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PAKJP is a community of Shishmaref has determined that the threat to life and property from reoccurring beachfront erosion requires immediate action. The community has taken the first step by establishing an erosion and relocation coalition made up of the governing members of the City, Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) Council and Shishmaref Native Corporation Board of Directors. Faced with the decision of whether to remain at its present location or to move, the majority of the community is in favor of moving.
The community of Shishmaref and PAKJP is situated on a barrier island no wider than 1/4 mile, and 3 miles in length. The island is comprised of fine sand deposits and permafrost that is vulnerable to erosion. The community has experienced erosion of its north shoreline an average of 3-5 feet per year, except for the storms of: November 9&10, 1973, October 4, 1997, and October 7, 2001 where extensive erosion in highly vulnerable areas was as much as 125’ horizontal distance. We also are experiencing erosion of the southern side of the island, which is noticeably reducing the size of the island. The community is most vulnerable when tidal high water is combined with intense wave action of the Chukchi Sea during storms. Erosion has been heightened by continual degradation of permafrost. An average high tide is 3 feet above the normal tide, during storms; the wave action can increase the high tide by 3 feet, which causes the waves to crest over the bluff.
The loss of land through erosive action and increasing risk to property and lives has caused a dangerous situation for the community of Shishmaref. The community has determined that staying on the island to face the ever-present threat from ocean-based storms is unacceptable. The only viable solution is to relocate the community off the island to a nearby mainland location that is accessible to the sea, suitable for the subsistence lifestyle of the community, and preserves the culture and integrity of the community.
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