HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish CommentsDUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
May 23, 2025
City of Renton
SME LUA25-000158
Dear Jill Ding,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Springbrook Trail Boardwalk Replacement to return the Springbrook Trail to pre-fire conditions; located at SW 27th St, Renton, WA 98055
in Renton. The Duwamish Tribe understands that on April 15, 2023, a fire broke out within the Springbrook Creek Wetland. The Fire destroyed 100 linear feet of an existing boardwalk
trail; the section of the damaged boardwalk can be seen from SW 27th Street. The project proposes that the replacement structure would be elevated approximately two to three feet (2-3’)
above the wetland surface and would match the original boardwalk in design and building footprint. 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, top-soil or other impervious surfaces into native soil.
This is an area that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant and has a high probability of having unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there is 1 placename within
about a mile of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model indicates that an archaeological survey is highly advised with a high risk for encountering cultural resources.
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.
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 permanent lighting associated with the project be dark sky compliant to reduce light pollution. Darkened skies were favorable conditions to practice traditional
life pathways.
Thank you,
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Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org