I received a response from the Regional Director, Mr. Hugh Morrison of the Fish and Wildlife. In this email he states that the draft agreement has not been finalized. It is now time to write to him and ask for a public meeting on this matter...BEFORE anything is finalized. Send an email to: hugh_morrison@fws.gov. Here it is:
July 18th, 2024
Ms. Marschall,
Thank you for your interest in the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe to develop a co-stewardship agreement regarding Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges.
Exercising their right to self-determination under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe has requested to lead operations of these refuges. Under this law and multiple policies regarding tribal co-stewardship, FWS has worked in partnership with the Tribe on a draft agreement. The agreement has not been finalized.
Please know that under any co-stewardship agreement, Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge would remain units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and would continue to be managed in accordance with laws and regulations applicable to refuges. FWS is confident that under any agreement, if finalized, the Tribe would provide sound management and would provide regular reporting to FWS on operations.
FWS is committed to the goals of tribal sovereignty and our tribal trust responsibilities. We are also committed to our responsibilities to manage all National Wildlife Refuges consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act and all other applicable laws and policies. The draft agreement reflects these complementary responsibilities.
We greatly value your input and your interest in the ongoing stewardship of Dungeness and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuges.
Sincerely,
Hugh
Hugh Morrison
Regional Director
Pacific Region One
911 NE 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
(503) 231-2282
(he/him/his)