Senator Cantwell Advocates for Returning Federal Lands to Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

Legislative Proposal for Land Restoration

• 🏛️ Senator Maria Cantwell introduced S1513, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, aiming to transfer over a thousand acres of land.
• 🤝 This bill, co-sponsored by Senator Murray and Emily Randall, seeks to transfer lands currently managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

Historical Context and Dam Removal

• 🏞️ The lands in question were originally acquired by the National Park Service for the purpose of removing the two dams on the Elwa River.
• 🌊 Following extensive planning and legislation, the largest dam removal project in U.S. history occurred from 2011 to 2014, restoring over 70 miles of salmon habitat.
• 🏗️ Additional parcels were acquired for water infrastructure to support the tribe's new fish hatchery and House of Salmon, which are included in the proposed transfer.

Benefits of Land Return

• 🐟 Transferring these lands will boost habitat restoration efforts led by the Elwha tribe and federal agencies, aiding the recovery of five species of Pacific salmon and other native fish like steelhead and bull trout.
• 🌳 The return of these lands will help preserve and enhance the tribe's culture and natural resources along the river.
• 📜 Passing this bill is a significant step in the tribe's long-standing efforts to restore the Elwa River, its salmon populations, and their ancestral grounds.

Tribal Leadership and Stewardship

• 🌟 Senator Cantwell praised Chairwoman Francis Charles of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe for her long-time leadership and stewardship of the lands since 1993.
• 🌍 Chairwoman Charles's involvement in the Elwa River restoration project and her leadership during the discovery of a 3,000-year-old ancient community were highlighted as examples of her dedication.
• ✅ The senator emphasized that the tribe has remained steadfast and a great steward of these lands, making it time to return them.