DAILY MIRROR STAFF

Kodiak Treks, owned and operated by Kodiakans Harry and Brigid Dodge, received the highest gold-level sustainable tourism certification from Anchorage-based Adventure Green Alaska (AGA). Kodiak Treks was one of three businesses statewide to receive a gold certification.

According to the AGA Web site, “AGA is a certification program for tourism businesses operating in Alaska that meet specific standards of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Administered by an independent, Alaska nonprofit corporation, AGA encourages tourism businesses to evaluate their operations and determine whether they use — or could be using — best management practices.”

Basic criteria for an award are: compliance with U.S. environmental, consumer protection and labor laws while operating within Alaska; a two-year operating history in Alaska; membership in a tourism or community trade association.

AGA monitors program compliance randomly and with customer comments. The certification is awarded for two years and can be renewed with recertification.

Kodiak Treks offers Kodiak brown bear viewing, wilderness excursions into the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge as well as hiking, kayaking and sport fishing from the Dodge’s lodge in Uyak Bay. It is currently featured on AGA’s Web site, www.AdventureGreenAlaska.org.

Co-owner Harry Dodge has been guiding and hiking in Kodiak for more than 30 years. He has hiked the entire island twice and is a trained biologist, wildlife advocate and published author.