HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_DuwamishTribalHistoricPreservation_Public_Comment_250917DUWAMISH TRIBE dxdəwabš
Sep 17, 2025
City of Renton
PR25-000002 LUA25-000284
Dear , Mariah Kerrihard
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the
for
the City of Renton. The Duwamish Tribe understands that this is a non-project action in compliance with the Growth
Management Act to amend the code to align the City's regulations with current state law and "best available science"
(BAS). The Duwamish Tribe also understands that the critical areas ordinance regulates certain activities and
development in and near wetlands, streams, fish & wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas,
frequently flooded areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas with the intent to provide an overall increase in
environmental protections.
PR25-000002 Land Use Non-Project Docket Group 19B, D-235: 2025 Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Update
Renton and its surrounding areas are places that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant. Renton is one of
the Duwamish Tribe's traditional and ancestral territories that we have inhabited since time immemorial continuing into
present day. We note that there are at least historical and ancestral place names within the Renton City limits.
The land along the region's present and historical waterways and wetlands presents a high probability of containing
unknown archaeological deposits.
30
The Duwamish Tribe supports the City's CAO Update. The Tribe emphasizes the importance of maintaining critical area
tracts and stream buffers to protect remaining wetlands and stream ecosystems. The loss of wetland habitats
adversely impacts fish viability, water quality, and exacerbates seasonal urban flooding. The Duwamish Tribe also
emphasizes the importance of preserving native trees within the City of Renton, especially culturally modified trees
(CMTs). Mature trees hold significant cultural value for the Duwamish Tribe and offer numerous benefits for people,
wildlife, and the climate. If there is any indication that a tree may be culturally modified, we request notification to the
Duwamish Tribe, who would appreciate the opportunity to visit the site to ensure the tree's protection.
The Duwamish Tribe requests notification of any upcoming development projects that involve critical areas. We seek
the opportunity to consult and provide feedback, especially concerning any groundbreaking activities that disturb fill,
topsoil, or other impervious surfaces down to native soil. Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that the Washington
State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) WISAARD predictive model indicates a significant
risk of encountering precontact cultural resources in regions linked to traditional place names and cultural sites,
particularly in proximity to water and water resources.
Thank you,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe | 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org
1/1