About the Quinault Indian Nation

Our Legacy

The 208,000-acre Quinault Indian Reservation is located on the southwestern corner of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, cradled between the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the mighty northern Pacific Ocean.

Under the General Allotment Act of 1887 (also known as the Dawes Act), Tthe Quinault Indian Reservation was completely divided into 80-acre allotments. Over the course of time, the allotments were distributed to individuals and families. Land ownership on the Quinault Indian Nation has become more complex as the land is fractionated due to inheritance by even more members of succeeding generations. Any development, road-building, timber harvest, restoration or other land management activity requires agreement from the majority of affected landowners and permits issued by the Quinault Indian Nation.

The Quinault Division of Natural Resources is helping to consolidate the Nation's holdings by purchasing trust and fee lands. Consolidation will allow the Nation to manage the land more holistically for the long-term benefit all.

The Life of Joe DeLaCruz, Quinault President (HistoryLink.org)

Our Team

The Quinault Division of Natural Resources employs almost 90 people in jobs positions ranging from technical specialists, scientists and field workers to administrative support and positions ranging from technical specialists, scientists and field workers to administrative support and management. Most team members are based at QDNR headquarters in Taholah, but the team also has offices at two fish hatcheries, the Seedling Storage Unit, the Salal Field Station near Amanda Park, and the Port of Westport on Grays Harbor. The QDNR team is under the leadership of Director Dave Bingaman and Pauline Capoeman, Assistant to the Director

Our Organization

The Quinault Division of Natural Resources manages and protects the natural resources on the Quinault Indian Nation and within the Nation's Usual and Accustomed Fishing Area. Timber Harvest and fishing are managed for sustainable production and balanced with the needs of fish, wildlife and other living beings to leave a long-term legacy for future generations. Cultural resources such as "the canoe stand" - an area of exceptionally large cedar trees that is maintained for future canoe-builders - are respected and protected.

Our Mission

The mission of the Quinault Division of Natural Resources is to provide support, guidance and oversight to all divisions, programs, and projects relating to the natural resources of the Quinault Indian Nation and the Nation's Usual and Accustomed Fishing Area.