Tribe reopens Lake Quinault to swimming

TAHOLAH — The Quinault Tribal Nation has reopened Lake Quinault to swimming, although the tribal president says she remains concerned about water quality.

The tribe closed the Olympic Peninsula lake last month to swimming and other non-tribal activities, citing pollution problems, unsafe activities, invasive species issues and diminished fish runs.

Non-tribal boating and other recreational activities remain banned at the tribe-owned lake.

Quinault Nation President Fawn Sharp said Tuesday in a statement that the tribe intends “to manage our sacred lake in a way that preserves its natural integrity for generations to come.”

Sharp has said tribal leaders are concerned that leaky septic tanks owned by non-tribal residents in the area may have caused untreated sewage to get into the lake. She also says boats from outside the area can bring invasive mussel species, which she calls “lake killers.”