Agreement permanently conserves Alaska island near Kodiak

An Alaska island about 5 miles (8 kilometers) off the coast of Kodiak has been permanently conserved after the Great Land Trust reached an agreement with the landowner.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the Leisnoi Native Corp. has granted public access to most of Long Island, agreeing to permanently protect the habitat.

Leisnoi will privately hold about 141 acres (57 hectares) of the island for traditional use. Alaska Natives have used the island to fish, hunt and gather.

The Kodiak Island Borough will manage the 1,259 acres (509 hectares) open to the public as a borough park.

A coastal defense fort was constructed on the island during World War II. The defensive structures were later abandoned but remain visible.