HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish Tribe Comments_250715DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
Jul 15, 2025
City of Renton
PR25-000001 LUA25-000195
Dear Mariah Kerrihard,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Oasis Academy Center to convert an existing
structure into a daycare facility located at 4508 NE 4th 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. 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 3 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 moderately low risk for encountering cultural resources.
The Duwamish Tribe requests that in the unlikely event 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 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.
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,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org