SEQUIM — An impasse remains among the city of Sequim, state wildlife representatives and tribal officials over how to proceed with the management of the Dungeness elk herd.
But work is continuing on a plan to accommodate the herd as building development spreads in the elks’ habitat.
Sequim city officials have pulled out of the discussion because the other entities involved — the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clallam County and the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe — have not yet promised to pay 25 percent of the plan’s costs.
In a recent letter, the city of Sequim asked that the other three entities each commit by March 31 to funding their respective shares. The city has already done so.
The letter is signed by Councilwoman Patricia Kasovia-Schmitt and Administrative Services Director Karen Goschen.
Guarantee sought
Kasovia-Schmitt said the city doesn’t want to spend money and time coming up with a plan unless there’s some guarantee the plan will be put into place.
“Precious time, resources and taxpayers’ money will have been wasted if a financial commitment does not follow,” the letter states.
“When the financial commitment is forthcoming, we will gladly return to the table as council and staff representatives.”
Tribal and fish and wildlife officials, however, call the request unrealistic, since implementing an elk management plan will probably require significant funding.
