CHIMACUM — The Jamestown S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribes have finished acquiring about 100 acres adjacent to Tamanowas Rock, a sacred Native American site near Anderson Lake State Park.
Tribal leaders envision a sanctuary and habitat preserve on the property.
“The site was used historically by people of the tribe, and now we are working to purchase all of the land for preservation purposes,” said Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Klallam tribal chairman.
The rock itself, which the tribes used in the past for religious and traditional passages, is on the privately owned land.
A spectacular massive monolith, it towers well above surrounding trees.
“Historically, the Rock has been recognized by the S’Klallam tribe as a holy site,” Allen said.
Jefferson County officials recently identified the site as historically significant and imposed restrictions on surrounding land.
