Each spring, when the creeks and rivers begin to swell again, Steelhead and Coho parr (young salmon between the stages of fry and smolt) are preparing to migrate. This process is known as smoltification, which is characterized by the development of the shiny, silvery scales that will externally distinguish them as so-called ‘smolts’ but also involves other complex physiological changes, such as increased salinity tolerance and olfactory imprinting, which are critical to their success in the oceanic phase of their life cycle. And all hands are on deck at Natural Resources to support the Fisheries team in monitoring these juvenile …READ MORE
Announcements
In Case You Missed It!
If you were not able to attend the Natural Resources hosted community dinner last month or didn’t get a chance to view all of the posters, you can download a PDF version of the posters highlighting current programs HERE:
Deadline for Applying for Fall 2023 School Soon Approaching!
Application deadline is June 30th. Applications can be found on the LEKT Higher Education page https://www.elwha.org/departments/education/ Also, this year is the first year that 1st generation LEKT descendants are eligible to apply for higher education assistance, (1st generation descendants must not be enrolled in another tribe and must complete and descendant enrollment paperwork with the LEKT enrollment office).
LEKT Retail Fireworks Application
The Business Committee is excited to offer this business opportunity to eligible LEKT Enrolled Members. Requires strict retail space specifications, cash deposits, and commitment to safety. Please review all associated documents for eligibility and requirements. Use the Smartsheet link to apply! Firework Eligibility & App 4.5.23 Fireworks- EXAMPLE ACCEPTABLE TENT LEKT Retail Fireworks Policy 2023 Apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b287a71548fc4cf8a9ce90c31151e267
May 2023 Newsletter
Read the May 2023 Newsletter Here (PDF)
Volunteers Needed!
Come help us learn what’s hiding in the mud! LEKT Fisheries biologists are collecting sediment samples from the Elwha River estuary to understand the role of the benthic community to support salmon diet. Volunteers are needed to help sort sediment samples & identify critters. When: May 15-19 – 10am-2pm For more info or to sign-up, contact chelsea.behymer@elwha.org Sediment Grabs Volunteer Callout (PDF)
Elwha River: Tributaries & Volunteers
Just West of the Elwha River, near the new bridge construction on Highway 101, I join Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) Natural Resources Department staff, Clallam Conservation District (CCD) organizers and local volunteers who are gathered around a trailer full of young plants. Recovering pre-dam salmon habitat in the Elwha valley goes beyond the Elwha River itself; it includes tributaries that provide water, sediments and organic material, as well as places for adults to spawn and their offspring to grow. The importance of Indian Creek for fish habitat has only been recently realized once again. “I had surveyed Indian Creek …READ MORE
Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Event
Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Community Event Thursday, April 27, 2023 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 am Front of Lower Elwha Food & Fuel Store 4773 S Dry Creek Rd, Port Angeles Contact us: Beatriz Arakawa Cellular: (360) 460.1745 or Beatriz.arakawa@elwha.org Jessica Guthrie Cellular: (360) 775.5029 or Jessica.Guthrie@elwha.org Dylan Godsey, Office: (360) 681.5601 or dgodsey@jamestowntribe.org Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Event April 27th 2023 (PDF)
2023 Missing & Murdered Woman Solidarity Walk
It is that time again to get together to honor and remember the missing and murdered Indigenous Women and People. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe join together in bringing MMIW/P walk on: May 5th from 10:00 AM sign making at Vern Burton 11:00 AM walk to Clallam Bus transit Gateway Port Angeles, and 11:30 PM to 1:00 PM lunch gathering at Elwha Heritage Center. Bring poster if able, your drum, family and friends and stay warm. Contact: Dgodsey@Jamestowntribe.org or Beatriz.Arakawa@elwha.org or 360.460.1745. S’KLALLAMKLALLAM SOLIDARITY WALK Flyer (PDF)
Swimming Wellness Passe
Lower Elwha Contract Health is offering a one-time family swimming pass (12 visits) to Shore Aquatic Center in Port Angeles This one-time service offers assistance at pulling together to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, by encouraging and promoting health and wellness through physical activity in LEKT families, youth, and adults, to lessen the families” financial burden and expand opportunities to recover and thrive. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Enrolled LEKT tribal member 18 or older, 1st generation descendent Must be contract health services eligible Updated PAO21 on file Completed needs assessment form One pass per eligible household/ person Must reside in Clallam County Passes …READ MORE