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Source: Alaska
Department of Community and Economic Development Thorne Bay, AK
| Current Population: |
497 (2004 State Demographer estimate) |
| Incorporation Type: |
2nd Class City |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
Sales: 5%, Property: None, Special: None
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| Location
and Climate |
| Thorne Bay is
47 air miles northwest of Ketchikan on the east coast of Prince of Wales
Island. On the Island road system, it lies 60 miles from Hollis and 36
miles east of the Klawock Junction. The community lies at approximately
55.687780° North Latitude and -132.52222° (West) Longitude. (Sec. 12,
T071S, R084E, Copper River Meridian.) Thorne Bay is located in the
Ketchikan Recording District. The area encompasses 25.5 sq. miles of
land and 4.8 sq. miles of water. Prince of Wales Island is dominated by
a cool, moist, maritime climate. Summer temperatures range from 49 to
63; winter temperatures from 32 to 42. Average annual precipitation is
120 inches, including 40 inches of snow. |
| History, Culture and
Demographics |
| The Bay was named after Frank
Manley Thorn, superintendent of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey from
1885 through 1889. The name was misspelled when published. The first
major settlement was built around the logging operation of Wes Davidson.
Thorne Bay developed as a result of a long-term timber sales contract
between the U.S. Forest Service and the Ketchikan Pulp Company. In 1960,
a floating logging camp was built in Thorne Bay. In 1962, Ketchikan Pulp
moved its main logging camp from Hollis to Thorne Bay. A shop, barge
terminal, log sort yard and camp were built to replace facilities at
Hollis. Roads were then constructed to connect Thorne Bay with Hollis,
Craig and Klawock. During this time, it was considered the largest
logging camp in North America. Thorne Bay evolved from a company-owned
logging camp to an incorporated city by 1982, due in part to the land
selection program provided for in the Alaska Statehood Act.
The population of the community consists of 4.8% Alaska Native or
part Native. Evolving from a work camp,
Thorne Bay has become a year-round home to many logging employees.
During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing
units numbered 327, and vacant housing units numbered 108. Vacant
housing units used only seasonally numbered 43. U.S. Census data for
Year 2000 showed 269 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at
that time was 14.6 percent, although 41.14 percent of all adults were
not in the work force. The median household income was $45,625, per
capita income was $20,836, and 7.81 percent of residents were living
below the poverty level. |
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Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water Lake, north of Thorne Bay,
supplies water, which is treated and stored in a tank before piped
distribution. The gravity sewage system includes secondary treatment
before discharge into the Bay. Approximately 75% of households are
connected to the piped systems and are fully plumbed. Residents on the
south side of the community use rain catchment, streams or springs, and
a central water source is being designed for this area. Funds have not
been secured to construct it. The City provides refuse collection
services, a regional baler, a recycling facility and landfill, and
participates in annual hazardous waste disposal events. Construction is
underway to connect Thorne Bay and Kasaan to the Black Bear Lake
Hydroelectric facility. Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There is one school located in the community, attended by 75 students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Thorne Bay Health Center
(828-8848). Thorne Bay is classified as an isolated town/Sub-Regional
Center, it is found in EMS Region 3A in the Southeast Region. Emergency
Services have limited highway, coastal, floatplane and helicopter
access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers Auxiliary health
care is provided by Thorne Bay Volunteer Rescue Squad/EMS (828-3380);
Prince of Wales Island Area EMS (826-2367/3330). |
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Economy and Transportation |
Employment is primarily in small
sawmills and U.S. Forest Service management of the Tongass, with some
commercial fishing, tourism and government employment. Thorne Bay is one
of the log transfer sites on the Island. To supplement incomes,
residents fish and trap. Deer, salmon, halibut, shrimp and crab are
popular food sources. 22 residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Locals prefer to purchase goods from Craig and Ketchikan.
Thorne Bay is accessed by float plane, the airport at Klawock, and the
State Ferry at Hollis. A breakwater, dock, small boat harbor and grid,
boat launch and State-owned seaplane base are available on the Bay.
Freight arrives by cargo plane, barge, ship and truck. The logging road
provides access to other Prince of Wales Island communities. |
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