HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_NSackman_Public_Comment_251017DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
Oct 17, 2025
City of Renton
LUA25-000338 PR25-000061
Dear Mariah Kerrihard,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Valvoline Instant Oil Change to change use of a
vacant space into a small vehicle service and repair located at 4225 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, top-soil 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 ancestral 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 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.
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.
Lastly 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