The Bella Coola / Portland / Aberdeen Metropolitan Statistical Area (BSTAT) comprises the Mercer Coast, Mercer Valley and Talkeetna Valley in the Coast Ranges along the Northern British Columbia coast.  It includes the cities of Bella Coola, Portland, Aberdeen, Talkeetna and Coquitlam.  The region is roughly 80 miles by highway south of the Alaska Border, and 375 miles by highway north of Vancouver.  The area is extremely isolated.  Populated areas to the north and south hug the coast-line, inland and to the east are small mining and logging towns, many of which can only be accessed during the short summer months.  The area is very rugged with