Tribal leaders ask Clallam County for letter backing proposed transfer of Dungeness and Protection Island refuges

Jamestown S'Klallam tribal representatives presented to the Clallam County Board of Commissioners on April 13, 2026, detailing two years of co‑management at Dungeness and Protection Island refuges and a draft federal bill, the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Land Transfer Act of 2026, and requested a county letter of support.

The presenters described a two‑year co‑management record that they said included restroom and signage upgrades, a modernized fee system, expanded education programming and stronger wildlife monitoring. "We are looking to transfer that land from Fish and Wildlife to the Department of the Interior and the BIA with the intention of moving that into trust lands," said Lani Brandingram, who introduced the tribe’s presentation and framed the legislation as advancing tribal self‑government while maintaining public access.

Refuge manager Fawn Weidner and natural‑resources director Chelsea House described the refuges' operations under the co‑management agreement and cited ecological work including invasive‑species control and habitat restoration. Weidner said volunteer and staff efforts expanded research and monitoring and credited an annual base allocation (described in the presentation) plus reinvested recreation fees for part of the funding.

Commissioners raised repeated questions about whether and how public access, fees, and hunting or shellfishing rules would change under tribal ownership. "If there's a conservation reason that would drive that, ... that would be something that we would need to talk about," Brandingram responded, and added that public access commitments are included in the draft legislation.

The presentation included data on invasive European green crab at Dungeness Spit; Weidner reported 104 crabs collected in 2024 and 1,668 in 2025 and said eradication is unlikely but control and monitoring efforts have intensified. Commissioners pressed about enforcement and jurisdiction; staff said tribal law enforcement is cross‑deputized to coordinate with the county sheriff’s office and Fish and Wildlife Service for incidents involving non‑tribal visitors.

On process, presenters said the bill is at an early stage and that Representative Emily Randall’s office had received draft language. The tribe said they expect more outreach to tribes and community stakeholders and indicated introduction was being considered for 2027. The county did not take a formal vote but staff said the request for a letter of support and related correspondence would be placed on the regular meeting agenda for further consideration.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to bring a draft letter and any clarifying language for a future meeting, and to follow up on technical questions about funding mechanisms, draft tribal management plans and timelines for outreach.