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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Letters of Support re JST Land Transfer JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Heidi Eisenhour,Commissioner District 2 DATE: June 1,2026 RE: LETTER OF SUPPORT: Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 is a proposed piece of federal legislation aimed at transferring the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge into trust for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. Because Protection Island holds such extraordinary ecological significance, it is a source of significant regional pride for both the Tribe and the broader Jefferson County community. The Tribe maintains profound historical and cultural ties to the island and the surrounding waters. The land transfer legislation recognizes the Tribe's longstanding connections and represents an important step toward restoring ancestral connections and honoring the Tribe's sovereign relationship with Protection Island. The Commissioners reviewed the original draft letter on May 26, 2026 and made further edits, which are incorporated in the attached version. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATION: Sign the letter of support and send an original to Representative Emily Randall and Senator Maria Cantwell. REVIEWED BY: 5 a7 a4 Jo eters, County Administrator Date p�C Co Miss Board of County Commissioners 4w� coO� 1820 Jefferson Street 0a ti e i PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 yO� Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 SflING't May 26,2026 Representative Emily Randall 1531 Longworth House Bldg Washington, D.C.20515 RE: Support for The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 Dear Representative Randall: On behalf of Jefferson County,Washington,we write to express the County's support for"The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026(Act)," legislation that would transfer former National Wildlife Refuge lands,comprising the Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges,to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. The Tribe is a highly collaborative and well-respected partner to Jefferson County,and we recognize the deep historical and cultural connections that the Tribe maintains with the lands and waters impacted by this legislation. These sites are not only central to the Tribe's heritage but are also integral to the ecological health and quality of life for our entire region. Protection Island, located within Jefferson County, is of particular importance to our constituents. We ask that you ensure the protection of the natural resources on Protection Island in the change of management proposed in this Act for the areas. Protection Island is one of the rare and crucial places where seabirds can breed without any human interference. The island's ecological significance stems from several key factors: • Seabird Breeding Haven: It supports the third-largest rhinoceros auklet colony in North America and is one of the last two breeding sites for tufted puffins in the Salish Sea. • Marine Mammal Sanctuary: The island is a major hauling-out area for harbor seals and was the first location in Washington where northern elephant seals were observed giving birth. • Crucial Nesting Grounds: It acts as a nesting site for bald eagles and features the largest glaucous- winged gull colony in Washington state. The waters surrounding the island also provide essential grounds for a variety of marine mammals,and the island's shorelines support a WA Department of Natural Resources designated marine aquatic reserve. Because Protection Island holds such extraordinary ecological significance, it is a source of significant regional pride for both the Tribe and the broader Jefferson County community. The Tribe maintains profound historical and cultural ties to the island and the surrounding waters. The land transfer legislation recognizes the Tribe's Wage longstanding connections and represents an important step toward restoring ancestral connections and honoring the Tribe's sovereign relationship with Protection Island. Through the Tribe's 2024 self-governance agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its expenditure of its own supplemental funds,the Tribe has demonstrated a strong financial commitment to improving Protection Island for the benefit of researchers and the greater Jefferson County area alike. Since assuming management of the island,the Tribe has already revitalized habitat research studies,rebuilt the access road,and initiated vegetative management to support island prairie habitat. We are confident that upon transfer into trust status,the Tribe will continue to manage both former Refuges to a standard that will meet or exceed federal requirements. Jefferson County has familiarity with the Tribe's ability to manage lands through the Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary and trail network,which are open to the public and well monitored by the Tribe. Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Jefferson County Land Trust partnered on the acquisition of Tamanowas Rock sanctuary lands from 2009—2012 and the area showcases the Tribe's ability to steward lands for cultural purposes, conservation and public access. The County further notes that Protection Island is not currently subject to local property taxation as federal public land and if the island is transferred into trust status on behalf of the Tribe, it will not result in any loss of property tax revenue to the County. However,the Tribe has agreed to assume through the legislation the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's existing obligations to Jefferson County for payment in lieu of taxes and refuge revenue sharing,at a prorated rate tied to the federal statutory payment rate,to ensure that the County will continue to receive these valuable payments following transfer. This is a key consideration in the Board of County Commissioner's decision to support the legislation,and the County is pleased that the land transfer is structured to protect Jefferson County from any potential negative fiscal impact. For these reasons,Jefferson County respectfully urges the delegation to support and advance"The Jamestown Land Transfer Act of 2026."We appreciate your consideration of this legislation and your ongoing commitment to constructive and locally-driven solutions that will benefit Tribal Nations and all residents within the State of Washington. Sincerely, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Dist. 1 Heidi Eisenhour,Dist. 2 Greg Brotherton, Dist. 3-Chair Wage p CoNssr Board of County Commissioners w�s c°G t 1820 Jefferson Street O �' PO Box 1220 1 Port Townsend, WA 98368 9 O Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 S4TING'S May 26,2026 Senator Maria Cantwell 717 Senate Hart Bldg Washington, D.C.20510 RE: Support for The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 Dear Senator Cantwell: On behalf of Jefferson County,Washington,we write to express the County's support for"The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026(Act)," legislation that would transfer former National Wildlife Refuge lands,comprising the Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges,to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. The Tribe is a highly collaborative and well-respected partner to Jefferson County,and we recognize the deep historical and cultural connections that the Tribe maintains with the lands and waters impacted by this legislation. These sites are not only central to the Tribe's heritage but are also integral to the ecological health and quality of life for our entire region. Protection Island, located within Jefferson County, is of particular importance to our constituents.We ask that you ensure the protection of the natural resources on Protection Island in the change of management proposed in this Act for the areas. Protection Island is one of the rare and crucial places where seabirds can breed without any human interference. The island's ecological significance stems from several key factors: • Seabird Breeding Haven: It supports the third-largest rhinoceros auklet colony in North America and is one of the last two breeding sites for tufted puffins in the Salish Sea. • Marine Mammal Sanctuary: The island is a major hauling-out area for harbor seals and was the first location in Washington where northern elephant seals were observed giving birth. • Crucial Nesting Grounds: It acts as a nesting site for bald eagles and features the largest glaucous- winged gull colony in Washington state. The waters surrounding the island also provide essential grounds for a variety of marine mammals,and the island's shorelines support a WA Department of Natural Resources designated marine aquatic reserve. Because Protection Island holds such extraordinary ecological significance, it is a source of significant regional pride for both the Tribe and the broader Jefferson County community. The Tribe maintains profound historical and cultural ties to the island and the surrounding waters. The land transfer legislation recognizes the Tribe's Wage longstanding connections and represents an important step toward restoring ancestral connections and honoring the Tribe's sovereign relationship with Protection Island. Through the Tribe's 2024 self-governance agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its expenditure of its own supplemental funds,the Tribe has demonstrated a strong financial commitment to improving Protection Island for the benefit of researchers and the greater Jefferson County area alike. Since assuming management of the island,the Tribe has already revitalized habitat research studies, rebuilt the access road,and initiated vegetative management to support island prairie habitat. We are confident that upon transfer into trust status,the Tribe will continue to manage both former Refuges to a standard that will meet or exceed federal requirements. Jefferson County has familiarity with the Tribe's ability to manage lands through the Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary and trail network,which are open to the public and well monitored by the Tribe. Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Jefferson County Land Trust partnered on the acquisition of Tamanowas Rock sanctuary lands from 2009—2012 and the area showcases the Tribe's ability to steward lands for cultural purposes, conservation and public access. The County further notes that Protection Island is not currently subject to local property taxation as federal public land and if the island is transferred into trust status on behalf of the Tribe, it will not result in any loss of property tax revenue to the County. However,the Tribe has agreed to assume through the legislation the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's existing obligations to Jefferson County for payment in lieu of taxes and refuge revenue sharing,at a prorated rate tied to the federal statutory payment rate,to ensure that the County will continue to receive these valuable payments following transfer. This is a key consideration in the Board of County Commissioner's decision to support the legislation,and the County is pleased that the land transfer is structured to protect Jefferson County from any potential negative fiscal impact. For these reasons,Jefferson County respectfully urges the delegation to support and advance"The Jamestown Land Transfer Act of 2026."We appreciate your consideration of this legislation and your ongoing commitment to constructive and locally-driven solutions that will benefit Tribal Nations and all residents within the State of Washington. Sincerely, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Dist. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist. 2 Greg Brotherton, Dist. 3-Chair Wage CoNssr Board of County Commissioners 4�4`S co 1,vet 1820 Jefferson Street A PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 O Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 `'MNO May 26,2026 Senator Patty Murray 2988 Jackson Federal Building 915 2'Ave, Seattle,WA 98174 RE: Support for The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 Dear Senator Murray: On behalf of Jefferson County,Washington,we write to express the County's support for"The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026(Act)," legislation that would transfer former National Wildlife Refuge lands, comprising the Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges,to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. The Tribe is a highly collaborative and well-respected partner to Jefferson County,and we recognize the deep historical and cultural connections that the Tribe maintains with the lands and waters impacted by this legislation. These sites are not only central to the Tribe's heritage but are also integral to the ecological health and quality of life for our entire region. Protection Island, located within Jefferson County, is of particular importance to our constituents. We ask that you ensure the protection of the natural resources on Protection Island in the change of management proposed in this Act for the areas. Protection Island is one of the rare and crucial places where seabirds can breed without any human interference. The island's ecological significance stems from several key factors: • Seabird Breeding Haven: It supports the third-largest rhinoceros auklet colony in North America and is one of the last two breeding sites for tufted puffins in the Salish Sea. • Marine Mammal Sanctuary: The island is a major hauling-out area for harbor seals and was the first location in Washington where northern elephant seals were observed giving birth. • Crucial Nesting Grounds: It acts as a nesting site for bald eagles and features the largest glaucous- winged gull colony in Washington state. The waters surrounding the island also provide essential grounds for a variety of marine mammals,and the island's shorelines support a WA Department of Natural Resources designated marine aquatic reserve. Because Protection Island holds such extraordinary ecological significance, it is a source of significant regional pride for both the Tribe and the broader Jefferson County community. The Tribe maintains profound historical and cultural ties to the island and the surrounding waters. The land transfer legislation recognizes the Tribe's Wage longstanding connections and represents an important step toward restoring ancestral connections and honoring the Tribe's sovereign relationship with Protection Island. Through the Tribe's 2024 self-governance agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its expenditure of its own supplemental funds,the Tribe has demonstrated a strong financial commitment to improving Protection Island for the benefit of researchers and the greater Jefferson County area alike. Since assuming management of the island,the Tribe has already revitalized habitat research studies,rebuilt the access road,and initiated vegetative management to support island prairie habitat. We are confident that upon transfer into trust status,the Tribe will continue to manage both former Refuges to a standard that will meet or exceed federal requirements. Jefferson County has familiarity with the Tribe's ability to manage lands through the Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary and trail network,which are open to the public and well monitored by the Tribe. Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Jefferson County Land Trust partnered on the acquisition of Tamanowas Rock sanctuary lands from 2009—2012 and the area showcases the Tribe's ability to steward lands for cultural purposes, conservation and public access. The County further notes that Protection Island is not currently subject to local property taxation as federal public land and if the island is transferred into trust status on behalf of the Tribe, it will not result in any loss of property tax revenue to the County. However,the Tribe has agreed to assume through the legislation the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's existing obligations to Jefferson County for payment in lieu of taxes and refuge revenue sharing,at a prorated rate tied to the federal statutory payment rate,to ensure that the County will continue to receive these valuable payments following transfer. This is a key consideration in the Board of County Commissioner's decision to support the legislation,and the County is pleased that the land transfer is structured to protect Jefferson County from any potential negative fiscal impact. For these reasons,Jefferson County respectfully urges the delegation to support and advance"The Jamestown Land Transfer Act of 2026."We appreciate your consideration of this legislation and your ongoing commitment to constructive and locally-driven solutions that will benefit Tribal Nations and all residents within the State of Washington. Sincerely, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Dist. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist. 2 Greg Brotherton, Dist. 3-Chair Wage