Proposed East Jefferson Trust Land Exchange
This proposal calls for exchanging approximately 4,186 acres of state trust land for approximately 4,454 acres owned by Pope Resources LP. This exchange of properties in eastern Jefferson County would allow DNR to acquire more working forests adjacent to other lands it manages for trust revenue on the northeast Olympic Peninsula.
Purpose
Consolidating trust ownership will allow DNR to reduce land management costs and increase long-term revenue to the trusts whose lands are managed to help build public schools statewide, support construction at the University of Washington, and support Jefferson County services. In addition to increasing management efficiency, having larger and more contiguous areas under public ownership would improve wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities and forest health. Properties acquired by the State in this exchange would be managed under DNR’s Habitat Conservation Plan.
Details
The lands in this proposed exchange are in east Jefferson County, with the exception of one Pope Resources parcel located on the boundary between Jefferson and Clallam Counties.
Maps
DNR Parcel list (updated 3/16/2009)
Pope Resources Parcel List (updated 3/16/2009)
The value of the lands to be exchanged will be determined by an independent appraisal. The results of the appraisal will help determine which properties are included in the final proposal. Each state trust involved would receive lands of equal market value for any lands it exchanged with Pope Resources.
This proposed exchange would involve:
• Common School trust lands (generate revenue for public school construction statewide)
• University Original trust lands (generate revenue for the University of Washington)
• State Forest Transfer Lands (generate revenue for county services)
Opportunities for Public Input
A public information meeting was held on November 19, 2008, in Chimacum, WA.
(Presentation)
A public hearing was held on March 31, 2009, at the Chimacum School District Middle School Commons in Chimacum, WA.
(Presentation)
All written testimony must be received by April 15, 2009, and addressed to the
Department of Natural Resources
Olympic Region
ATTN: East Jefferson Exchange No. 86-083323
411 Tillicum Lane
Forks, WA 98331
Or e-mailed to exchanges@dnr.wa.gov. For more information, call Cathy Baker at (360) 374-2860.
What’s Next
Input from the public, including comments made at the hearing, will be reviewed and considered.
Once the appraisal is completed, DNR and Pope Resources will work to balance the exchange and sign a formal exchange agreement, provided they agree on values and on the properties to be included.
A final proposal, including a summary of public comments, will be presented to the Board of Natural Resources, which represents trust beneficiaries, for decision at one of its regular monthly meetings.