Quinault tribe seeks historic land return from forest service

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a request from the Quinault Indian Nation regarding a significant land transfer proposal. The Quinaults, through their federal lobbyist, have asked for a letter of non-protest to support Congressman Derek Kilmer's initiative to return land that was once part of their reservation but has since been sold to private owners.

The land in question, which has historical ties to the Quinault tribe, was identified as old-growth habitat for spotted owls, leading to restrictions on its harvesting by the U.S. Forest Service. Congressman Kilmer's proposal aims to facilitate the tribe's efforts to reclaim this land, which is seen as a crucial step in restoring their ancestral territory.

Officials acknowledged the importance of the Quinault's request and noted that they had not received any additional information or contact from the tribe beyond the initial correspondence. The discussion highlighted the ongoing complexities surrounding land management and tribal rights, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the implications of such transfers.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts involved in addressing these significant issues, underscoring the importance of supporting tribal sovereignty and environmental stewardship.