"Island of Controversy" Near Island by kaloz

Near Island Travel Guide: 48 reviews and 71 photos

Development vs Nature

Near Island is a small island off of Kodiak. In 1985 they built a bridge across the channel. Dubbed "the Bridge to Nowhere" it caused great feelings in the community. Soon afterward a gravel pit was started and they started scaring the landscape, but kept the work hidden from the view from the town. A boat harbor made people more receptive, and trails to walk your dogs made it a popular spot. Now they want to develop the land further for business or expensive housing, and there is great debate.

The Bridge to Nowhere

The bridge to nowhere

Here is the start of the controversy. Built in 1985, it has opened this tiny island to recreation, a harbor, an airport, & 2 research centers.
The bridge is a good idea, and near island is pretty, and we do need the space for boats, but will they leave well enough alone?

Touch Tank

Starfish

Since we have access, let's use it. There are 2 scholarly developments; One is the Fish Tech Center run by the university, and the other is the fisheries research center, where you can see and touch some otherwise hard to come by animals.

Pros and Cons

Pros:All roads lead to Rome
Cons:Once you have roads, people want to build.
In a nutshell:Never trust politicians

Last visit to Near Island: Sep 2002
Intro Written Sep 11, 2002
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Reviews (15)

Really cool Sculpture Things to Do (3)

If you take the far trail from northend park, you will end up at the Fish Tech Center, also accessable from the road. I... more travel advice

Touch Tank at the Fisheries Research... Things to Do (3)

Pick up a sea cucumber, or a starfish, or a crab, touch an anemonae, or an urchin. more travel advice

Dog Bay Things to Do (3)

A Parking lot for boats. Boats come in all sizes and colors, and they are great to look at, even better to charter and... more travel advice

North End Park Favorites (2)

There are Hiking trails at Northend and Southend, but the ones at southend are unmarked. This is a popular spot for... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Bring your own food
Hotels (2)
See All Visiting Scientist Dorm
Transportation (3)
See All Sea Hawk Air

Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 21, 2002

8 photos

Wood People -- you are never alone

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (8)

deeper_blue Feb 6, 2004 at 5:50 PM Report Abuse

Useful tips Kaloz, the wood carvings ARE cool.
irisbe Jun 24, 2003 at 10:34 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a nice place to go hiking! Best resto tip should then be "your own picknick basket" `-)
mrclay2000 Jun 8, 2003 at 7:18 PM Report Abuse

Okay, so you've done Near ISLAND. Now can you expand your Kodiak ISLAND? Scott and I are counting on YOU. And still counting. . . .
herzog63 Feb 20, 2003 at 12:46 PM Report Abuse

Near Island is a fun place to spend the afternoon!
sim1 Feb 8, 2003 at 12:11 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful page about Near Island! I love those wood carvings!!!
pepples46 Jan 5, 2003 at 5:34 PM Report Abuse

wow..of course Iwill visit Kodiak, tanx for sharing
o00o Jan 5, 2003 at 1:02 AM Report Abuse

Great tips and stuning pix!
call_me_rhia Nov 21, 2002 at 11:02 PM Report Abuse

this middle of nowhere alaska islands looks quite nice indeed