Tanana Report

A colleague, who is a social scientist with a background in genetics and ecology, and I went to Tanana last week. The last time I went, it was to gather data on biomass performance. This time, it was to meet with community members to discuss interactions at the nexus of food, water, and energy.

The Wood Chomper is still in service, although snowed in for winter:


They have a greenhouse now! It's only partially finished, but they managed to grow a few small quantities this past summer:


The money saved from using biomass instead of oil to heat the school was enough to build this nice playground, as well as insulate and modernize the teacher housing:


The washeteria is nicer than our laundromats in Fairbanks! The washeteria is where folks in villages do laundry and shower. Only about half the residents of Tanana have running water, and for those that do, the water is not high-pressure, nor great quality. Many go to springs and snowmelt-sourced creeks for drinking water.


Conservation message, among others:


Athabascan values:


They are using fuel delivery frames for wood storage:


The Yukon:


1st Avenue, along the Yukon:


City office:


Fuel:


Store:


The sad, wilty produce. Since the road connection was built to Manley, the store is used pretty much for "treats" only (soda, junk food, tobacco). Most folks do a regular run to Fairbanks (a day's drive) to stock up on groceries. We also talked with folks who said they bought 90% of their stuff from amazon, including shelf-stable milk. There is no bridge over the Yukon, though, so road access is by ice bridge in winter, and barge in summer.


The Yukon again:


OK I'm tired! I'll sort through the rest of my photos and post 'em another day! Edit: Okay here they are!