Facility Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Employer Selling Points:
Employment Status, Perception of Quality, EMR
Community Type:
Rural
Community/Service Population:
2,501 - 5,000 / 2,501 - 5,000
Community Information:
Our Town
Petersburg is located amount the forested islands and mountains of Alaska’s beautiful Inside Passage on the northern tip of Mitkof Island. It’s a small, vibrant town with about 3,100 permanent residents, located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest.
Petersburg’s day-to-day atmosphere is that of a busy fishing village. Fishing and pleasure boats dominate the waters around Petersburg. Our town is off-the-beaten-path of the large cruise ships, which cannot navigate the Wrangell Narrows, a winding scenic waterway between Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands.
Petersburg residents enjoy a variety of outdoor sports activities. Fishing, hunting, berry picking, biking, hiking, birding, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are popular with locals and visitors alike. Canada geese, bald eagles, seals, whales, sea lions, wolves, black bear, moose, deer, goats, and trumpeter swans are among the many animals common to our area. On Mitkof Island there are fishing, hunting and hiking areas that are accessible by automobile and trail. There is an intricate road system (mostly old logging roads that are gravel-surfaced and not maintained in winter) that provides a wide variety of recreation opportunities.
Wildlife abounds in Petersburg. Eagles are regularly seen in the trees and on the beaches around town. Over 240 species of birds have been recorded on the 210 square mile island. Mitkof Island is also home to healthy wolf, black bear, deer and moose populations. Sea lions and seals are often seen in the harbor and the waters surrounding Petersburg. Humpback whales and orcas are sometimes seen swimming off the shores of our island. During the summer, hundreds of humpback whales live and feed about 40 miles north of Petersburg where Frederick Sound joins with Stephens Passage. These can be best viewed with local charters specializing in marine tours.
All species of wild Alaska salmon can be caught in the waters around Petersburg. You can fish from shore, rent a motorized skiff, join one of the many charter operators, or stay at a fishing lodge. Crab, halibut and rockfish are also plentiful just a short boat ride from town.
Petersburg is known for its wide range of public art. You’ll find artistic designs stamped into the concrete of the sidewalks and Rosemaling (Norwegian flower painting) on the fronts of retails stores and residences. The influence of local artists and crafts people is seen in the murals, totems, and sculpture along downtown streets.
Government
Petersburg is a borough. The Borough’s Assembly is made up of six Members and a Mayor, elected at large by the community. They are responsible for modifying the municipal code as needed and establishing an annual borough budget. The day-to-day operation is the responsibility of a Borough Manager and their staff, working under direction of the Assembly.
Petersburg’s 2003 official population was 3,060. There are an additional 200 people on Mitkof Island who live outside the Borough limits. For more detailed populations, social and economic information, visit the State of Alaska’s Community Databases HERE.
Borough Power comes from both Tyee Lake, a hydroelectric plant shared with Wrangell, and Crystal Lake, a small hydroelectric plant on Mitkof Island. Diesel generators are available for back-up power.
Borough water is obtained from Cabin Creek Reservoir, eight miles southeast of Petersburg. The Borough provides water treatment, wastewater treatment, and solid waste collection.
Petersburg Schools
Petersburg Schools has an elementary, middle, and a high school. The Superintendent’s office can be reached at 877-526-7656. 460+ students are currently enrolled in the school system. The Petersburg community is extremely involved with, and supportive of the local schools. The school enjoys a well-deserved high scholastic standing and it has an active sports and extracurricular program. Students travel all around the Inside Passage and the State via ferry and plane to participate in a broad spectrum of school activities.
The University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast, in Juneau and Sitka, offers a variety of university and adult continuing education courses via correspondence and distance delivery (video/audio) to Petersburg residents. Contact Petersburg Community Schools (907.772.3980) for details.
The Petersburg Marine Advisory Program
The Petersburg Marine Advisory Program office serves as an information bridge between maritime industry and information holders worldwide. The Petersburg office is a branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Marine Advisory Program. It is part of a statewide outreach and technical assistance program helping Alaskans wisely use, conserve and enjoy Alaska‚s marine and coastal resources.
Preschools and Early Childhood Learning
Petersburg also has several preschools and early childhood learning centers. They include: Tlingit-Haida Head Start (907.772.4751); the Lutheran Church’s Good Beginnings Preschool (907.772.3044); REACH Infant Learning Program (907.772.3488); and Petersburg Children’s Center Preschool (907.772.3419). There are also several home-based childcare providers in Petersburg.
The Weather
The richness of the surrounding temperate rainforests, the glory of the Stikine Icefield and the abundance of the prolific salmon are all dependent on high annual rainfall and the cool temperatures of a maritime climate. The annual precipitation in Petersburg is approximately 110 inches, similar to that of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Approximately half of the annual precipitation falls in the months of October, November and December.
Fortunately, clear, bright periods of sun do occur and occasionally persist for several weeks in both winter and summer. Summertime highs average about 60° F, winter temperatures range from mild to cold. Snow depths range from little or no snowfall to three feet. The wintertime lows average 20° F, though the temperatures sometimes fall to zero for short periods.
Petersburg gets about 18 hours of daylight on the longest day in the summer and about 6 hours of daylight on the shortest day in the winter.
Community Selling Points:
Recreational Opportunities, Perception of Community, Internet Access, Community Need/Support of Health Professional
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