians
Following the rains and warming at the end of winter, the tundra of Unalaska
quickly turns a deep emerald green. By mid-summer, a hiker off-trail may end
up deep in a glorious profusion of wildflowers, or resting happily on a
springy "bed" more than a foot deep.
While Unalaska does not fit the classification of true tundra in that it
lacks a layer of permafrost beneath the soil, the landscape is treeless,
with dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs. The
dominant plants of Unalaska's ground cover are Aleutian heather,
kinnikinnick, crowberry, blackberry, grasses, mosses, and lichens, but a
variety of plant habitats can be found from beach to bog to the unique plant
communities found at the higher elevations. Flowering species that stand out
in the tundra are the putschki, with large white umbels on tall stalks, wild
lupine, Mayflowers, wild geranium, purple iris, and fireweed.
Other distinctive species include cotton grass, dwarf and shrub willow, and
monkshood. Around the island, areas thick with blueberry and salmonberry
bushes can be found, and berry picking is a favorite pastime of residents.
Species that rewa
rd
the careful eye include several species of bog orchids, the chocolate lily,
and a small delicate ladyslipper. Two carnivorous species can also be
found--look for sundew and butterwort lying in wait in boggy areas.
No tree species are native to Unalaska and the only tree species found in
any number on the island is the Sitka spruce. Young Sitka spruce trees were
first transplanted to Unalaska from other parts of Alaska by the Russians in
1805. In Sitka Spruce Park, three live trees from these original transplants
can be viewed. These trees are the only trees in the United States to be
designated as National Historic Landmarks.
During the Russian period, other Sitka spruce were transplanted around the
port and many were also planted by the military during WWII.
Many of the plants found on Unalaska have a wide range of medicinal and food uses.
The Aleutians - Endless Outdoor Possibilities
Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and wilderness of Unalaska Island is to set off on your own adventure. The Island has many backpacking and hiking opportunities from a short day hike to the Pacific Ocean, or a week long camping trip in a remote and secluded bay. Other outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, snowboarding and skiing offer the visitor endless ways to discover Unalaska. Trail maps, driving directions and rental information is available on request. Please contact the Unalaska Convention and Visitor’s Bureau office for more information.
