In early December, 2005 the Federal Subsistence Board  announced it will no longer be reviewing the classification of Sitka as a community that should be further studied for possible change in subsistence priority use. A final rule was published in December 2006 and Sitka will maintain its' rural status for another 10 years.

Under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Alaskans living in communities determined to be rural are given a priority for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands. Such determinations are reviewed every ten years.

Under federal regulations, a community with a population of 2,500 is generally deemed rural while those will a population greater than  7,000 are presumed non-rural unless they have significant characteristics of a rural area. Communities with populations between 2,500 and 7,000 are determined by evaluating community characteristics.

Sitka is currently considered rural, however according to the Board's 2005 July news release Sitka had been recommended for further analysis because its population increased further above the 7,000 threshold between the 1990 and 2000 census.While Sitka's population did grow between the two censuses, the actual change was only slight increasing from 8,588 to 8,835- an addition of 247 people. Other characteristics that the Federal Subsistence Board may use in determining rural or non-rural status include, but are not limited to: 1) use of fish and wildlife, 2) development and diversity of economy, 3) community infrastructure, 4) transportation, and 5) educational institutions.

It is clear that Sitkans rely heavily on subsistence harvesting and gathering and that maintaining our rural status is of great importance to our way of life.  Recognzing this, the Board in a 3-3 decision decided not to further review Sitka's rural prioirty status. Thank you for everyone who sent comments to the Board on this crucial issue.

Thanks to the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Sitka community residents for showing their support at the Subsistence Hearings in October 2006.  Over 100 people commented or testified in support of keeping Sitka rural.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rural Subsistence Review

Rural Status article from the Federal Subsistence Advisory Board

Sitka Tribes of Alaska has more information on their website