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HomeMy WebLinkAbout068dohgolel tE rel. lbF [E tuve Allyson Brooks Ph.D., Director Stote Historic Preservotion Officer April 9, 2018 Ms. Kate Dean County Commissioner Jefferson County PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA98368 In future correspondence please refer to: Project Tracking Code: 081 106-13-JE Property: Statesman Group Master Planned Resort in Brinnon's Black Point and Pleasant Harbor Marina, Jefferson Co. Re: Archaeology-DAHP Comments for Public Hearing for Pleasant Harbor MPR Development Dear Ms. Dean: The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has been involved in the review of the proposed development since 2006. While we have some information regarding archaeological materials within the project, there is no information regarding consultation or review undertaken for cultural values. New information has been presented regarding the geological and cultural value of the project area within the past months. o RCW 43.21C.020 recognizes the responsibility to "Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage." Further, RCW 43.21.030 O) Guidelinesfor state agencies, local governments-Statements-Reports-Advice-Information states (e) Study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommended courses ofaction in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources. Question l3(b) of the SEPA checklist asks: Are there any landmarles, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or a?eas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identifu such resources. The cultural importance of the project area was not addressed in any of the studies or documents agencies or public relied upon to make comments or decisions regarding the development. The project are contains unique and geologically significant features. In additional we have a draft Traditional Cultural Property form submitted by the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. While the form is not complete at this time the information we have evaluated indicates the kettles are of cultural and spiritual importance to the Tribe(s). There is a precontact archaeological site recorded in the project area which supports the longtime use of the area by native peoples. Coupled with the uniqueness of the geological features, the kettles would qualifu as both a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) as well as a Cultural Landscape (CL) and would be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Stote of Woshinglon . Deporlmenl of Archoeology & Hisloric Preservotion P.O. Box 48343. Olympio, Woshington 98504-8343 . (360) 586-3065 www.dohp.wo.gov a \ The cultural resources ltudies conducted for the project did not discover or report either the geological or cultural value of the kettles nor was it sufficient for the scope of the project which would disturb or destroy the features that make the kettles and landscape culturally and geologically remarkable. Nor was this information reported in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). We recommend that the project be redesigned to preserve the kettles and the unique cultural landscape. We would also request that the cultural resources study be updated to include an traditional cultural property study. The Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) for this project almost l0 years ago needs to be updated based on the eventual development approved. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment. If you have any questions, please contact me Sincerely, -ilNT*k Gretchen Kaehler Assistant State Archaeologist, Local Governments (360) s86-3088 gretchen. kaehler@,dahp.wa. sov cc. Kris Miller, THPO, Skokomish Tribe Bill White, Archaeologist, Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe David Brownell, Cultural Resources, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Stormy Purser, THPO, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Lys Burden, Native Connection Action Group 2