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DRMT hears reservoir, well and grant updates; congressional proposal would transfer 900 acres to BIA
Summary
DRMT received staff updates on off‑channel reservoir design and McDonald Creek geotech work, a DFW grant application for a point‑of‑diversion screen, a Silverhorn deep‑well bid, and an announcement that a congressional package would seek transfer of about 900 acres from USFWS to the Bureau of Indian Affairs while preserving conservation and public access.
At the April 8 meeting the DRMT heard multiple project and program updates. Rebecca Mahan reported the off‑channel reservoir project is reviewing a 30% design reset, with a planned May update to the board and an expected third contract amendment with Ecology to fund a point‑of‑diversion feasibility study. She also said a geotechnical RFP for McDonald Creek received one response and contracting is underway to obtain updated site data.
Nate White of the Department of Fish and Wildlife said DFW submitted a Streamflow Restoration Grant application in March to fund construction of a point‑of‑diversion screen and expects an award decision in September; he said partner letters of support had been submitted.
City and county announcements included a notice from Clallam County that a streamkeepers coordinator position is open (applications due Friday) and a City of Sequim call for bids for the Silverhorn deep well (roughly 600 feet) with construction planned this summer and funding via the state Public Works Board.
DRMT also heard an announcement about a tribal land‑transfer package that congressional representatives are preparing: the proposal would transfer approximately 900 acres currently managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Protection Island Wildlife Refuge) to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, restoring tribal stewardship while expressly preserving conservation purposes, public access and wildlife protections. The announcement stressed there would be no loss of state lands or private interests, that entrance fees collected at the refuge remain part of the management arrangement, and that the transfer would be federal budget‑neutral.
Members asked for and were offered a one‑page summary about the legislative package and were directed to the River Center website and DRMT staff for more detailed materials.
