HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish Tribe_Public Comment_251223DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
2025-12-23 City of Renton PR25-000002 LUA25-000403 Dear Jason Ledere, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on PR25-000002 Land Use Non-Project 2025 Adoption of Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan for the City of Renton. The Duwamish Tribe understands that the applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for a proposed update to the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, non-project action, which serves as Renton’s functional plan for parks, recreation, and open space. Based on the information provided and our understanding of the non-project action and its APE, the Duwamish Tribe would recommend having an archaeological/cultural resources assessment, and an inadvertent discovery plan, especially if any groundbreaking activity occurs below fill, topsoil or other impervious surfaces into native soil. 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 30 historical and ancestral names within the Renton City limits. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model indicates that an archaeological survey is highly advised with a high risk of encountering cultural resources. The Duwamish Tribe requests notification of any upcoming development projects, as well as any archaeological work or monitoring. We seek the opportunity to consult and provide feedback; 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