MEDIA ADVISORY
May 7, 2012
DNR transfer of 67 acres to conservation status subject of hearing
Boundary review hearing to take public comment on proposal
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on May 17, 2012, to review a proposed boundary for the creation of a conservation area and transfer of about 67 acres of state lands currently managed as state forest trust. After the transfer, the department will purchase replacement trust lands with higher revenue-producing potential.
| Who: | DNR Natural Areas Program |
What:
| Public Hearing. Following a brief overview of the proposed boundary of a natural resources conservation area (NRCA) in Wahkiakum County, DNR will receive public testimony on the proposal. |
When:
| May 17, 2012, 6:30 pm
Written comments are welcomed until close of business on May 31, 2012. Send to Washington Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources & Conservation Division, ATTN: Proposed NRCA Boundary, PO Box 47016, Olympia, WA 98504-7016. Or comments may be emailed to FRCD@dnr.wa.gov with the subject line “Proposed NRCA Boundary-Wahkiakum.” |
| Where: | Third Floor Meeting Room, Wahkiakum County Courthouse, 64 Main Street, Cathlamet, WA |
Why: | The proposed natural resources conservation area (NRCA) will be created with the transfer of state-owned trust lands. Lands are eligible for transfer if they are (a) located in a county with a population less than 25,000 and (b) are encumbered with timber harvest deferrals that are associated with federal ESA-listed wildlife species and greater than 30 years in length. Funds provided by the legislature for the transfer will compensate the trust beneficiaries and also provide replacement trust assets. |
Directions and web link: http://g.co/maps/deqp9 DNR-Managed Conservation Lands
DNR manages 54 natural area preserves (NAPs) and 31 natural resources conservation areas (NRCAs) on more than 145,000 acres statewide. NAPs protect high-quality examples of native ecosystems and rare plant and animal species. NAPs serve as genetic reserves for Washington’s native species and as reference sites for comparing natural and altered environments. NRCAs protect lands having high conservation values for ecological systems, scenic qualities, wildlife habitat and low-impact recreational opportunities. Environmental education and approved research projects occur on both NAPs and NRCAs.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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