Current Population: 704 (2003 State Demographer est.) Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City Borough Located In: Unorganized School District: Bering Straits Schools Regional Native Corporation: Not Applicable Location: Savoonga is located on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, 164 miles west of Nome and lies 39 miles southeast of Gambell. It lies at approximately 63.694170° North Latitude and -170.47889° West Longitude. (Sec. 08, T021S, R061W, Kateel River Meridian.) Savoonga is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 6.1 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water. Savoonga has a subarctic maritime climate with some continental influences during the winter. Summer temperatures average 40 to 51; winters average -7 to 11. Temperature extremes from -34 to 67 have been recorded. Average precipitation is 10 inches annually, with 58 inches of snowfall. The island is subject to prevailing winds, averaging 18 MPH. Freeze-up on the Bering Sea occurs in mid-November, with break-up in late May. Culture: It is a traditional St. Lawrence Yup'ik village with a subsistence lifestyle surrounding walrus and whale hunting. Savoonga is hailed as the "Walrus Capital of the World." Whale, seal, walrus and reindeer comprise 80% of islander's diets. Due to the island's isolation, most residents are bilingual -- Siberian Yup'ik is still the first language. Islanders today have successfully mixed the past with the present. The sale, importation and possession of alcohol are banned in the village. Economy: The economy of Savoonga is largely based upon subsistence hunting of walrus, seal, fish and bowhead and gray whale, with some cash income. Eight residents hold commercial fishing permits, and Norton Sound Seafood Products operates in Savoonga. Reindeer harvests occur, but the herd is not managed. Fox are trapped as a secondary source of income. Islanders are known for their quality ivory carvings. Some tourism occurs by bird-watchers. Facilities: Utilities are operated by Savoonga Joint Utilities, a non-profit arm of the City, and run by a Utility Board. Well water is treated and stored in a 100,000-gallon tank at the washeteria. A new circulating water and sewer utilidor system, including household plumbing, came on-line in January 1999. 45 residents are served; the remaining 32 homes currently haul water and honeybuckets. In 2004, the washeteria was closed, as revenues were unable to cover operating expenditures. 20 new HUD housing units on the west side are plumbed, but need to be connected to the system. The clinic and school have independent wells and septic systems. A new landfill was recently completed. Transportation: Savoonga's isolated location with no seaport and iced-in conditions during the winter means a dependence on air transport. The State-owned 4,402' long by 100' wide gravel airstrip is undergoing major improvements. Regular air service is available from Nome and Unalakleet. There is no dock, so supplies must be lightered from Nome and off-loaded on the beach. Locals want a small boat harbor and dry dock. Climate: Savoonga has a subarctic maritime climate with some continental influences during the winter. Summer temperatures average 40 to 51; winters average -7 to 11. Temperature extremes from -34 to 67 have been recorded. Average precipitation is 10 inches annually, with 58 inches of snowfall. The island is subject to prevailing winds, averaging 18 MPH. Freeze-up on the Bering Sea occurs in mid-November, with break-up in late May. *Source: Alaska Department of Community & Economic Development   This information was made possible in part by a grant from the Technology Opportunities Program, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.