FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2011
Board of Natural Resources meets in Olympia
Timber sales on the agenda
OLYMPIA – At its regular monthly meeting today, the state Board of Natural Resources approved a proposal by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to offer an estimated $7.5 million of timber from selected state trust lands at public auction in December. The $7.5 million represents the combined minimum acceptable bids for the six proposed sales – an average of $331 per thousand board feet. The board, which represents beneficiaries of state trust lands such as public schools, counties and state universities, also reviewed the results of timber auction sales it approved for October, which brought in $10.6 million to the trusts.
Also at today’s meeting, DNR staff presented an introduction of the department’s Long Term Marbled Murrelet Conservation Strategy to update the Habitat Conservation Plan for state trust lands. DNR currently follows an interim strategy to manage working state trust lands in or near the bird’s nesting areas. The board will hear details about upcoming steps to develop a permanent strategy at its next regular meeting on December 6.
DNR manages state trust lands
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, conservation, and aquatic lands. Of these, more than half are held in trust to produce income to support public schools, universities, prisons, and other state institutions. These state trust lands managed by DNR provide other public benefits, including outdoor recreation, habitat for native fish and wildlife, and watersheds for clean water.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
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