WELCOME TO OUR HOME
Kodiak is the second-largest island in the U.S. and is the ecological anchor of the Gulf of Alaska. Its rich geologic history produced dramatic white peaks, deep blue fjords and vibrantly green valleys that characterize this stunning archipelago like none other on Earth.
Retreating glacial ice created the 96 square mile Karluk Drainage which is one the most studied and diverse ecosystems in the world. The maritime climate interacts with this incredible landscape to create countless streams that culminate in the 12 mile long Karluk Lake and 22 mile Karluk River.
The Karluk is one of the few river systems that host all five species of Pacific salmon as well as large numbers of steelhead and char. It is known by locals as the lifeblood of commercial salmon fisheries in the Shelikof Strait and holds the highest densities of Kodiak Brown Bears in the world. This area is the cornerstone of Kodiak’s southwest ecosystem and our home. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center is a year-round campus.
The Kodiak Brown Bear Center is owned by Koniag, Inc., one of 13 Alaska Native Regional Corporations established by Congress under the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 to settle the aboriginal land claims of Alaska Native people.
Koniag is the Alaska Native Corporation representing the Alutiiq (a-loo-tik) people from the Kodiak Island region. The corporation manages diverse business operations for the benefit of its Shareholders while preserving our rich Alutiiq culture and history.
Koniag, Inc. owns approximately 112,000 acres along Karluk Lake and River, of which 56,000 are under a conservation agreement within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Alaska.
