KH1 - Location

Baker island is an atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half way from Hawaii to Australia. US took possesion of the island in1857 and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island, as well as on nearby Howland island, but was disrupted by Wolrd War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by US Department of Interior.

Climate on island is equatorial, with scant rainfall and constant wind, with of course burning sun included.

Total area of the island is about 1.4 sq km and the island has a coastline of about 4.8 km.
Terrain is very low and the island looks as nearly level coral surrounded by a narrow fringing reef, with highest point of island at only 8 mtrs. There is no port or harbour so only offshore anchorage is available, except for one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast.

The island has a treeless,sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines and low growing shurbs. It is primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds and marine wildlife. There is no drinkin water on ilsnad available.

The island also has an old abandoned World War II runway of 1.665 mtrs, completely covered with vegetation and is unusable.

Here are some pictires from Mr. Doug Forsell U.S.F.W. officer.