Vision
Knik Tribal Citizens and our neighbors live in a vibrant community of opportunity and prosperity that strengthens and conserves our natural, cultural, and Environmental resources.
Knik Tribe's Natural Resources Department
Mission
Knik Tribal Council strengthens Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Governance for our citizens by establishing a department to responsibly manage, protect and conserve Ancestral, Natural, Cultural and Environmental Resources in our Service Area and Conservation District.
Please feel free to explore our Programs below to learn More
Environmental Programs
The Knik Tribe is leading the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Risk Management Project, a comprehensive initiative supporting multiple Alaskan Tribes and public health agencies, including the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Environmental Health Laboratory.
The Knik Tribe, a Dena’ina people in Alaska, has traditionally relied on beluga whales and anadromous fish for subsistence and cultural continuity. However, climate change and anthropological stressors have endangered these resources, leading to a decline in beluga whale populations and a lack of data on Pacific lamprey populations. The Knik Tribe is conducting a study to understand the ecological health and life histories of these species to aid in their recovery.
The Knik Tribe Brownfields Program (otherwise known as the Tribal Response Program - TRP) is committed to identifying and pursuing the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment/reuse of brownfield sites throughout the Knik Tribe’s service area. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Knik Tribe, in partnership with the Alaska Forum, is building on the Green Star® program to promote Pollution Prevention (P2) in Alaska Native Villages. Through this initiative, we provide technical assistance and support for rural businesses and organizations, helping them adopt safer practices and reduce environmental harm. A key focus is raising awareness and encouraging the use of EPA-certified Safer Choice products, which help minimize the health and environmental risks of conventional chemicals. By supporting sustainable solutions, we aim to protect both Alaska’s natural environment and the health of our communities. This program is proudly funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Photos courtesy of CIBW Photo-ID Project, Permit #14210, #18016, and #2222.
Research, identification, interpretation, and preservation are key factors in preserving Knik Tribe’s Heritage. The Cultural and Historic Preservation Program numerous cultural resources investigations on Tribal and Public lands. The results of these investigations have broadened the knowledge of Knik Tribe’s Heritage.
Knik continues to explore new avenues for analyzing, upgrading, and innovating energy solutions for our constituents and the communities they call home. We regularly submit to new funding from federal and non-federal sources to bring money into our community for energy projects. Together, we are building a resilient, clean energy future that protects our lands, our resources, and our people.
Montana Creek Riparian Restoration Project
Native Plant Nursery: Chugach National Forest & Potato Growing
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
USFWS Partners for Fish
The Knik Tribe Natural Resources Department (previously acting as the Knik Tribal Conservation District (KTCD)) has partnered with other entities to restore salmon habitat across Southcentral Alaska. Several large-scale projects included in 2024 hydroseeding with native grasses and the installation of native plants and shrubs. Plants in the nursery are inoculated with site specific microorganisms to mimic natural conditions and help plants thrive when returned to riparian habitat. Thousands of plants have been grown and propagated in the Native Plant Nursery and distributed for restoration projects in the Chugach National Forest, Tribal Lands, and State Parks. The Native Plant Nursery continues to grow to meet the ever-expanding demands of restoration work in salmon habitats.
EPA Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP)
A foundational program that allows KT to participate in and pursue other environmental funding opportunities.
EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure For Recycling (SWIFR)
KT will create recycling and composting locations in the Mat-Su borough for KT tribal members, Community members, Knik Charter School, Benteh STEAM Academy, Benteh Early Learning Academy Daycare, KT housing, and various locations of opportunity and community engagement. KT also plans to provide community outreach to help demonstrate composting and recycling to the community, tribal members, and youth in the form of outreach and education.
NTIA Broadband
A KT program to conduct a feasibility study and then plan and design Knik Tribe Broadband Technology Training Center & Curriculum to teach Broadband Use and Adoption.
USDA NRCS
The KT has worked for many years on food sovereignty and security by growing root crops, specifically carrots and potatoes. This program has allowed for youth to be involved in the aspects of agriculture and advanced technology to plant, grow, and harvest crops. Drones have been used to inspect and survey fields guided by youth interns. Partnerships with the Alaska State Fair and the Alaska Pacific University’s Kellogg Farm have helped increase food production and distribution to tribal members. Forest health and management remains a focus of KTCD and its partnerships with federal and state agencies. Forest management plans have been created for Knik lands and will help ensure the health of the forests into the future.
Contact Us
Email: info@kniktribe.org
Tel: 907-373-7991
ICWA Fax: 907-373-2153
Main Fax: 907-373-2178
Admin Fax: 907-373-2161
Physical Address
1744 North Prospect
Palmer, AK 99645
Mailing Address
PO Box 871565
Wasilla, AK 99687