First, I really appreciate this article and the effort behind it. The Elwha issue deserves public attention, and I think the petition approach is a strong example of lawful, community-led advocacy. My comment is offered in that spirit of support, because I think the article’s argument is actually stronger with the cleanest possible foundation.
I understand the spirit of the Margaret Mead quote. Citizens absolutely can create change. But for me, the issue is that true things should be supported by true foundations.
The Mead quote is widely repeated, but its attribution is not fully settled. Quote Investigator notes that researchers have not found the quotation in Mead’s own body of work and that the earliest strong match appeared after her death, attributed to Mead without a clear source (O’Toole, 2017). That does not make the sentiment false, but it does make it a weaker anchor for a serious public-access argument.
A stronger foundation may be Washington’s own constitutional language: “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed” (Washington State Constitution, art. I, § 1). The same article also protects “the right of petition and of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good” (Washington State Constitution, art. I, § 4).
That fits this effort beautifully. The Elwha petition is not powerful merely because a small group is morally committed. It is powerful because citizens are using a lawful, public process to ask the proper agencies for transparency, a timeline, and accountable action.
That distinction matters, especially because CC Watchdog has rightly criticized other activists for using moral conviction as a reason to disregard the law (Tozzer, 2026). This petition is different, and that difference is worth highlighting. It models civic action through lawful process rather than shortcutting around it.
Good causes are stronger when they are supported by good facts, lawful process, and consistent standards. In my view, that is what makes this article and this effort worth supporting.
References
O’Toole, G. (2017, November 12). Quote origin: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Quote Investigator. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/11/12/change-world/
The commissioners did not answer yesterday's email asking if their views have evolved about placing stickers on public property. Here is another email from yesterday sent to all three commissioners and County Administrator Todd Mielke:
Dear Commissioners and County Administrator,
I’m writing to request some clarification regarding the recent notice that next week’s work session and regular meeting have been canceled.
Specifically, could you please provide more information on the following:
What is the “WIR” conference that Commissioner Ozias is scheduled to attend?
Who organizes this conference, and what is its purpose or focus?
What specific scheduling conflict necessitates canceling both the work session and the regular meeting?
Were alternative options considered to maintain the meeting schedule, such as rescheduling or proceeding with a quorum?
Given the importance of these public meetings for transparency and community engagement, I believe it’s important for residents to understand the reasoning behind this decision.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
Problem with Jen's article is the opposing carpetbaggers don't agree with Jake so he is the problem and invectives can be yelled at him with impunity. Made this with big words so the nasty old white haired ladies won't understand.
We would LOVE to see the Elwha River Road reopened to restore one of our local treasures~! I hope that this worthy project is one that the good folks of Clallam County can all get behind, because it will help to breathe life back into our community in many ways... Have a wonderful Sunday and keep up the great work~!
Recently the Hoh was, and always will be, eating away at the road to enter the park. A slight difference may be that it was in county road jurisdiction, but what a massive lift that was coordinated to reopen it.
What can be leveraged from that event, to this one?
Thank you so much Jake for initiating this reasonable effort. When one thinks of the quagmire that is Recompete to bring money and jobs into the area versus something so obvious as this it's hard to understand how this has languished for so long. This is such a reasonable and non-political action that I can't imagine any neighbor not signing it. I'll get this printed and get my walking shoes on. This effort is for everyone to act on as a force multiplier. Signatures are needed, but moreso boots on the ground from everyone.
Well said MK, also we can circulate petition electronically for people to sign and have that capability. Rose Marshall does that all the time and for the ones that don’t have it we can hit the stores and get signatures that way. What are y’all‘s thoughts? Have a fabulous Sunday.
It's my way of describing an Independent getting space from the two entities nationally that do us no good, rather harm, locally. My belief is that there are more people wanting this space than being controlled.
50 years ago my dad told me," the park wants to keep us out of the back country "
Take a look at a map from the late 60s compare the roads into the Olympics then to present.
The road could have been fixed by local company's in 6 months or sured up to keep it from washing out in the first place, but the plan was to keep the human traffic out.
2 lakes 2 campgrounds a resort 2 trailhead. We did get a beautiful river sure wish I could take my granddaughters fishing.
It is genuinely refreshing to see our community come together around a truly non-partisan issue! Reopening the Elwha corridor is a shared goal that unites us all and is incredibly important for our local economy and our connection to the park.
Because restoring the Olympic Hot Springs Road in a shifting river valley is such a massive undertaking, it’s going to require serious Washington-level support and intervention from our congressional representatives. We saw with the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center that securing funding for large federal projects requires a ton of persistence to navigate national politics, which is exactly why building a unified, grassroots voice right now is so valuable.
We also have to keep in mind that the National Park Service is currently doing its best to navigate significant budget constraints, reduced staffing, and rising construction costs nationwide. They are stretched thin just trying to maintain their current assets. But this actually makes our community's involvement even more critical! When the agency is strapped for cash, community-led support can help elevate our specific needs.
While reopening this road is an absolute top priority for us regionally, it needs our help to become a priority nationally. This petition is a fantastic, proactive first step to making our voices heard. If we stay positive and keep up a coordinated, long-term effort to lobby for federal funding, we can absolutely make an impact!
Thank you for your comment, Porcine Wonder. Passionate folks like will bring this community-led effort to fruition and return access to the Elwha River cooridor.
One of the most important aspects of getting the mission accomplished is communication among the forces that actuate. It is nice to see that the Clallam County Watchdog has opened eyes, ears, and minds to the unique area that we live within, and the hidden challenges that we face, knowingly or otherwise. Every taxable real estate parcel in Clallam County is unfairly assessed in value due to having the vast majority of the land non-taxable, and becoming even less equitable as lands are allegedly "ceded", swapped, granted, whatever, to tax-exempt entities, which places higher "value" on privately owned land. Conservation easements, lands held in trust, government properties, reservations, held by non-profits and NGOs surround our privately owned properties, not contributing to the real estate taxes in Clallam County, and elsewhere. There will be those who would aregue, for the sake of arguing, that ONP, Military Bases, State lands, County, City, et al. do contribute to the tax base via the people who are employed at these taxpayer funded establishments, and the tourists they draw; different ball game. Infrastructure, medical facilities, etc. are supported by real estate taxes and levies with sovereigns having use, but contributing little to nothing; in-fact, increasing O & M, etc. on facilities such as water and wastewater treatment plants, power grid, roads,, etc. in both Port Angeles and Sequim, et al. Knowledge is power, and CCW enhances awareness, which spurs curiosty/research, and resultant action/rectification. It has been stated by some who believe themselves to be above the commoners, that "It is easier (key word) to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission"; but the caveat is that it takes far more (fill in blank____) to rescind or strike those actions later, than to avoid them altogether, in the first place. Such is the case with the Dungeness National Widlife Refuge, The Upper Elwha Valley and other public lands under consideration by people who have no skin in the game to "cede" ot "take back", and would do well to stop offering other people's money and resources for their personal agendas and consider the far-reaching consequences. For every action, there is an equal and opposing reaction, followed by consequences. People are not born stupid, they are indoctinated into mental incapacitation to fulfill nefarious agendas, including the transfer of wealth, thereby reducing quality of life; the reason that all natives (in proper context) have lived here for generations, and aren't going anywhere.
Thanks for writing this Jake. I will sign the petition.
When I wore a younger mans clothes , Humes Ranch and the Olympic hot springs were a cherished location for camping. At that time the "gateway" was 3.5 miles from Humes Ranch. Now its over 9 miles to Humes and over 10 to get to Olympic.
Having the river go anywhere at any time isn't any good for anyone not even the salmon. Its natural..sort of. They still pull out sediment so as not to choke out wild salmon beds but after 16 years they still have zero wild population and we have had hatchery fish only. More river mismagaement by NOPLE....Oh yee of good methane and bad methane....Good stagnant water and..bad stagnant water. I wonder how you spell flubber and magic beans in those tribal letters.
And they want land up there?? They don't want people up there. They started tearing down historic shelters 40 years ago. Its been a systematic closure of access.
People with the old-Park mentality have retired. The word re-creation means something very important. The Elwha with it's two campgrounds and trails were classic. Administrators come and go. I'd love to see new shelters built. Need a new-CCC crew of people who need jobs up there. The cheap solution for the bridges is to just install removable ones until (if) the river stabilizes. I suppose they could route around and above the river, but would be pricey.
I had the privilege of being in "conservation aide" for three years. I was being groomed to walk a "grid", fix small engines and on the finer points of how to use a Pulaski. I was in like Flynn to the forest management system. Then Reagan wanted his 300 ship Navy and natural management was born. When the Lincoln Day storm blew down the bridge, it also ruined the Park's trail system. I have worked on just about every trial you could imagine, within reach of that short yellow crew bus. Starting at the Museum through the Washout to the loop camp ground on the way to Hurricane Ridge...All the way out to Sol Duc. It was a three hour class. I was literally a sweat-hog. There was a switchback up from that campground on the left of the old Elwha that isn't a campground anymore. The view up there is to die for.
Lots of memories Weekend hikes, boy scout campouts at Humes Ranch, evening family swims at Olympic hot springs, park firesides miss all that i should be sharing with my grandkids and great grandkids. instead i have Tum Water!?
One slice of the Clallam county livability pie was easy Elwha access—nothing like getting off work, driving 15-20 minutes to the Whiskey Bend trailhead, doing a quick late afternoon-early evening hike to Humes Ranch and back for dinner. Easy for kids to hike and experience wilderness in their backyard…sad that access is still so limited.
I worked for the Park in the 90s. Many cared, many cared so much they would have just assumed close the Park. The problem is administrators, which is what I write about here in the Back to the Future Effect.
At minimal, there should be a concession at the old Forest Service Ranger station with shuttles in summer or bike rentals. Those buildings and compound are historic and amazing. Just need some fixing up. The Elwha WAS the entrance to the Olympics. Of course, they should have seen that the wild river would have blown out the road. And that's the issue with Administrators. Their algorithms and models rarely work, at least partly because of the BTTFE, and mostly because nature follows its own path.
It seems so much in the Park died years ago with the advent of computer systems and deep regulation. And sadly, I had my hand in that back in the day.
I remember your presence at ONP in the 90s, Dave. I worked as HQ Janitor/Grounds and later, Seasonal Campground Maintenance at Staircase, Deer Park, Hurricane, Elwha, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc, Mora, Lake Ozette, the Hoh, Kalaloch, and Quinault during my career, beginning in April, '93. I had a similar dream that you allude to for the Elwha and other areas within ONP, being a local from birth. So much potential, with minimal impact on resources has been shot down by bureaucrats and activists, to "preserve for future generations", with someone else's money and resources. The fate that became the beautiful backcountry shelters built with turned logs in the yard at the "hotel" in the Maintenance Yard, never used, and burned to the ground. I, like you, saw many examples of waste, fraud and abuse during my time, but were coerced to remain silent. I waited most of my life to land my dream job at ONP, since viewing it from my classrooms at Franklin Elementary, from 1958, spending 7 years in that school (I liked the First Grade well, and did it twice). I ended up leaving the U.S., during the interim; and I wasn't going to blow that deal. The opportunities still remain to generate revenue within ONP, and to respectfully maximize this incredible place we call home. La Poel, North Shore Picnic Areas, et al. are closed to tent camping, allegedly because no potable water is available, but we spent $hundreds of thousands on CXT vault toilets at both. And then, there's the Spruce Railroad Trail turned paved road. I also had a hand at what I consider to be the death of enjoyment at ONP, much against my better judgement, following orders as best I could; in the end, I couldn't play the game any longer, and retired. I no longer fear for my job, by speaking out about the revolving door adminstration of ONP; a step in the ladder to retirement, or promotion to a higher GS rating, leaving ONP behind in shambles. Most of us in the ONP Maintenance Division (there's that word, again) put our hearts and souls into our work, with many of us still living here until our demise. I find there are times in life when one knows too much, and it becomes a burden that cannot be shared, hence, remains unrectified; the government way to job security for generations. Thank you for weighing in Dave.
I couldn't agree more. I've changed a lot since then. That's for sure. I fell into line, but never enough that I could get a permanent job. I quit trying. I do believe the tide will turn, is turning, and everything will go more local. And be more practical and common sense. Real tools, less regs. The present conditions won't last and I believe the tide is turning. Port Angeles will have their park back and us wanna-be Luddites will have our hay day. But for now, it's a waiting game, until complexity grinds itself to a halt. Ohms Law applies to high tech and administrative systems.
I hiked to the top of Barnes along Aurora Ridge a couple of years ago and it's amazing what a thoroughfare that trail was in its hay day. It's still a broad trail in places up there, which goes to show just how much it was used 30+ years ago. Beautiful. Same goes for so many of those Elwha Trails.
Found a quick way down into the Lillian from Hurricane Ridge last year. I didn't want to walk the road. Quick, if you find it. Went one time and it took 45 minutes. Went another time without GPS and it took hours!
Thanks for your encouraging thoughts, even though it's weighty. There is encouragement in just knowing voices like yours still exist.
I assume you know that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe submitted comments and their position on the matter to Olympic National Park during the tribal consultation phase and the project to reopen the road was quietly shut down.
Rita, do you have any links? I would love to read the comments and why the road was quietly shut down. It could be linking to something important here (More land lost perhaps?)
Good morning Patriots, I was hiking through there with a friend of mine a few years back and I remember the beauty and what a shame it was not to have that road fixed that was damaged so long ago. I for one thing this is a fabulous idea because it will show the commissioners just how to get things done as a community without their bureaucratic nonsense! Let me know how I can help!
When it comes to letters of support, it may have been on Sequim Monitor in a council meeting summary that the mayor of Sequim mentioned that it’s common for letters of support to be submitted and then signed by the council; yet it doesn’t seem the public was told this.
After what you shared from the public records request, it made me realize that it’s not about the governing bodies writing letters of support, or non-support; it’s about the letters being submitted for them to sign. I question how many years, or decades, this practice has been going on.
It makes sense though; they’re not going to put time into writing something that they don’t even put time into researching. LOL. It also makes me wonder what it looks like when all the identical letters of support from this area get reviewed (if they do get reviewed) at state and federal levels. They’re basically form letters from the tribe. LOL.
Here’s what I pulled up in a Google search; granted, it doesn’t mean the letters will get signed by elected officials, but it is allowed and it’s my guess it works the same for letters of non-support:
Yes, citizens can submit drafted letters of support to governing bodies (such as city councils, county commissions, or mayors) and request that they be signed, placed on official letterhead, and submitted to other agencies, such as state or federal departments.
This is a common, proactive strategy used to secure grants, influence policy, or demonstrate community backing for a project.
How the Process Works
Governing bodies often rely on stakeholders to draft these letters to speed up the process, as officials are busy and may take a long time to write their own from scratch.
Drafting the Letter: Citizens or organizations draft the letter, often including specific details about the project's impact and alignment with funding goals.
Requesting Signature: The draft is submitted to the relevant official's staff (e.g., a grant manager, aid, or the mayor's staff) with a request for review, signature, and submission on official letterhead.
Approval & Submission: Once reviewed and approved by the governing body, the official signs the letter.
Best Practices for Citizens
Provide a "Ghost Letter": Draft the entire letter for the official, leaving only the signature line blank.
Give Ample Time: Request the letter well in advance of the deadline—ideally 2–4 weeks ahead, as the approval process can take time.
Include Key Information: Ensure the letter includes the project's purpose, how many people will benefit, and why it is important to the community.
Direct to the Right Person: Ensure the letter is addressed to the correct decision-maker at the receiving agency.
Other Avenues for Support
Public Comments: Citizens can directly submit comments or letters of support during open meetings or public hearings.
Petitions: Submitting a petition with multiple signatures to a local council can also encourage them to officially support a measure.
Direct Advocacy: You can request that a governing body pass a resolution or sign a letter of support during a scheduled council meeting.
Note: While officials may sign letters, it is generally recommended that you build relationships with them first to ensure they are willing to support your specific cause.
Hi JJ’s,
First, I really appreciate this article and the effort behind it. The Elwha issue deserves public attention, and I think the petition approach is a strong example of lawful, community-led advocacy. My comment is offered in that spirit of support, because I think the article’s argument is actually stronger with the cleanest possible foundation.
I understand the spirit of the Margaret Mead quote. Citizens absolutely can create change. But for me, the issue is that true things should be supported by true foundations.
The Mead quote is widely repeated, but its attribution is not fully settled. Quote Investigator notes that researchers have not found the quotation in Mead’s own body of work and that the earliest strong match appeared after her death, attributed to Mead without a clear source (O’Toole, 2017). That does not make the sentiment false, but it does make it a weaker anchor for a serious public-access argument.
A stronger foundation may be Washington’s own constitutional language: “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed” (Washington State Constitution, art. I, § 1). The same article also protects “the right of petition and of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good” (Washington State Constitution, art. I, § 4).
That fits this effort beautifully. The Elwha petition is not powerful merely because a small group is morally committed. It is powerful because citizens are using a lawful, public process to ask the proper agencies for transparency, a timeline, and accountable action.
That distinction matters, especially because CC Watchdog has rightly criticized other activists for using moral conviction as a reason to disregard the law (Tozzer, 2026). This petition is different, and that difference is worth highlighting. It models civic action through lawful process rather than shortcutting around it.
Good causes are stronger when they are supported by good facts, lawful process, and consistent standards. In my view, that is what makes this article and this effort worth supporting.
References
O’Toole, G. (2017, November 12). Quote origin: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Quote Investigator. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/11/12/change-world/
Tozzer, J. (2026). When the law doesn’t apply. Clallam County Watchdog. https://www.ccwatchdog.com/p/when-the-law-doesnt-apply
Washington State Constitution, art. I, §§ 1, 4. https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/?showall=true
Well said, Dr. Sarah! Thank you(:
The commissioners did not answer yesterday's email asking if their views have evolved about placing stickers on public property. Here is another email from yesterday sent to all three commissioners and County Administrator Todd Mielke:
Dear Commissioners and County Administrator,
I’m writing to request some clarification regarding the recent notice that next week’s work session and regular meeting have been canceled.
Specifically, could you please provide more information on the following:
What is the “WIR” conference that Commissioner Ozias is scheduled to attend?
Who organizes this conference, and what is its purpose or focus?
What specific scheduling conflict necessitates canceling both the work session and the regular meeting?
Were alternative options considered to maintain the meeting schedule, such as rescheduling or proceeding with a quorum?
Given the importance of these public meetings for transparency and community engagement, I believe it’s important for residents to understand the reasoning behind this decision.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
Clallamity Jen's substack this morning talks about Jake, the stickers, and "carpetbaggers." It's great: https://clallamityjen.substack.com/p/gone-with-the-memes
Thanks, Jen! You always crack me up.
Problem with Jen's article is the opposing carpetbaggers don't agree with Jake so he is the problem and invectives can be yelled at him with impunity. Made this with big words so the nasty old white haired ladies won't understand.
We must remember that the burden of proof lies with the person making an assertion, not the reverse.
Yes, it is!!!
Excellent work Jeff Tozzer and Jake Seegers~!
We would LOVE to see the Elwha River Road reopened to restore one of our local treasures~! I hope that this worthy project is one that the good folks of Clallam County can all get behind, because it will help to breathe life back into our community in many ways... Have a wonderful Sunday and keep up the great work~!
Sincerely, Mike
I'll just toss this into the fray.
Recently the Hoh was, and always will be, eating away at the road to enter the park. A slight difference may be that it was in county road jurisdiction, but what a massive lift that was coordinated to reopen it.
What can be leveraged from that event, to this one?
Thank you so much Jake for initiating this reasonable effort. When one thinks of the quagmire that is Recompete to bring money and jobs into the area versus something so obvious as this it's hard to understand how this has languished for so long. This is such a reasonable and non-political action that I can't imagine any neighbor not signing it. I'll get this printed and get my walking shoes on. This effort is for everyone to act on as a force multiplier. Signatures are needed, but moreso boots on the ground from everyone.
The Wedge party. Vote for Jake Seegers.
Well said MK, also we can circulate petition electronically for people to sign and have that capability. Rose Marshall does that all the time and for the ones that don’t have it we can hit the stores and get signatures that way. What are y’all‘s thoughts? Have a fabulous Sunday.
Thank you for this comment, MK.
MK, I think I'm a little slow here, what is The Wedge party exactly?
It's my way of describing an Independent getting space from the two entities nationally that do us no good, rather harm, locally. My belief is that there are more people wanting this space than being controlled.
Instead of this access and a new lodge at Hurricane Ridge, we have “fish barrier removal” and corruption.
Good point, Ron.
Let's do this!!!!
50 years ago my dad told me," the park wants to keep us out of the back country "
Take a look at a map from the late 60s compare the roads into the Olympics then to present.
The road could have been fixed by local company's in 6 months or sured up to keep it from washing out in the first place, but the plan was to keep the human traffic out.
2 lakes 2 campgrounds a resort 2 trailhead. We did get a beautiful river sure wish I could take my granddaughters fishing.
Let's do this! Thanks, Elwha Spiker.
Do you have any links that show the roads back in the 60s? That would be interesting.
I have lots of old maps I'll dig them up
Elwha, I would love to see them too!
It is genuinely refreshing to see our community come together around a truly non-partisan issue! Reopening the Elwha corridor is a shared goal that unites us all and is incredibly important for our local economy and our connection to the park.
Because restoring the Olympic Hot Springs Road in a shifting river valley is such a massive undertaking, it’s going to require serious Washington-level support and intervention from our congressional representatives. We saw with the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center that securing funding for large federal projects requires a ton of persistence to navigate national politics, which is exactly why building a unified, grassroots voice right now is so valuable.
We also have to keep in mind that the National Park Service is currently doing its best to navigate significant budget constraints, reduced staffing, and rising construction costs nationwide. They are stretched thin just trying to maintain their current assets. But this actually makes our community's involvement even more critical! When the agency is strapped for cash, community-led support can help elevate our specific needs.
While reopening this road is an absolute top priority for us regionally, it needs our help to become a priority nationally. This petition is a fantastic, proactive first step to making our voices heard. If we stay positive and keep up a coordinated, long-term effort to lobby for federal funding, we can absolutely make an impact!
Thank you for your comment, Porcine Wonder. Passionate folks like will bring this community-led effort to fruition and return access to the Elwha River cooridor.
One of the most important aspects of getting the mission accomplished is communication among the forces that actuate. It is nice to see that the Clallam County Watchdog has opened eyes, ears, and minds to the unique area that we live within, and the hidden challenges that we face, knowingly or otherwise. Every taxable real estate parcel in Clallam County is unfairly assessed in value due to having the vast majority of the land non-taxable, and becoming even less equitable as lands are allegedly "ceded", swapped, granted, whatever, to tax-exempt entities, which places higher "value" on privately owned land. Conservation easements, lands held in trust, government properties, reservations, held by non-profits and NGOs surround our privately owned properties, not contributing to the real estate taxes in Clallam County, and elsewhere. There will be those who would aregue, for the sake of arguing, that ONP, Military Bases, State lands, County, City, et al. do contribute to the tax base via the people who are employed at these taxpayer funded establishments, and the tourists they draw; different ball game. Infrastructure, medical facilities, etc. are supported by real estate taxes and levies with sovereigns having use, but contributing little to nothing; in-fact, increasing O & M, etc. on facilities such as water and wastewater treatment plants, power grid, roads,, etc. in both Port Angeles and Sequim, et al. Knowledge is power, and CCW enhances awareness, which spurs curiosty/research, and resultant action/rectification. It has been stated by some who believe themselves to be above the commoners, that "It is easier (key word) to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission"; but the caveat is that it takes far more (fill in blank____) to rescind or strike those actions later, than to avoid them altogether, in the first place. Such is the case with the Dungeness National Widlife Refuge, The Upper Elwha Valley and other public lands under consideration by people who have no skin in the game to "cede" ot "take back", and would do well to stop offering other people's money and resources for their personal agendas and consider the far-reaching consequences. For every action, there is an equal and opposing reaction, followed by consequences. People are not born stupid, they are indoctinated into mental incapacitation to fulfill nefarious agendas, including the transfer of wealth, thereby reducing quality of life; the reason that all natives (in proper context) have lived here for generations, and aren't going anywhere.
Thanks for writing this Jake. I will sign the petition.
When I wore a younger mans clothes , Humes Ranch and the Olympic hot springs were a cherished location for camping. At that time the "gateway" was 3.5 miles from Humes Ranch. Now its over 9 miles to Humes and over 10 to get to Olympic.
Having the river go anywhere at any time isn't any good for anyone not even the salmon. Its natural..sort of. They still pull out sediment so as not to choke out wild salmon beds but after 16 years they still have zero wild population and we have had hatchery fish only. More river mismagaement by NOPLE....Oh yee of good methane and bad methane....Good stagnant water and..bad stagnant water. I wonder how you spell flubber and magic beans in those tribal letters.
And they want land up there?? They don't want people up there. They started tearing down historic shelters 40 years ago. Its been a systematic closure of access.
People with the old-Park mentality have retired. The word re-creation means something very important. The Elwha with it's two campgrounds and trails were classic. Administrators come and go. I'd love to see new shelters built. Need a new-CCC crew of people who need jobs up there. The cheap solution for the bridges is to just install removable ones until (if) the river stabilizes. I suppose they could route around and above the river, but would be pricey.
I had the privilege of being in "conservation aide" for three years. I was being groomed to walk a "grid", fix small engines and on the finer points of how to use a Pulaski. I was in like Flynn to the forest management system. Then Reagan wanted his 300 ship Navy and natural management was born. When the Lincoln Day storm blew down the bridge, it also ruined the Park's trail system. I have worked on just about every trial you could imagine, within reach of that short yellow crew bus. Starting at the Museum through the Washout to the loop camp ground on the way to Hurricane Ridge...All the way out to Sol Duc. It was a three hour class. I was literally a sweat-hog. There was a switchback up from that campground on the left of the old Elwha that isn't a campground anymore. The view up there is to die for.
Lots of memories Weekend hikes, boy scout campouts at Humes Ranch, evening family swims at Olympic hot springs, park firesides miss all that i should be sharing with my grandkids and great grandkids. instead i have Tum Water!?
One slice of the Clallam county livability pie was easy Elwha access—nothing like getting off work, driving 15-20 minutes to the Whiskey Bend trailhead, doing a quick late afternoon-early evening hike to Humes Ranch and back for dinner. Easy for kids to hike and experience wilderness in their backyard…sad that access is still so limited.
Let's work together to change that.
I
A thought crossed my mind should throw in Hurricane Ridge lodge also before 10 years pass.
I worked for the Park in the 90s. Many cared, many cared so much they would have just assumed close the Park. The problem is administrators, which is what I write about here in the Back to the Future Effect.
At minimal, there should be a concession at the old Forest Service Ranger station with shuttles in summer or bike rentals. Those buildings and compound are historic and amazing. Just need some fixing up. The Elwha WAS the entrance to the Olympics. Of course, they should have seen that the wild river would have blown out the road. And that's the issue with Administrators. Their algorithms and models rarely work, at least partly because of the BTTFE, and mostly because nature follows its own path.
It seems so much in the Park died years ago with the advent of computer systems and deep regulation. And sadly, I had my hand in that back in the day.
https://davidzelenka.substack.com/p/the-back-to-the-future-effect
I remember your presence at ONP in the 90s, Dave. I worked as HQ Janitor/Grounds and later, Seasonal Campground Maintenance at Staircase, Deer Park, Hurricane, Elwha, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc, Mora, Lake Ozette, the Hoh, Kalaloch, and Quinault during my career, beginning in April, '93. I had a similar dream that you allude to for the Elwha and other areas within ONP, being a local from birth. So much potential, with minimal impact on resources has been shot down by bureaucrats and activists, to "preserve for future generations", with someone else's money and resources. The fate that became the beautiful backcountry shelters built with turned logs in the yard at the "hotel" in the Maintenance Yard, never used, and burned to the ground. I, like you, saw many examples of waste, fraud and abuse during my time, but were coerced to remain silent. I waited most of my life to land my dream job at ONP, since viewing it from my classrooms at Franklin Elementary, from 1958, spending 7 years in that school (I liked the First Grade well, and did it twice). I ended up leaving the U.S., during the interim; and I wasn't going to blow that deal. The opportunities still remain to generate revenue within ONP, and to respectfully maximize this incredible place we call home. La Poel, North Shore Picnic Areas, et al. are closed to tent camping, allegedly because no potable water is available, but we spent $hundreds of thousands on CXT vault toilets at both. And then, there's the Spruce Railroad Trail turned paved road. I also had a hand at what I consider to be the death of enjoyment at ONP, much against my better judgement, following orders as best I could; in the end, I couldn't play the game any longer, and retired. I no longer fear for my job, by speaking out about the revolving door adminstration of ONP; a step in the ladder to retirement, or promotion to a higher GS rating, leaving ONP behind in shambles. Most of us in the ONP Maintenance Division (there's that word, again) put our hearts and souls into our work, with many of us still living here until our demise. I find there are times in life when one knows too much, and it becomes a burden that cannot be shared, hence, remains unrectified; the government way to job security for generations. Thank you for weighing in Dave.
I couldn't agree more. I've changed a lot since then. That's for sure. I fell into line, but never enough that I could get a permanent job. I quit trying. I do believe the tide will turn, is turning, and everything will go more local. And be more practical and common sense. Real tools, less regs. The present conditions won't last and I believe the tide is turning. Port Angeles will have their park back and us wanna-be Luddites will have our hay day. But for now, it's a waiting game, until complexity grinds itself to a halt. Ohms Law applies to high tech and administrative systems.
I hiked to the top of Barnes along Aurora Ridge a couple of years ago and it's amazing what a thoroughfare that trail was in its hay day. It's still a broad trail in places up there, which goes to show just how much it was used 30+ years ago. Beautiful. Same goes for so many of those Elwha Trails.
Found a quick way down into the Lillian from Hurricane Ridge last year. I didn't want to walk the road. Quick, if you find it. Went one time and it took 45 minutes. Went another time without GPS and it took hours!
Thanks for your encouraging thoughts, even though it's weighty. There is encouragement in just knowing voices like yours still exist.
There you have it management and on top Gov managerment.
I assume you know that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe submitted comments and their position on the matter to Olympic National Park during the tribal consultation phase and the project to reopen the road was quietly shut down.
Less garbage cans to empty. Easier to play hide and seek for 3 grand a week...
Rita, do you have any links? I would love to read the comments and why the road was quietly shut down. It could be linking to something important here (More land lost perhaps?)
https://www.myclallamcounty.com/2023/08/02/why-has-there-been-no-action-on-getting-olympic-hot-springs-road-reopened/
The ONP planning statement on the road restoration says that all comments submitted are part of the public record so I would FOIA that.
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=84555
I will definitely print a bunch of these, it's "free" at my local library, each day I'll print more. My vote is for Jake Seegers 💯💪💪🔥🔥
Good morning Patriots, I was hiking through there with a friend of mine a few years back and I remember the beauty and what a shame it was not to have that road fixed that was damaged so long ago. I for one thing this is a fabulous idea because it will show the commissioners just how to get things done as a community without their bureaucratic nonsense! Let me know how I can help!
Have a fabulous Sunday!
I’m glad to see this happening!
When it comes to letters of support, it may have been on Sequim Monitor in a council meeting summary that the mayor of Sequim mentioned that it’s common for letters of support to be submitted and then signed by the council; yet it doesn’t seem the public was told this.
After what you shared from the public records request, it made me realize that it’s not about the governing bodies writing letters of support, or non-support; it’s about the letters being submitted for them to sign. I question how many years, or decades, this practice has been going on.
It makes sense though; they’re not going to put time into writing something that they don’t even put time into researching. LOL. It also makes me wonder what it looks like when all the identical letters of support from this area get reviewed (if they do get reviewed) at state and federal levels. They’re basically form letters from the tribe. LOL.
So, we should submit a pre-written letter of support to reopen Olympic hot springs rd to all the relevant local governing bodies as well! Right?
Here’s what I pulled up in a Google search; granted, it doesn’t mean the letters will get signed by elected officials, but it is allowed and it’s my guess it works the same for letters of non-support:
Yes, citizens can submit drafted letters of support to governing bodies (such as city councils, county commissions, or mayors) and request that they be signed, placed on official letterhead, and submitted to other agencies, such as state or federal departments.
This is a common, proactive strategy used to secure grants, influence policy, or demonstrate community backing for a project.
How the Process Works
Governing bodies often rely on stakeholders to draft these letters to speed up the process, as officials are busy and may take a long time to write their own from scratch.
Drafting the Letter: Citizens or organizations draft the letter, often including specific details about the project's impact and alignment with funding goals.
Requesting Signature: The draft is submitted to the relevant official's staff (e.g., a grant manager, aid, or the mayor's staff) with a request for review, signature, and submission on official letterhead.
Approval & Submission: Once reviewed and approved by the governing body, the official signs the letter.
Best Practices for Citizens
Provide a "Ghost Letter": Draft the entire letter for the official, leaving only the signature line blank.
Give Ample Time: Request the letter well in advance of the deadline—ideally 2–4 weeks ahead, as the approval process can take time.
Include Key Information: Ensure the letter includes the project's purpose, how many people will benefit, and why it is important to the community.
Direct to the Right Person: Ensure the letter is addressed to the correct decision-maker at the receiving agency.
Other Avenues for Support
Public Comments: Citizens can directly submit comments or letters of support during open meetings or public hearings.
Petitions: Submitting a petition with multiple signatures to a local council can also encourage them to officially support a measure.
Direct Advocacy: You can request that a governing body pass a resolution or sign a letter of support during a scheduled council meeting.
Note: While officials may sign letters, it is generally recommended that you build relationships with them first to ensure they are willing to support your specific cause.
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