The Forestry Riparian Easement Program compensates eligible small forest landowners in exchange for a 50-year easement on “qualifying timber.” This is the timber the landowner is required to leave unharvested as a result of forest practices rules protecting Washington’s forests and fish. Landowners cannot cut or remove the qualifying timber during the easement period. The landowner still owns the property and retains full access, but has “leased” the trees and their associated riparian function to the state.
FREP Permanent Funding Source
At the request of the Washington State Legislature, DNR has been tasked to investigate potential permanent funding sources for FREP. Public meetings have been held to initiate a conversation with relevant stakeholders on the subject. Information from public meetings can be found on the FREP Permanent Funding Source page. A report of the recommendations was sent to the legislature on May 31, 2012. The report can be viewed by clicking here.
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You may qualify if you are an eligible small
forest landowner and: - Own either a parcel larger than 20
contiguous acres or more than 80 forested
acrea in Washington State - Harvest less than 2 million board feet of
timber on average per year - Complete a timber harvest next to a stream,
river, wetland, lake, or pond - Your harvest does not convert the qualifying
land to a use incompatible with growing
timber - Own your property free and clear of any liens
or mortgages
| - Contact the FREP Program Specialist, Dan
Pomerenk at 360-902-1427 - Submit a Forest Practice Application before
the harvest begins - Complete a timber harvest
- Submit FREP Application
- DNR estimates the value of the qualifying
timber using your mill receipts of Department
of Revenue tables - When funding becomes available begin
acquisition process - DNR's Small Forest Landowner Office sends
you an offer letter - Compensation is paid in one lump sum and
a 50-year easement is placed on your land
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If you qualify, you'll receive a minimum of 50 percent of the
fair market stumpage value for qualifying timber. You may
receive more than 50 percent of the timber value depending on
how much impact the leave-trees will have on your harvest.
During the 50 year easement you will not be able to harvest
trees in the easement area. | “Our overall experience with FREP was a carefully
considered option that allowed us flexibility in managing
riparian areas of ourtree farm. We have two streams,
an ongoing stewardship model for harvesting, thinning,
and management, and a commitment to the long-term health
of the forest. We were comfortable with the program
presented and the quality of work done by both the local
DNR personnel and the people in Olympia.” Lacie and Larry Abel |
Questions about FREP? Call Dan Pomerenk at 360-902-1427 or dan.pomerenk@dnr.wa.gov