MEDIA ADVISORY
October 31, 2012
Proposed boundary of 85-acre conservation area subject of public hearing November 15
Public comment to be taken on Skamania County proposal
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on November 15, 2012, in Stevenson, to review a proposed boundary for a conservation area of about 85 acres. Currently the parcel of State Forest trust lands is managed to provide revenue to Skamania County public services. With part of the proceeds from the transfer, DNR will purchase replacement trust lands in the county with higher long-term, revenue-producing potential.
| Who: | DNR Natural Areas Program |
What: | Public Hearing
Following a brief overview regarding the proposed boundary of a natural resources conservation area (NRCA) in Skamania County, DNR will receive public testimony on the proposal. |
| When: | November 15, 2012, 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Hedgewald Rock Creek Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr., Stevenson, Washington |
Why: | Currently trees cannot be harvested on the proposed trust parcel due to protections for wildlife under the federal Endangered Species Act. Funds provided by the legislature for the transfer will compensate the trust beneficiaries and purchase replacement assets for the trust. |
Written comments are welcome until close of business on November 26, 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-Skamania.”
Web links to info: Information about the
State Forest (trust) Replacement Program and a
map of the proposed boundary is on DNR’s website
www.dnr.wa.gov.
DNR-Managed Conservation Lands
DNR manages 55 natural area preserves (NAPs) and 32 natural resources conservation areas (NRCAs) on more than 150,000 acres statewide through the state Natural Areas Program. 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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