HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish Tribe Comments_20250430DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
2025-04-29
City of Renton
PR25-000028 LUA25-000099
Dear Nichole Perry,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Oakesdale Ave SW Stormwater System Project to
construct a stormwater system improvement project within the right-of-way of Oakesdale Ave SW,
between SR 900 and SW 3rd Pl located 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. This is an area that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant and
has a Low probability to have unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there are 12 place
names within about a mile of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model indicates
that an archaeological survey is contingent upon project parameters with a low risk for encountering
cultural resources. We note that the SEPA Environmental Checklist contains proposed measures for
inadvertent discoveries of precontact archaeological finds and human remains.
The Duwamish Tribe requests 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.
The Duwamish Tribe understands that no landscaping is proposed for the project.
We also strongly recommend that native trees in the APE, particularly culturally modified trees
(CMPs) 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.
The Duwamish Tribe also understands that no permanent lighting is associated with the project.
Thank you,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org