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The 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 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 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. Medifast Coupons
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