HomeMy WebLinkAbout2240590.3 Renton Duwamish Tribe CommentsDUWAMISH TRIBE
dxʷdəwʔabš
10/16/2024
Renton School District
2240590.3
Dear Matthew Feldmeyer and Allison Conley ,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Renton School District Transportation Lot Expansion
to remove 35 existing surface parking spaces and place 44 new surface parking spaces surrounded by a
fence for the benefit of staff parking/use,some of which will be EV ready located at 450 Park Ave N in
Renton.Based on the information provided and our understanding of the project and its APE,the
Duwamish Tribe would recommend archaeological monitoring with an inadvertent discovery plan,
especially if any groundbreaking activity occurs below fill,topsoil or other impervious surfaces into
native soil.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 10 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 note in the SEPA checklist that Drayton Archaeology performed a cultural
assessment in September 2024.
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.
Finally we request that any proposed 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