Geothermal Energy Utilization

Associated with Oil & Gas Development

June 12 – 13, 2007

           Southern Methodist University

Dallas, Texas

Bernie Karl

Bernie Karl moved to Alaska from Peoria, Illinois during the pipeline boom of the 1970’s.  Originally employed as a diesel mechanic at Prudhoe Bay, he has since gone on to own and operate several successful enterprises, including several work camps and the largest shop on the North Slope.  Bernie was active in gold mining in the Central District in the late 1970’s, and established K&K Recycling, the largest recycling facility in Alaska, in 1984.  During the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 1989, Bernie provided much needed modular housing for crews working on the cleanup effort.  This sparked his interest in the hotel industry, and the following year he established Denali North Star Inn in Healy, Alaska.  While Denali North Star Inn has since been sold to Princess Cruise Lines, he still retains ownership of Kodiak Narrow Cape Lodge and, of course, Chena Hot Springs Resort.  Bernie Karl and his wife Connie purchased the Resort in 1998 after a long interest in the operation.  Today, Chena Hot Springs is the crown jewel of their numerous business interests. 

Background on Chena Hot Springs:

Chena Hot Springs is located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.  It was officially discovered in 1905 by miners from Fairbanks.  Chena quickly became a popular local destination, which it remains to this day.  The springs and the 440 surrounding acres were privatized as a patented homestead in 1920, and have changed hands several times since then.  The resort centered on the hot springs but fell into disrepair in the 1970’s and ‘80’s, and ultimately the owners filed bankruptcy.  When the Karls purchased the resort in 1998, they began work immediately to turn around the decline.  Within the first week of owning the Resort, they drilled the first geothermal well onsite.  By the first winter, they had established the district heating system still in use to heat all 30+ buildings.  They also added a natural outdoor Rock Lake, which increased local visitors to the resort by 600% in the following year.  Today, Chena Hot Springs Resort is the largest wintertime tourism destination in Alaska outside the Anchorage area. 

 While the main draw is still viewing the northern lights and soaking in the Rock Lake, the Aurora Ice Museum, the largest year-round ice structure in the world, is drawing new

Contact Information:   recycle@polarnet.com

                                  907-488-1505