HomeMy WebLinkAboutComments-20250916 Renton LUA25-00263 DUWAMISH TRIBEDUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
Sep 16, 2025
City of Renton
PR25-000002 LUA25-00263
Comprehensive Plan Update - Transportation Element
Dear Ellen Talbo,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the non-project action amendments to the
transportation timeline of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. The Duwamish Tribe considers Renton and
its surrounding areas culturally significant, due to our ancestral village sites near the numerous
waterways and marshes. These locations have a high probability of containing unknown
archaeological deposits. Notably, there are at least ten historical and ancestral Duwamish place
names within the current boundaries of the City of Renton.
The Duwamish Tribe requests to continue to be informed and allowed to comment on
transportation projects within Renton, particularly regarding any groundbreaking activities that may
disturb fill, topsoil, or other impervious surfaces down to native soil. The DAHP WISAARD predictive
model indicates that an archaeological survey is highly advised with a very high risk for encountering
cultural resources in and around the waterways in Renton.
If any archaeological work or monitoring is conducted, we request notification. Cultural and
archaeological resources are non-renewable and should be identified prior to any ground
disturbance. Additionally, the Tribe wishes to be present when an archaeologist is on site.
Furthermore, we strongly recommend that only native vegetation be used for any proposed
landscaping associated with transportation projects to enhance habitats for fish, wildlife, native
avian species, and pollinators. We continue to advocate for the preservation of critical area tracts
and stream buffers to protect remaining wetlands, as the loss of wetland habitat adversely affects
fish viability, water quality and exacerbates seasonal urban flooding.
We also emphasize the importance of preserving mature native trees within the Area of Potential
Effect (APE), particularly culturally modified trees (CMPs). Mature trees hold profound cultural
significance for the Duwamish Tribe and provide numerous benefits for people, climate, and wildlife.
If a tree is suspected to be culturally modified, we request notification and the opportunity to visit
the site to ensure its protection.
Finally, we ask that any permanent lighting associated with the transportation projects be dark sky
compliant to minimize light pollution. Darkened skies were essential for practicing traditional life
pathways.
We sincerely hope that Renton's transportation element is successful in its projected timeline and
support the City's efforts to improve its traffic flow.
Thank you,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org