How Do I Apply for an Aquatic Land Use Authorization or Lease?

Leasing state-owned aquatic lands
DNR is steward of 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands, managed on behalf of the people of Washington.

DNRs authority includes the stewardship and management of resources attached to, or embedded in aquatic lands (for example, seaweed, shellfish, sand, minerals and oil), and man-made structures in the water and air space above state-owned aquatic lands.

Through the state constitution and Legislature, DNR is directed to ensure a balance of benefits for the citizens of Washington from the use of aquatic lands. These benefits include:

Commerce and Navigation
Public Use and Access
Use of Renewable Resources
Protection of the Environment (the health of these aquatic lands)
Generate an Economic Return to Citizens (when appropriate)

Using state-owned aquatic lands requires an authorization
A DNR authorization to use state-owned aquatic lands is required if projects will occur on or over state-owned aquatic lands. A DNR authorization is a legal contract, different from regulatory permits obtained from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, the Corp of Engineers and local jurisdictions. DNR contracts outline the terms and conditions of the use and conveys certain property rights to the user in exchange for rent.

To avoid delays in receiving an authorization, project proponents should contact DNR early in their design process, before applying for permits.

If you are:	Read:
A Home owner or waterfront property owner	Factsheet: Caring for Washington’s Aquatic Resources Application for Mooring Buoy and BoatLift License
An Environmental Consultant	Factsheet: If your client needs an authorization to use state-owned aquatic lands...early communication is key!
A current or future aquatic land use leasee	Factsheet: Leasing State-owned Aquatic Lands Application for Authorization to Use State-Owned Aquatic Lands
State or Federal partner	Factsheet: Grant Projects on State-owned Aquatic Lands Factsheet: Collaborating with the Department of Natural Resources

Work with the Aquatic Resources Program early
• if your project will be located on state-owned aquatic lands,
• to ensure the land is available,
• if the proposed use is appropriate, and
• how the project can be constructed to avoid or minimize impacts to aquatic resources.

After we consult with you, DNR will work closely with permitting agencies to communicate our expectations.
Download the “Leasing State-owned aquatic lands” fact sheet for more information.

Have questions? Want to find out if your project will be on state-owned aquatic lands?
View our Land Manager Coverage Map to see who your aquatic land manager contact is in your county.

If you already lease aquatic lands with dNR
When it is time to renew your lease, DNR may propose new practices to modernize your Plan of Operations. Work with your Aquatic Land Manager early to avoid wasted time and/or expenses.

Current applications for the use of state-owned aquatic lands
Applications received by DNR aquatic districts in the last 12 months.
Rivers District
Shoreline District
Orca Straits District

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