Chehalis Tribal Chairman Dustin Klatush wrote a letter addressed to Lewis County commissioners Thursday reiterating the tribe’s skepticism of a potential dam on the Chehalis River, but adding the tribe remains open to studying the proposal.
A tribal spokesperson declined to say what prompted the letter on Thursday. Though, two Lewis County commissioners’ opposing opinions seem to be addressed by the statement.
“Both things can be true at the same time. The tribe is not in favor of building a dam, while at the same time, we see the benefits of continued study of the project,” Klatush wrote. “We need to continue to strive for a point where the best solutions are identified, guided by the best science of our time.”
The Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB), which is studying a potential dam project on the Chehalis River, receives roughly $70 million in state funding each biennium. The funds are evenly split between flood prevention and wildlife restoration.
The letter clarifying the tribe’s position comes after Commissioner Lindsey Pollock, the sole commissioner who was not mentioned in the letter, claims she was told in a meeting months ago with tribal officials there was “no way in the universe” the tribe would support a dam.
“I took that to mean ‘no means no,’” Pollock said Friday morning. “But apparently, with that letter, no means maybe.”
Jeff Warnke, a government relations specialist for the tribe, declined Thursday to confirm who the letter was a response to.
“The tribe’s position is more important than naming names," Warnke said.
Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope said he believes the letter was a response to Pollock.
“It’s disheartening to learn that a commissioner has disseminated inaccurate and detrimental remarks about our tribal allies,” Swope said Thursday. “Such statements do not reflect our collective principles and aims. We resolutely stand with Chairman Klatush and the Chehalis Tribe, maintaining our dedication to cooperative endeavors that enhance our communities.”
The two-page letter addressed to county commissioners says it is “disappointing that after more than a decade of the tribe’s involvement, there is still lingering questions where the tribe stands.”
“The Chehalis River lies in the heart of the Chehalis Tribe’s ceded lands and Usual and Accustomed Territory,” the letter reads. “Building a dam on its main-stem is not something we look forward to.”
According to Klatush’s letter, the Chehalis Tribe is “committed to the process” of studying impacts. The tribe’s opportunities from the project, he wrote, have so far included:
• Studying the effects of climate change on fish runs in the river
• An Aquatic Species Restoration Plan, which is looking into long-term solutions to dwindling fish populations
• The Sicmond Ford Bridge Project, which elevated flooding on the Chehalis reservation
• A sub-committee of the Chehalis Basin Board examining non dam alternatives.
“And, yes, we are studying what the effects would be if a dam were ever built on our river,” Klatush wrote.
According to Klatush’s letter, “the Chehalis Basin Process has been able to benefit fish while the science is being developed, and the Chehalis Tribe applauds the resources this process has brought to the Chehalis Tribe’s homeland.”
The letter says the tribe appreciates “the relationship and conversations we have been able to forge with Commissioner Swope and Commissioner Brummer.”
Brummer did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
“Building a relationship with Chehalis Tribal Chairman Klatush over the past year has been a true privilege. Our ongoing dialogues, centered around uplifting our communities and forging meaningful partnerships, have been insightful and productive,” Swope said.
J. Vander Stoep, an OCB board member, said the letter was “very consistent with what the Chehalis Tribe has said for a long time.”
“Dams have a negative history of impacting fish runs in our region and the Chehalis have made clear they are very skeptical and concerned,” Vander Stoep said. “The job of the flood zone district is to prove, with the best science, that this unique structure which will not function as a dam 99% of the time, will not have a negative net impact on the fishery or culture resources.”
Vander Stoep said participants in the “Chehalis basin process have committed to getting the best science on both fish enhancement and flood protection and the Chehalis letter is also consistent with that view.”
Similarly, Klatush said it is “vital” that the Chehalis Basin Strategy players see the best available science before any permanent decisions are made.
“Time will tell — and it won’t be my decision — but I am optimistic the Chehalis Basin Strategy can get to the level where the Chehalis basin process participants will come to the view that the structure can be built because there can be a significant net win for all of the participants and their communities,” Vander Stoep said.
