Sequim council delays decision after extensive public comment on proposed Dungeness refuge transfer

A packed public comment period at the Sequim City Council’s April 13 meeting produced sharply divided views about a proposed transfer of management authority for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge to the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. After hearing roughly two dozen speakers and reviewing county materials, councilors agreed to bring a decision about a letter of support back to the council’s April 27 meeting so every member and members of the public can review a county work‑session presentation.

Opponents urged caution and legal review. Sarah Kinkade told the council that five members had received tribe endorsements and large campaign contributions and asked those members to recuse themselves from votes involving the tribe, saying not recusing “has the appearance of impropriety.” Darlene Schanfold and other speakers raised environmental concerns about a proposed commercial oyster operation on refuge lands and warned that, in their view, taking the land into trust with the Bureau of Indian Affairs could change how the land is managed and weaken federal protections. Environmental Coalition member Kirk Kirkland argued the transfer could conflict with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act and noted pending litigation and federal review.

Supporters, including Jamestown S'Klallam vice chair Lonnie Grenninger, said the tribe’s co‑management over the past two years has led to increased volunteerism and better response to invasive species. Grenninger told the council the tribe intends to maintain public access and “we will never develop on it,” and invited councilors to a follow‑up briefing. Other speakers, including Joan Rudd and John Bridge, described positive experience with tribal stewardship and urged the council to trust the tribe.

Councilors said they had received many emails and that the county commissioners’ recorded work session (which the council agreed to make easily available) answered many public questions. Multiple councilors recommended that every member view that county presentation before voting. Mayor Rachel Anderson confirmed the council will place the letter‑of‑support decision on the April 27 agenda so the full council and the public have time to review the county materials.

The council did not take a formal vote on the letter at the April 13 meeting; the matter will return to the next regular meeting for decision.