3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
another’s ability to harvest for their families. Today these two Tribes are independently
responsible for the wellness, education, and environmental health of their respective
membership.
Braund (KABATA 2004a) indicates that members of the Knik Tribal Council and Native
Village of Eklutna Tribes place great value on maintaining cultural ties to traditional and
historic places and activities in Knik Arm. Grave sites and other traditional sites in the
general Study Area continue to be of cultural significance to the Tribes. In addition, the Knik
Tribal Council and Native Village of Eklutna Tribes still consider the use of wild resources
in the area to be of cultural, economic, and nutritional importance. Hunting, fishing, and
gathering activities continue, as they have for centuries.
The Knik Tribal Council and the Native Village of Eklutna Tribes have a long history of
hunting and gathering in the Upper Cook Inlet area. Throughout their history they have
placed a great deal of value on their family ties and their ties to the land and water where
their traditional resources originate. To this day, fisheries, beluga whales, and the physical
and natural environment remain highly valued.
3.2.1.2.3 Government Hill
Government Hill is a relatively small and isolated neighborhood, with a sizeable portion of
its population consisting of long-time residents with a deep appreciation of the
neighborhood’s historic significance. These and other factors have given rise to a high degree
of community cohesion—that is, many residents have a “sense of belonging” to the
neighborhood and have a high level of commitment to the community and a strong
attachment to neighbors.
A qualitative analysis of existing secondary data from community-level surveys was
conducted in the affected area (Agnew::Beck Consulting 2004; Integra Realty
Resources 2005; MOA 2001a; Smith 2005; University of Washington 2005). Characteristics
valued by Anchorage residents include the natural beauty and setting; trails, parks,
greenbelts, and undeveloped areas; cultural facilities and events; small-town “feel” with bigcity
amenities; friendly, caring people; educational facilities and programs; and economic
development/employment opportunities. Traffic congestion was an expressed concern, along
with the need to become a more pedestrian-friendly city. In addition, many residents
expressed the view that if housing prices increased, they would consider moving.
No specific information was found on the level of community cohesion at Elmendorf.
However, more general studies have remarked on the high priority that the U.S. military
places on fostering community cohesion among military personnel and their families.
Van Laar (1999) noted that a sense of community is perceived as being especially important
in the military because of the extra pressures the military way of life places on military
members and their dependents. On-base housing is one important way to enhance a sense of
community; proximity facilitates social interaction, and the more people interact, the more
likely they are to feel attached to one another (Van Laar 1999). In addition, offering the Base
as a place for social gatherings, community meetings, and support groups helps to bring
family and community members together. Even people who do not live on Base are
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