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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDISCUSSION re: Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe request JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner District 2 DATE: July 13,2026 RE: Follow up from discussion with tribe re: LETTER OF SUPPORT: Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: As we are all aware, 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 in Jefferson County holds such extraordinary ecological significance, it is a source of significant regional pride for both the Tribe and the broader community. Some residents of Jefferson County and relatives of folks who were involved with the grassroots campaign to create these Wildlife Refuges have raised questions and concerns about transferring these areas out of Federal management. On June 22, we were be joined by Chairman Ron Allen,Jamestown Natural Resources Director Hansi Hals, and Jamestown Wildlife Refuge Manager Fawn Wagner to discuss the proposed the Act, talk about their management practices and hear from the community. Since June 22, we have received a follow up letter from Chairman Allen, which is attached to this agenda item, as well as additional comments expressing both concerns and support for this transfer. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATION: Discuss Chairman Allen's follow-up letter, additional input we've received since June 22, and determine whether to sign letters of support to Representative Emily Randall, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Senator Patty Murray regarding the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026. REVIEWED BY: �i•1 F�;hi 7/7/2026 Jo D. Peters, County Administrator Date June 24, 2026 Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County 621 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98367 Email: jpeters@co.jefferson.wa.us Re: Response to public testimony during Jefferson BOCC June 22nd meeting Dear Commissioners, Thank you for the opportunity to describe and discuss the proposed Jamestown Land Transfer Act in person. I especially appreciated your summaries of the comments and concerns raised, as well as listening to those who spoke during Monday’s meeting. It was heartening to hear the compliments of the Tribal Wildlife Refuge Program. As we have all recognized, the Dungeness Bay, Protection Island, and Sequim Bay areas are an integral part of the Tribe’s ancestral home and territory. The Tribe has fished, gathered, hunted and conducted ceremonies in the three areas since pre- contact. Tribal oral histories, ethnographic studies, ecological research, and Department of the Interior administrative findings demonstrate the three locations have long provided a physical foundation for the Tribe’s historic subsistence and a landscape in which ceremonial life and intertribal relations are embedded. As requested, we are responding to the recurring comments regarding public lands being ‘privatized’ and answering the question posed about whether there would be any jurisdictional change to the aquatic tidelands surrounding Protection Island under the proposed JST Land Transfer Act. Regarding the multiple comments related to public lands, it is essential to note that while the proposed land transfer would elevate the Tribe’s existing management role, it would retain the title of the land under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The transfer would move the lands administratively between two U.S. Department of the Interior components: from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to be held in trust for the Tribe. The Land Transfer Act would be law of the US, and the BIA is a federal agency, responsible to the public. As mentioned at the meeting, the Tribe will assure a public process during planning and the Tribe's Tribal Management Plan for its management of the former Refuges will be publicly available pursuant to the proposed legislation. The Tribe intends for the proposed legislation to expressly include public access, wildlife and migratory bird protections, and educational opportunities, as components of the Tribal Management Plan. However, if concerned citizens are looking for redress, they have two avenues to discuss an issue – through both the Tribal government and the US government. JST letter to Jefferson BOCC Re: JST Land Transfer Act June 24, 2026 Page 2 of 2 An individual asked if there would be any jurisdictional change to the aquatic tidelands surrounding Protection Island under the proposed JST Land Transfer act. The answer is that there will be no change. The tidelands and waters adjacent to Protection Island are owned and managed by WA State, through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the proposed land transfer does not affect that ownership or jurisdiction. The aquatic tidelands are outside of the geographic scope of the proposed land transfer legislation. As we described, WA DNR has designated aquatic reserve surrounding Protection Island. Details of the aquatic reserve and the management plan can be found here: Protection Island Aquatic Reserve | Department of Natural Resources. Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe appreciates that you each individually expressed support of this concept and acknowledged the Tribe’s longstanding activities in habitat restoration and conservation. Recognizing that the land would continue to be federal (held by BIA) and that the proposed Land Transfer Act would be federal law, should resolve the question of public accountability. Our Tribe looks forward to a letter of support from the Jefferson BOCC. Sincerely, W. Ron Allen, Tribal Chairman/CEO • CoNiviNssr Board of County Commissioners 4w4 c°G��� 1820 Jefferson Street 4 PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 O Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 SfI1 NG't July 13, 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 11Page 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 2IPage pc CoN�ssr Board of County Commissioners ail-sc° ��, 1820 Jefferson Street '';i0 wA PO Box 1220 m Port Townsend, WA 98368 �`QS ,t0 Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 III NG July 13,2026 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 p� CoN�ss1 Board of County Commissioners 494f4' c34 1820 Jefferson Street opal "w4 ♦� PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 'WING ,t0 Heather Dudley-Nollette,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 July 13,2026 Senator Patty Murray 2988 Jackson Federal Building 915 21'd 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 11Page 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