As we see across the nation, the Trump administration is dumping National Wildlife Refuges to private entities like SpaceX. This Trump nominated judge is going along with it. The plaintiffs will be appealing up the court system. It raises the question of why is U.S. Representative Emily Randall running the playbook of Project 2025 and attempting to dump our local national wildlife refuges to the privately held Jamestown Tribe? Especially since we are so close to an election that we are hoping will turn the tide in Congress?
SpaceX’s operations have caused significant damage to the fragile bird habitat surrounding the launch site, according to a New York Times investigation. A rocket launch in 2024 sent debris flying into the refuge, crushing birds’ nests and igniting a small fire, the investigation found.
Filed under: Environmental Law, Environmental Protection, Government, legislation | Tagged: Emily Randall, protection island, U.S. Representative Emily Randall |
Join us this Wednesday. The People for Protection Island and Dungeness will be meeting with Emily Randall’s staff on Wednesday, Sept 23, at 2:45 pm at the Cape George Clubhouse, at the bottom of Marina Drive. Hear about Randall’s plans to give away the Refuges, and for her to hear and understand our opposition.
ProtectRefuges.org
For me, this more raises the question of why anyone would be opposing transfer of Protection Island and Dungeness Spit to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. It’s clear that given the political divide in our country that continued federal ownership is no safeguard against transfer or exploitation. And whatever happens in November’s elections could change again 2 years later.
The Tribe has proven itself to be community-minded, is much easier to engage than bureaucrats in Washington DC, and is guided by cultural traditions that are compatible with preservation of nature. I can’t think of a better owner in today’s political climate.
No one is saying the Tribe is not doing a good job as CO-MANAGER. That is how we want it to stay. Public Lands should stay in Public Hands. We are not willing to give in to the Trump Administration nor a supposed Democrat who is enabling Project 2025. Sorry. The long term plans of the Tribe can drastically change over time. Once they have the Wildlife Preserves there is absolutely zero guarantee they will continue in the same way. And then we will have zero say in what happens. Too many of us have fought too hard to create these national treasures. We are not willing to give them away to any private entity. And that includes tribes.