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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Renton Duwamish Tribe Comments_20250130DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš 1/30/2025 City of Renton LUA25-000025 Dear Jill Ding, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Thuman Residence to request a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, Environmental (SEPA) Review and a height modification for the construction of a 2-story 1,012 square foot detached accessory dwelling unit located at 13411 SE 151st St in Renton. Based on the information provided and our understanding of the project and its APE, the Duwamish Tribe would recommend an inadvertent discovery plan, especially if any groundbreaking activity occurs below fill, topsoil or other impervious surfaces into native soil, particularly peat. This is an area that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant and has a High probability to have unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there are 3 historical and ancestral Duwamish place names within about a mile of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model indicates that an archaeological survey is highly advised with a very high risk for encountering cultural resources. We request that if any archaeological work or monitoring is performed, we would like notification. Cultural and archaeological resources are non-renewable and are best discovered prior to ground disturbance. The Tribe would also like the opportunity to be present if or when an archaeologist is on site. In addition, the Tribe strongly recommends only native vegetation be used for any proposed landscaping to enhance habitat for fish and wildlife, and native avian life and native pollinators. The Tribe supports observing critical area tracts and stream buffers to preserve any remaining wetlands and stream buffers. Loss of wetland habitat is known to affect the viability of fish, water quality and increase the effects of seasonal urban flooding. We also strongly recommend that mature native trees in the APE are preserved. Mature trees can be of profound cultural significance to the Duwamish Tribe and provide innumerable benefits for people, climate, and wildlife. If a tree is suspected to be culturally modified, the Duwamish Tribe would like to be notified and would like the opportunity to come to the site to ensure its protection. Finally we request that any lighting be dark sky compliant to reduce light pollution. Darkened skies were favorable conditions to practice traditional life pathways. Thank you, Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582 www.duwamishtribe.org