TULALIP — After a rocky start, Tulalip beach community residents are now discussing concerns about the tribe’s draft shoreline regulations with the planning commission.
"This was the best meeting yet," commission chairwoman Linda Williams said after a meeting this week attended by about 80 people.
"I loved all the dialog. I thought it was a breakthrough. The community finally started trusting us with their questions and concerns."
The tribe scheduled six meetings to focus on the concerns of different beach communities after receiving criticism in September at a hearing on the regulations.
Nontribal residents complained about not being included in the process of drafting the regulations that the commission intends to help protect reservation tidelands and fish runs.
Some lands on the reservation shoreline are owned by the tribe or tribal members, while others are owned by nontribal residents.
There is a dispute about whether the nontribal landowners also own the tidelands adjacent to their properties. The Tulalip Tribes claim all reservation tidelands.
At the first meeting, the commission made a presentation and Alan Erickson, a Priest Point resident, read a statement challenging the venue as well as the tribe’s ownership of some of the tidelands.
When no one else offered comments, Williams closed the meeting.
Both sides are interested in protecting the shoreline and natural resources, but they don’t necessarily agree on what’s needed to do that.
Audience members this week asked for scientific studies about the changes in marine life along the beaches. They also asked for more input from state agencies such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and questioned the need for regulation by another jurisdiction when the state, county and federal government already exert regulatory authority there.
David Moussette, a beach community resident, said the draft rules were Draconian and give the tribe too much discretion. He said the rules should follow county policy and state shoreline regulations.
Commission member Patty Gobin said the meetings had become centered on tribal and nontribal issues, but they need to focus on how to protect the environment.
"Their comments give us a point of view we haven’t considered before," Williams said.
After a meeting Thursday and the final community meeting this week, the commission will review the comments and make changes.
Among the issues are provisions for emergency repairs of beach structures, such as docks and bulkheads, a glossary of terms and regulation of 24-hour access to docks, Williams said.
The commission then will host another public hearing.
After that, the commission will make a recommendation to the tribal board of directors regarding the draft regulations.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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