CC Letters: Issue No. 48
RE: Proposed Land Transfer, NAC Maui Conference, Streamflow Restoration Grant, Lyons Landing
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to: Kenny.Ocker@dnr.wa.gov
cc: [Redacted] bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com
date: Apr 11, 2026, 12:00 PM subject: Formal Public Comment Regarding the Proposed Transfer of Sequim Bay Land to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.
Dear Mr. Kenny Ocker,
I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed land transfer involving Sequim Bay to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. As a resident of Clallam County, I have significant concerns regarding the transparency of this process, the long-term stewardship of the land, and the broader impact on the public interest.
This proposal is part of a broader trend of aggressive land acquisition by Ron Allen, CEO of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, a community of under 230 people, which currently holds a substantial business portfolio and owns approximately 1,800 acres of land. My concerns are centered on the following key issues:
- Economic Impact and Tax Revenue: Clallam County has an aging demographic with a median household income under $53,000. The transfer of public land to tribal status removes it from the local tax base, potentially decreasing funding for essential services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Given that local residents are already facing a 30 percent increase in the cost of living, we cannot afford to absorb the financial burden of lost tax revenues.
- Public Access and Transparency: There has been a notable lack of public discourse regarding this transfer and other initiatives involving the Federal Dungeness Wildlife Refuge and Protection Island Refuge. I am concerned that these acquisitions will lead to restricted public access, as has occurred with other formerly public areas now under tribal control.
- Public Benefit and Precedent: It is unclear how this transfer serves the broader community of 70,000 residents. Transferring public land without rigorous scrutiny risks setting a precedent that could affect public lands throughout Washington State.
In light of these concerns, I strongly urge you to pause any advancement of this land transfer until the following steps are completed:
1. A comprehensive public impact analysis is conducted and released to the community.
2. Full transparency is provided regarding all involved parties and intended outcomes.
3. A robust public engagement process is established to allow for community input.
4. An independent review confirms that the transfer serves a clear and measurable public benefit.
Sequim Bay land is a vital asset to our community and future generations. DNR cannot predict the future use of these Washingtion lands or other Washington State public lands the Tribe is asking for. It would beneficial if Mr. Ron Allen would inform the 70,000 residents of Clallam County what his grand master plan is? Has DNR received a letters of support from the Clallam County Commissioners or other elected leaders on this land transfer?
I respectfully request a response outlining the Department of Natural Resources’ position on these concerns and the specific steps you intend to take moving forward.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Redacted]
to:”Gores, Loni” <loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov>
cc: [Redacted], “Mielke, Todd” <Todd.Mielke@clallamcountywa.gov>
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com date: May 11, 2026, 11:39 PM
subject: Mark Ozias NAC Conference, Hyatt Regency Maui May 5-8, 2026
Dear Loni,
Please share the following public comment with the Commissioners. Thank you.
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my disappointment regarding Commissioner Mark Ozias’s recent travel to the National Association of Counties conference in Maui (May 5–8, 2026). The attached screenshots detail excessive costs that I believe were not transparently disclosed to avoid public scrutiny.
Taxpayers should not fund extravagant travel. I request that Commissioner Ozias immediately reimburse Clallam County for all conference expenses. Additionally, his approval of nearly $75,000 in taxpayer funds for WSAC membership fees constitutes a conflict of interest for personal gain, particularly as WSAC Director Mitch Netzer noted Ozias spends significant time traveling outside the county.
Public service requires integrity and accountability. Current leadership is failing to align with the core values stated on the county website.
Sincerely,
[Redacted]
— — —
On Thu, May 14, 2026, 11:49 AM Johnson, Randy <randy.johnson@clallamcountywa.gov> wrote:
First, I believe the NACO locations vary every year, and this year it was Hawaii’s turn.
I (evidently you disagree) was pleased that someone from Clallam County was in attendance. Every year the western counties have a fight with Congress for both Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to compensate our county for the large amount of land tied up in government control and on which no taxes are paid. This directly affects funding for our schools and law enforcement. We used to have a paid lobbyist who represented Clallam County directly on these issues, but Clallam County could not afford to continue this expense. This leaves our county’s ability to lobby for these very important funds only through NACO and individually with our Congressional delegation. From experience, I know we are much more effective when we have direct representation in person and individuals that can lobby Congress directly when the legislation is introduced. There are many other important issues that this conference covers, but this is one which I follow, and I appreciate having our voice at the table.
Finally, you seem to believe that there is personal gain. Not sure how you arrived at that conclusion? I personally do not like conferences, but I believe there are many direct benefits to Clallam County from Mark’s attendance at this conference.
Randy
— — —
to: ”Johnson, Randy” <randy.johnson@clallamcountywa.gov>
cc: ”Gores, Loni” <loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov>
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com date: May 14, 2026, 1:26 PM
subject: Re: FW: Mark Ozias NAC Conference, Hyatt Regency Maui May 5-8, 2026
Dear Commissioner Johnson,
I appreciate your response and the information you provided.
I am interested to understand why the County Commissioners do not seek support from Representative Adam Bernbaum, Senator Mike Chapman, Representative Steve Tharinger, or Senator Emily Randall on these congressional issues. Furthermore, the County website does not list the benefits of Washington Association of Counties (WSAC) membership that you mentioned, such as support for schools, law enforcement, or tax relief. I have not seen reports from school board members, Sheriff King, or local media indicating that funding is sourced through the National Association of Counties (NACo) or WSAC.
During the May 12, 2026, Commissioners meeting, I noted that there were no agenda items regarding NACo or WSAC. I request that these topics be included on all future agendas for transparency.
According to Mitch Netzer, Director of Communications & Business Development at WSAC, Mark Ozias spends a significant amount of time on WSAC activities. In my view, a Commissioner’s primary focus should be to lead, manage, and communicate with their constituents. Holding a demanding role with a state non-profit detracts from these responsibilities.
Additionally, I believe it is misleading to suggest that this travel is not funded by taxpayers, as the $40,000 WSAC membership fee effectively subsidizes these activities.
Thank you,
[Redacted]
— — —
On Thu, May 14, 2026, 4:07 PM Johnson, Randy <randy.johnson@clallamcountywa.gov> wrote:
We do receive support from out entire delegation. The point is that we need support from almost all western counties to get most legislation such as PILT to pass. The counties in unison representing both D’s and R’s have a unifying issue with their federal land not paying taxes. The state representatives support us, but this is a federal issue.
Randy
to: ”Talebi, Bobbak (ECY)” <BTAL461@ecy.wa.gov>,
“Fleskes, Robin (ECY)” <rojo461@ecy.wa.gov>
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com date: Apr 5, 2026, 6:10 PM
subject: Formal objection to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Streamflow Restoration Grant request
Dear Mr. Talebi, Ms. Fleskes, and Steamflow Restoration Review Board Members:
I am submitting a formal objection to the Streamflow Restoration Grant application for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. This objection is based on statutory intent, regulatory compliance, and the equitable distribution of limited public resources under Washington law.
The Streamflow Restoration program, governed by RCW 90.94, was enacted to offset the impacts of domestic groundwater withdrawals and prioritize projects with measurable benefits to impaired watersheds. The Legislature’s intent includes the responsible and equitable allocation of funds across Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs).
Furthermore, RCW 43.21A and WAC 173-95 require that public funds be awarded based on clear criteria, including cost-effectiveness, demonstrated need, and accountability.
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe operates a highly diversified and financially robust portfolio of enterprises, including gaming, hospitality, construction, retail, fuel, a cannabis shop, healthcare, seafood and natural resources, and telecommunications. These enterprises generate substantial independent revenue and provide internal capacity for capital-intensive projects. Of particular concern is the Tribe’s ownership of vertically integrated construction businesses. An entity with the financial resources and operational capacity to execute projects independently does not align with the intended prioritization of limited grant funds.
Additionally, WAC 173-95 requires transparency and proper stewardship of public funds. When an applicant has affiliated business entities capable of performing project work, increased scrutiny is necessary to ensure competitive procurement and reasonable costs. Without strict oversight, such arrangements may conflict with the fiscal accountability standards embedded in state grant regulations.
The Department must also consider cumulative funding exposure. The Tribe is a recurring recipient of federal and state funding across multiple sectors. This financial position is materially stronger than that of many municipalities and nonprofit watershed organizations competing for these same funds. Awarding grants to financially capable entities reduces availability for those lacking alternative financing, undermining the equitable distribution required by RCW 90.94.
I respectfully request that the Department of Ecology Review Board:
1. Require a formal financial capacity analysis for any application submitted by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.
2. Apply heightened scrutiny under WAC 173-95 to ensure transparency in procurement and affiliated contracting.
3. Prioritize applicants demonstrating clear financial need and a lack of alternative funding sources.
4. Deny funding where financial necessity cannot be independently verified.
Absent these safeguards, approval of such funding would be inconsistent with the statutory intent of RCW 90.94 and the accountability standards of WAC 173-95.
Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to the equitable management of Washington State’s water resources.
Please confirm receipt of my email and that the Streamflow Restoration Review Committee gets a copy of my email and reasons for my objection.
Respectfully,
[Redacted]
to: ”Gores, Loni” <loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov>,
“Johnson, Randy” <randy.johnson@clallamcountywa.gov>,
todd.miekle@clallamcounty.gov
bcc: clallamityjen@gmail.com date:May 25, 2026, 7:26 PM
subject: Habitat for Humanity Lyons Landing, Carlsborg
Dear Loni, Mr. Mielke, and Commissioner Johnson,
I am writing to request clarification regarding the allocation of $800,000 from the Opportunity Fund, which was approved in December 2025 for the Habitat for Humanity Clallam County 45 single-family development, known as Lyons Landing located in Carlsborg.
I have been anticipating an update on this project, but no information has been disseminated. My recent inquiry to Jessica Dietzman, Communications and Administrative Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, yielded the response, “The project is not at the stage to share this information yet. I’ve ccd our CEO Colleen Robinson on here as well.”
Could you please elaborate on how this project aligns with the Clallam County Opportunity Fund mission statement and the Revised Code of Washington?
The Function of Rural County Sales and Use Tax (RCW 82.14.370) specifies that the funds collected should be utilized for financing public facilities in rural counties.
The Clallam County Opportunity Fund is a county economic development fund established under Washington State law (RCW 82.14.370) to finance public infrastructure projects that promote economic development, create jobs, or retain jobs in economically depressed rural counties.
A key distinction is that the Opportunity Fund is not a general social services grant pool. It is legally structured around economic development infrastructure and related public facility investments.
The County defines the fund primarily as a source for:
Public infrastructure improvements
Economic development facilities
Utility and transportation infrastructure
Projects intended to stimulate private investment and employment
Limited staffing/personnel support for economic development offices
Habitat for Humanity is a national non-profit organization with access to its own financial resources.
I am interested in understanding the rationale behind Colleen Robinson’s recent travel to Georgia for participation in a Habitat project, as it would appear more advantageous to prioritize local housing initiatives.
Additionally, as a Housing Solutions board member, did the committee review Habitat’s 2024 990 tax filing before disbursing the $800,000?
Thank you,
[Redacted]
Next Issue: Monday, June 8, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
🗣️ Public Comment Period Opens Today!
Ecology’s draft periodic review report about the K Ply cleanup site on Port Angeles Harbor is now available for public comment.
Please submit comments before June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Cleanup at K Ply
K Ply, at 439 Marine Drive in Port Angeles, was used as a lumber mill and plywood mill from 1926 to 2011. The site is in the process of being redeveloped but is currently vacant except for a wash facility to clean yachts.
2016 cleanup at K Ply included removing over 50,000 tons of soil, bioremediation, and groundwater monitoring. Because some contamination was left behind during cleanup, Ecology reviews conditions at the site about every five years to make sure human health and the environment are still protected.
Draft periodic review results
Ecology found that the cleanup is generally working as intended. However, concentrations of diesel in groundwater remain above cleanup levels. Diesel levels may not reach cleanup goals within 10 years of the cleanup work (by 2026), as planned.
The property owner, the Port of Port Angeles, in coordination with Ecology, will collect data to inform a decision on whether the site needs more cleanup to address diesel concentrations.
The Port is also responsible for sampling groundwater twice a year to monitor the cleanup effectiveness.
For more details, please take a look at the draft periodic review report, which is available at the K Ply webpage.
Download the draft periodic review (22 MB)
Submit your comments
Please submit comments online at go.ecology.wa.gov/comment28. The comment period closes on Monday, June 15 at 11:59 PM.
If you have any questions about this periodic review, please reach out to Connie Groven at connie.groven@ecy.wa.gov.
For questions about public involvement, ADA accessibility, or to request materials in a language other than English, please contact Carolyn Subramaniam at carolyn.subramaniam@ecy.wa.gov.
Carolyn Subramaniam
Public Involvement Coordinator
carolyn.subramaniam@ecy.wa.gov
564-250-0563
Accessibility: To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, email Ecology’s ADA Coordinator or call 360-407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY). Visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility.
🇺🇸 Response from the U.S. Department of the Interior:
From Clallam Freedom Alliance re: Stop the Transfer of Dungeness and Protection Island Refuges (Sign & share petition here):
A physical mail response came in from Thomas A. Blaser, Chief Adminstrative Judge of the US. Department of the Interior.
He told us to send all concerns to the: Northwest Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 911 Northwest 11th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232-4169.
As we now know calling is best: 360-291-7684.
✍️ Redress State Legislators in District 24:
Senator Mike Chapman: (360) 786-7646, email form
Representative Adam Bernbaum: (360) 786-7916, email form
Representative Steve Tharinger: (360) 786-7904, email form
✍️ Redress Clallam County Commissioners:
Mark Ozias: Mark.Ozias@clallamcountywa.gov
Randy Johnson: Randy.Johnson@clallamcountywa.gov
Mike French: Mike.French@clallamcountywa.gov
Loni Gores, Clerk: Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Find all other Clallam County officials, offices, and employees in the staff directory.
To have your letter published in Clallam County Letters, please include clallamityjen@gmail.com in the BCC field or forward the email after sending.
Public Record Notice:
Published correspondences were transmitted to local government offices and copied, or forwarded by the sender, to the publisher. They are reproduced here as received.
Personal identifiers have been redacted where appropriate to protect individual privacy. No substantive alterations have been made.
Publication of this material is for record-keeping and transparency purposes only and does not constitute endorsement, analysis, or opinion by the publisher.
"Every year the western counties have a fight with Congress for both Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to compensate our county for the large amount of land tied up in government control and on which no taxes are paid."
Where's his concern when it comes to land tied up by the tribe "on which no taxes are paid?"
Comm. Johnson says the issue is federal, so enlisting the help from WASC and NACo is more beneficial than our own elected representatives. What?! Emily Randall is a U.S. congresswoman. It is her sworn duty to be front and center on these issues, fighting for us, her constituents. This tells me she isn't fulfilling her duties because she's fighting for Tribal rights.