Commissioners Approve Agenda Amid Public Concerns on Land Transfers and Wildlife Protection

Clallam County's Commissioner Board Meeting on August 26, 2025, sparked significant public engagement, particularly surrounding the contentious issue of land transfers to the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. During the public comment segment, local resident John Worthington expressed strong opposition to the tribe's acquisition of properties, arguing that it disrupts community cohesion and suggesting a more centralized reservation model. He criticized the current piecemeal approach, stating, "It doesn't help the county, the state, doesn't help anybody."

The discussion intensified as Worthington raised concerns about a proposed agreement with the Puget Sound Partnership, claiming it violates civil rights by transferring power and resources inappropriately. He urged the commissioners to reconsider their involvement with the partnership, stating, "You need to get out of CERN... and isolate yourself from all of those civil rights violations."

Another resident, identified as Mr. Bowen, echoed these sentiments, demanding transparency regarding the financial implications of the land transfer and questioning the commissioners' reliance on consultants for wildlife protection measures. He emphasized the need for quantifiable data on the tribe's contributions in lieu of taxes, stating, "I want to know what that is."

The meeting also featured a consent agenda that included the appointment of new members to the homelessness task force and a call for proposals related to developmental disabilities services. However, the primary focus remained on the land transfer discussions, highlighting the community's concerns over local governance and tribal relations.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners acknowledged the public's input and promised to address questions during a second public commentary session later in the agenda. The ongoing dialogue reflects a community grappling with the complexities of tribal sovereignty and local governance, setting the stage for future discussions on these critical issues.