DNR is interested in trading up to 2,160.30 acres of state trust property located Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties, for properties of equal value that would be provided by the Merril and Ring (M&R) Family.  This exchange involves three DNR trust beneficiaries; State Forest Land Trust (supports county services), the Common School trust (benefits K-12 school construction account), and the Normal School Trust (benefits Eastern, Central, Western WA Colleges and the Evergreen State College). The properties for potential DNR acquisition in this land exchange total up to 2,238.70 acres of private M&R property located in Clallam County.

DNR objectives for this proposed land exchange include consolidating working forest landscapes to enhance and strengthen public trust lands for 21st Century sustainability, along with providing economic, ecologic, biological and social benefits to the State of Washington and its citizens. Actively managed DNR working forests assist with providing forest biodiversity, habitat protection, open space, public access, and clean air and water for people and wildlife. In addition to providing revenue to support schools, these forestlands provide desirable public recreation opportunities such as bird watching, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

The land exchange properties involved are located in Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties.

DNR has scheduled a public hearing for this land exchange on June 2, 2025 to provide information and to take public testimony. The date and location of the hearing is posted below:

 

The meeting will take place on June 2nd, 2025, and will start at 5:30 PM at the following location:

 

 

Interested parties can submit written testimony at the public hearing location and date that are listed above OR interested parties may send in written testimony to arrive at the following DNR address on or prior to June 19, 2025 at 5:30 P.M:

 

DNR and the Merril and Ring Family are in the early phase of exploring this potential land exchange. The final DNR decision regarding this land exchange will be made by the Board of Natural Resources at one of its scheduled meetings after public input is received and considered, parcel valuations are completed, and an exchange proposal is presented to the Board of Natural Resources.