2002-18 Transfer of Chirikof IslandKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -18
Requested by: Mayor LeDoux and
Assemblymember Turner
Drafted by: Manager Carlson
Introduced: 05/16/2002
Adopted: 05/16/2002
A RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
SUPPORTING THE TRANSFER OF CHIRIKOF ISLAND TO THE STATE OF ALASKA IN
TRADE FOR OTHER STATE LANDS
WHEREA Chirikof Island has been an integral part of the history of Russian - America since
its initial discovery in the mid 1700's; and
WHEREAS, since its discovery, it has been populated by cattle that have been maintained
as a special breed found no where else on earth; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government is required to destroy the herd and return the island to
its former state to the extent possible, despite its marginal habitat value; and
WHEREAS, in 1888, cattle were transported to Chirikof Island on a coal- burning steamer
that was owned by the Alaska Commercial Company; and
WHEREAS, in 1929, the first lease was issued for cattle grazing on the 58 square mile
Chirikof Island; and
WHEREAS, the cattle on Chirikof Island are extremely healthy and should be protected on
the island for the future needs of Alaska and the world; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture
agrees that the cattle on Chirikof Island are unique and have genetic strains that are worth
protecting and the State of Alaska selected Chirikof for transfer which was denied because of
Federal grazing lease;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
that the assembly supports the transfer of Chirikof Island to the State of Alaska in trade for
other State lands and hereby requests that the State of Alaska and the Federal Government
seek to accomplish this transfer in a timely manner.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND
BOROUGH that the Municipal Clerk forward copies of this resolution to the Governor, the
State Legislature, our Federal Delegation and the appropriate Federal agencies upon passage
and approval.
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
THIS 16TH DAY OF MAY 2002
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
ATTEST: Gabrielle LeDoux, Mayor
Judith A. Niel s Borougfi Clerk
Resolution No. 2002 -18
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