Tribal, archaeological sites receive protection
Lowered water levels on the Wanapum Reservoir have brought about issues with public safety and preservation of archaeological sites. A bill recently signed into law protects the archaeological locations from being revealed in public records requests.
OLYMPIA - A bill protecting the locations of tribal burial grounds and other archaeological sites has been signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee.
The legislation, which makes information about the locations of archaeological resources unavailable to the public through public records requests, was passed unanimously by the House, with 47 votes in favor and two opposed in the Senate.
Some shores of the Columbia River in Grant PUD's Priest Rapids Project contain artifacts from the Wanapum and other Native American tribes that lived and traveled along the river.
Lately, artifact protection and public safety have been concerns because of the lowered Wanapum Reservoir, which has exposed shoreline. Two human skeletons, believed to be of archaeological significance, were found after the water was lowered.
"This bill is about respect for our Indian tribes," main sponsor Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, told the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Tribes are reluctant to share sensitive information about where their ancestors might be buried or artifacts could be found. They're worried about "people who might go digging around," said Sen. Pam Roach.
"This bill is to help protect that by making the whereabouts of such objects a little more shielded," Roach said.
The supporters of HB 2724 hope it will encourage tribes to entrust local governments with more information so they can prevent sites from being accidentally disturbed during development.
The bill was amended so property owners can get information about their own property from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP).
"Perhaps they have some cultural data on their property and they may not know about it, and this allows that to happen," said Sen. Linda Parlette, R-Wenatchee, who proposed the change.
DAHP preservation officer Allyson Brooks said it was important for landowners to know that the department wouldn't stop construction because of archaeological finds.
"I think it's a bit of a myth, a scare, that things will stop, when we all work very hard to keep projects going. A lot of times tribes will come out and do the work for free with property owners," Brooks said at the senate hearing.
Lawmakers also clarified that the bill relates to information regarding the locations of historical resources shared between tribal governments, state agencies or local governments.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
