Riparian Open Space Program
Application updates are occurring at this time.
DNR has temporarily suspended accepting applications. The Riparian Open Space Program acquires permanent forestland conservation easements between landowners and the State of Washington. The lands eligible for this program are essentially islands of timber along rivers or streams that tend to migrate or abruptly change channels also called channel migrations zones. DNR has purchased conservation easements from participating landowners that own forest lands within channel migrations zones for the past eight years. The Riparian Open Space Program is funded by the Washington State Legislature and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Practices Division.
In July 2010 the Washington State Legislature made changes to the program through passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5401. This bill revised the program to be more inclusive in the type of river habitat as well as expand the eligibility to include forestland identified as habitat of state recognized threatened and endangered species. A rule proposal to incorporate these revisions has been submitted to the Forest Practices Board with anticipated adoption in spring 2011. Check the Forest Practices Rule Making page for future updates.
When will I be able to apply to this program?
Because program reform is occurring, DNR is currently not taking additional applications at this time for the next funding period. In the interim you may indicate your interest to apply by submitting your name and contact information to DNR by email at dan.pomerenk@dnr.wa.gov or by mail at the address below and your name will be placed on an interested landowner list. Upon rule adoption by the Forest Practice Board, DNR will notify interested landowners. This web site will be updated when the new application and prioritization criteria becomes available.
2010 Application Status
Eight applications for the current funding period of the Riparian Open Space were recently prioritized by a Technical Selection Committee. Easement values will be determined for the high priority applications and purchases will be made by June 2011 as funding allows. Landowners that were not selected for this funding period may contact DNR for additional application information.
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Forest Practices Division
Riparian Open Space Program
P.O. Box 47012
Olympia, WA 98504-7012