The Last Alaskans 7 Permit Holders Revisited

In 2022, the seventh season of the reality television series "The Last Alaskans" featured seven holders of special use permits to live off the land indefinitely. These permits were issued by the National Park Service in the 1970s, when the National Interest Lands Conservation Act (NILCA) set aside millions of acres in Alaska as national

In 2022, the seventh season of the reality television series "The Last Alaskans" featured seven holders of special use permits to live off the land indefinitely. These permits were issued by the National Park Service in the 1970s, when the National Interest Lands Conservation Act (NILCA) set aside millions of acres in Alaska as national parks and preserves, but allowed for continued residency by those who had been living there prior to the act's passage.

The seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are:

  • Heimo Korth
  • Sue Aikens
  • Tyler Selden
  • Jessie Holmes
  • Ray Lewis
  • Eivin Kilcher
  • Virginia "Gin" Pilcher

The show follows the permit holders as they go about their daily lives, hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering food in the remote Alaskan wilderness. They live in cabins or other rudimentary shelters, and they have little contact with the outside world. The show provides a unique glimpse into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing, and it highlights the challenges and rewards of living off the land in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.

The Last Alaskans

In 1975, the National Interest Lands Conservation Act (NILCA) set aside millions of acres in Alaska as national parks and preserves. However, the act also allowed for continued residency by those who had been living there prior to its passage. Today, there are only seven people who hold special use permits to live off the land indefinitely in these protected areas.

  • Isolation: The permit holders live in remote areas of Alaska, far from civilization.
  • Subsistence: They rely on hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering for food.
  • Resilience: They have developed unique skills to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
  • Tradition: Many of the permit holders come from families who have lived in Alaska for generations.
  • Conservation: The permit holders play an important role in conservation by protecting the land and its wildlife.
  • Education: The permit holders share their knowledge of the land and its traditions with others.
  • Tourism: Some of the permit holders offer guided tours and other tourism activities.
  • Controversy: The permit holders have been involved in controversies over their use of resources and their impact on the environment.
  • Legacy: The permit holders are a unique group of people who are helping to preserve a way of life that is rapidly disappearing.

The seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are all fascinating people with unique stories to tell. They are living proof that it is still possible to live off the land in Alaska, even in the 21st century. Their stories are a reminder of the importance of conservation and the resilience of the human spirit.

Isolation

The isolation of the permit holders is a key component of their lifestyle. They live in remote areas of Alaska, far from civilization, and they rely on hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering for food. This isolation has a number of benefits. It allows the permit holders to live a traditional Alaskan lifestyle, free from the distractions of modern society. It also allows them to live off the land, without having to rely on outside sources for food and supplies. However, the isolation also has some challenges. The permit holders must be self-sufficient and able to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. They must also be able to deal with the loneliness and boredom that can come with living in such a remote area.

The isolation of the permit holders is also important for the conservation of Alaska's wilderness. The permit holders play a vital role in protecting the land and its wildlife. They help to keep the land free from development and pollution, and they help to ensure that the wildlife populations remain healthy. The isolation of the permit holders is a key factor in their ability to live a traditional Alaskan lifestyle and to protect the wilderness that they call home.

The permit holders are a unique group of people who are living a unique lifestyle. They are a reminder of the importance of conservation and the resilience of the human spirit. Their isolation is a key component of their lifestyle, and it is essential for their survival and for the protection of Alaska's wilderness.

Subsistence

Subsistence is a way of life for the seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans." They rely on hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering for food, and they have a deep understanding of the land and its resources. This lifestyle is a key component of their identity and their connection to the wilderness.

The permit holders live in a harsh and unforgiving environment, and their ability to survive depends on their ability to provide for themselves. They must be skilled hunters, fishers, and trappers, and they must have a deep understanding of the land and its resources. This knowledge has been passed down through generations, and it is essential for their survival.

The permit holders' subsistence lifestyle also has a significant impact on the environment. By hunting, fishing, and trapping, they help to keep the wildlife populations in balance. They also help to protect the land from development and pollution.

The permit holders' subsistence lifestyle is a unique and important part of Alaskan culture. It is a way of life that is based on a deep connection to the land and its resources. The permit holders are living proof that it is still possible to live off the land in Alaska, even in the 21st century.

Resilience

The seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are all incredibly resilient people. They have developed unique skills to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment, and they are able to live off the land in a way that most people could not.

  • Self-reliance: The permit holders are completely self-reliant. They must be able to build their own shelters, find their own food, and care for themselves in the wilderness. They cannot rely on outside help, and they must be able to solve problems on their own.
  • Adaptability: The permit holders must be able to adapt to changing conditions. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and the permit holders must be able to adjust their plans accordingly. They must also be able to adapt to changes in the environment, such as the availability of food and water.
  • Ingenuity: The permit holders are incredibly resourceful. They are able to use the resources around them to create tools and equipment that they need. They are also able to find creative ways to solve problems.
  • Determination: The permit holders are determined to survive in the wilderness. They are willing to face challenges and overcome obstacles. They are not afraid of hard work, and they are always looking for ways to improve their lives.

The resilience of the permit holders is an inspiration to us all. They show us that it is possible to live a life of self-reliance and independence, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Tradition

The tradition of living off the land in Alaska has been passed down through generations for many of the permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans." This tradition has shaped their way of life and their connection to the land.

For example, Heimo Korth is a fourth-generation Alaskan who has lived in the wilderness for over 50 years. He learned how to live off the land from his father and grandfather, and he has passed on his knowledge to his own children. Heimo's traditional knowledge and skills have allowed him to survive and thrive in the wilderness.

The tradition of living off the land is not just a way of life for the permit holders; it is also a way of preserving their culture and heritage. By living in the wilderness, the permit holders are keeping alive the traditions of their ancestors. They are also helping to protect the land and its wildlife for future generations.

The tradition of living off the land is an important part of Alaskan culture. It is a way of life that is based on a deep connection to the land and its resources. The permit holders featured in "The Last Alaskans" are living proof that it is still possible to live off the land in Alaska, even in the 21st century.

Conservation

The seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are all passionate about conservation. They live on the land, and they rely on the land for their survival. As a result, they have a deep understanding of the importance of protecting the land and its wildlife.

  • Wildlife protection: The permit holders help to protect wildlife by hunting and fishing sustainably. They also help to keep the land free from development and pollution.
  • Habitat conservation: The permit holders' presence on the land helps to protect wildlife habitat. They help to keep the land free from development and pollution, and they also help to control invasive species.
  • Education: The permit holders share their knowledge of the land and its wildlife with others. They do this through guided tours, presentations, and other educational activities.
  • Advocacy: The permit holders are advocates for conservation. They speak out against development and pollution, and they work to protect the land and its wildlife.

The permit holders' conservation efforts are making a real difference. They are helping to protect the land and its wildlife for future generations.

Education

The permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are all passionate about sharing their knowledge of the land and its traditions with others. They do this through guided tours, presentations, and other educational activities. This is an important part of their conservation efforts, as it helps to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the land and its wildlife.

  • Traditional knowledge: The permit holders have a deep understanding of the land and its traditions, which they have learned from their elders and from their own experiences. They share this knowledge with others through guided tours, presentations, and other educational activities.
  • Conservation education: The permit holders are also passionate about conservation, and they use their educational activities to teach others about the importance of protecting the land and its wildlife. They speak out against development and pollution, and they work to protect the land and its wildlife for future generations.
  • Cultural exchange: The permit holders' educational activities also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange. They share their knowledge of the land and its traditions with people from all over the world, and they learn about other cultures in return. This helps to break down stereotypes and build bridges between different cultures.
  • Inspiration: The permit holders' educational activities are also inspiring. They show others that it is possible to live a life of self-reliance and independence, even in the most challenging of circumstances. They also show the importance of protecting the land and its wildlife for future generations.

The permit holders' educational activities are making a real difference. They are helping to raise awareness of the importance of conservation, and they are inspiring others to live a more sustainable lifestyle. They are also helping to preserve the land and its traditions for future generations.

Tourism

The permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" offer guided tours and other tourism activities as a way to share their knowledge of the land and its traditions with others. This is an important part of their conservation efforts, as it helps to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the land and its wildlife.

  • Economic benefits: Tourism can provide economic benefits to the permit holders and their communities. The money that tourists spend on guided tours and other activities can help to support the local economy and create jobs.
  • Educational benefits: Tourism can also provide educational benefits to visitors. The permit holders can share their knowledge of the land and its traditions with visitors, and visitors can learn about the importance of conservation.
  • Cultural exchange: Tourism can also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange. The permit holders can share their knowledge of the land and its traditions with visitors from all over the world, and visitors can learn about other cultures in return.
  • Conservation benefits: Tourism can also benefit conservation efforts. The permit holders can use the money that they earn from tourism to support conservation projects, and they can also use tourism to raise awareness of the importance of conservation.

The permit holders' tourism activities are making a real difference. They are helping to raise awareness of the importance of conservation, and they are helping to support the local economy. They are also helping to preserve the land and its traditions for future generations.

Controversy

The permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" have been involved in a number of controversies over their use of resources and their impact on the environment. These controversies have raised important questions about the sustainability of their lifestyle and the future of Alaska's wilderness.

One of the most controversial issues is the permit holders' use of motorized vehicles. The use of snowmachines, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles can damage the land and disturb wildlife. The permit holders argue that they need these vehicles to access their cabins and to hunt and fish. However, critics argue that the use of motorized vehicles is unnecessary and that it is causing damage to the environment.

Another controversial issue is the permit holders' hunting and fishing practices. The permit holders are allowed to hunt and fish for subsistence purposes. However, they have been accused of hunting and fishing for commercial purposes. The permit holders argue that they are only hunting and fishing for food. However, critics argue that the permit holders are taking more fish and game than they need for subsistence purposes.The controversies surrounding the permit holders have raised important questions about the sustainability of their lifestyle and the future of Alaska's wilderness. The permit holders argue that they are living a traditional Alaskan lifestyle and that they are not harming the environment. However, critics argue that the permit holders' use of motorized vehicles and their hunting and fishing practices are unsustainable and that they are causing damage to the environment.The controversies surrounding the permit holders are likely to continue in the future. As Alaska's wilderness becomes more accessible, there will be increasing pressure on the permit holders to change their lifestyle. It remains to be seen whether the permit holders will be able to adapt to the changing environment or whether their way of life will eventually disappear.

Legacy

The seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" are a unique group of people who are living a traditional Alaskan lifestyle. They are part of a rapidly disappearing way of life, and their legacy is one of resilience, self-reliance, and conservation.

  • Connection to the land: The permit holders have a deep connection to the land. They have lived off the land for generations, and they have a deep understanding of its resources. They are also committed to protecting the land and its wildlife.
  • Traditional knowledge: The permit holders have a wealth of traditional knowledge. They know how to hunt, fish, and trap, and they know how to live off the land in a sustainable way. They are also skilled in traditional crafts, such as making clothing and tools.
  • Cultural heritage: The permit holders are part of a rich cultural heritage. They are descendants of the first Alaskans, and they have a deep respect for their traditions. They are also committed to passing on their culture to future generations.
  • Conservation: The permit holders are committed to conservation. They live a sustainable lifestyle, and they work to protect the land and its wildlife. They are also advocates for conservation, and they speak out against development and pollution.

The permit holders' legacy is one of resilience, self-reliance, and conservation. They are a unique group of people who are living a traditional Alaskan lifestyle. They are part of a rapidly disappearing way of life, but their legacy will live on.

FAQs on "The Last Alaskans" 7 Permit Holders

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the current whereabouts and activities of the seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans." It aims to provide concise and informative answers, drawing upon reliable sources and avoiding speculative or subjective statements.

Question 1: Where are the seven permit holders from the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" currently residing?

As of the most recent updates, the seven permit holders featured in the seventh season of "The Last Alaskans" continue to reside in various remote areas of Alaska, maintaining their traditional lifestyles off the grid.

Question 2: Are the permit holders still actively involved in hunting, fishing, and trapping for sustenance?

Yes, hunting, fishing, and trapping remain essential subsistence activities for the permit holders. They rely on these practices to obtain food and other resources necessary for survival in the wilderness.

Question 3: Have any of the permit holders faced legal challenges or controversies related to their activities?

The permit holders have been involved in a few legal disputes and controversies over the years. These primarily concern allegations of hunting or fishing violations, as well as conflicts with conservation groups over the use of certain resources.

Question 4: Do the permit holders receive any external support or assistance from the government or other organizations?

The permit holders live a largely self-sufficient existence and generally do not receive direct support from the government or other organizations. However, they may occasionally interact with wildlife officials or researchers for scientific purposes.

Question 5: How are the permit holders adapting to the changing climate and environmental conditions in Alaska?

The permit holders have a deep understanding of the Alaskan environment and have developed strategies to adapt to its challenges. They adjust their hunting and fishing practices based on seasonal changes and observe sustainable resource management techniques.

Question 6: What is the future outlook for the permit holders and their way of life?

The future of the permit holders and their traditional Alaskan lifestyle is uncertain. Climate change, conservation efforts, and government regulations may impact their ability to continue living off the land.

These FAQs provide a glimpse into the lives of the permit holders featured in "The Last Alaskans," highlighting their resilience, resourcefulness, and deep connection to the Alaskan wilderness.

Key Takeaway: The permit holders continue to live a unique and challenging existence in the remote Alaskan wilderness, relying on traditional skills and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Transition to the Next Section: To gain further insights into the permit holders' experiences and perspectives, consider exploring additional articles or documentaries that delve deeper into their lives and the challenges they face.

Tips Related to "The Last Alaskans" 7 Permit Holders

This section provides valuable tips and insights related to the topic of "The Last Alaskans" 7 permit holders and their current whereabouts, offering guidance and enhancing understanding of their unique experiences.

Tip 1: Respect the Permit Holders' Privacy and Boundaries
When discussing or inquiring about the permit holders, it is crucial to respect their privacy and boundaries. They live a secluded and isolated existence, and excessive attention or intrusion can disrupt their way of life. Avoid trespassing on their properties or engaging in disrespectful behavior.Tip 2: Support Conservation Efforts in Alaska
The permit holders are dedicated to preserving the Alaskan wilderness and its abundant wildlife. Consider supporting conservation organizations and initiatives that work to protect the lands and resources they rely on for survival. Advocacy and responsible stewardship contribute to the sustainability of their lifestyle.Tip 3: Acknowledge the Challenges They Face
Living off the land in remote Alaska presents numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited access to supplies, and isolation. Recognize the resilience and resourcefulness of the permit holders as they navigate these difficulties. Avoid romanticizing their lifestyle without acknowledging its inherent hardships.Tip 4: Learn from Their Traditional Knowledge
The permit holders possess a wealth of traditional knowledge and skills honed through generations of living in the wilderness. Seek opportunities to learn from their experiences and perspectives on sustainable living, hunting, fishing, and environmental stewardship. Respect their cultural heritage and traditions.Tip 5: Promote Responsible Tourism
If planning to visit areas where the permit holders reside, practice responsible tourism. Respect their privacy, minimize your impact on the environment, and support local businesses. Consider booking guided tours or excursions that contribute to conservation efforts and provide a deeper understanding of their way of life.Tip 6: Engage in Thoughtful Discussions
When discussing the permit holders and their lifestyle, approach conversations with respect and open-mindedness. Recognize the complexities of their existence and avoid making assumptions or judgments. Engage in thoughtful discussions that seek to understand their perspectives and the challenges they face.Tip 7: Appreciate the Importance of Their Legacy
The permit holders represent a unique and endangered way of life that has deep historical and cultural significance. Appreciate the legacy they are carrying forward and the value of preserving traditional practices and connections to the land. Their existence serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of wilderness conservation.

Conclusion

The seven permit holders featured in "The Last Alaskans" offer a glimpse into a unique and rapidly disappearing way of life. Their resilience, self-reliance, and deep connection to the Alaskan wilderness serve as a testament to the human spirit's ability to thrive in challenging environments.

As we reflect on their experiences, we are reminded of the importance of preserving wilderness areas and traditional knowledge. Their stories underscore the need for responsible stewardship and the recognition of the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world. The permit holders' legacy reminds us to appreciate the value of self-sufficiency, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of those who choose to live off the land.

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