Climate Change in Port Heiden, AK

Summary

The Alaska Peninsula community of Port Heiden is experiencing a variety of environmental impacts related to a changing climate. Overall, temperatures and precipitation levels are increasing, influencing a change in the length of the growing season, annual snowpack, and wildfire risk. As with many types of change, consequences can have both positive and negative impacts on the community. The reconfiguration of Chistiakof Island in to a barrier spit, broadly influenced by changes in sea ice cover as well as frequency and intensity of Bristol Bay storms, allows waves and storm surges to erode the once sheltered coast between the ocean and Goldfish Lake. The abundance of clam and cockles have fluctuated, as has the abundance, and health of salmon harvested from the Meshik River. The warmer temperatures, however, have benefitted local gardens by increasing the growing season, and creating an environment where a more diverse variety of vegetables can grow. Port Heiden has capitalized on this benefit by building raised garden beds along the side of the community center, and plans to grow fodder crop to feed livestock at the Meshik Farm