Two Additional State Forest Lands Protected as part of Trust Land Transfer Program
Photo by Stephen Grace Photography
The Washington State Legislature wrapped up its session yesterday, and the final supplemental capital budget appropriates an additional $4 million to DNR’s Trust Land Transfer (TLT) program. This funding decision supports the transfer of more than 2,000 acres for two key projects: the Cape George project to Jefferson County and the Tract C North project to Yakama Nation.
Washington Wild, The Stewards of Washington State Lands, and other stakeholders are grateful to the legislature for this additional TLT funding during challenging budget times. While it’s a far cry from the funding level needed to meet the demand for the program, this is a major step in the right direction.
On January 27, Washington Wild coordinated a letter signed by 136 Washington elected officials, small businesses, and conservation, recreation, and wildlife organizations to key capital budget leaders supporting this exact funding.
Yakama Tract C North Project (Yakama Nation, 2,000+ acres)
Because of a filing error, the state owns thousands of acres inside the Yakama Indian Reservation boundaries. This parcel of high-elevation forests and meadows contains headwaters to a tributary of the steelhead-bearing Klickitat River. By reimbursing the state trust through TLT, DNR can finally transfer the land to the Yakama Nation for conservation management.
Because of the high elevation, the growing conditions for timber are poor, resulting in minimal long-term revenue potential for the state. The Yakama Nation has been working for years to reacquire land, but DNR has not had a funding source to compensate beneficiaries as the law requires. The new structure of the TLT program clearly allows federally recognized Tribes to be recipients of land, meaning a transfer can now finally be realized.
Cape George Project (Jefferson County, 241 acres)
Cape George is an isolated parcel in Jefferson County that is difficult for DNR to manage. It contains old-growth forests and trails used by many for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The county has long sought to obtain the parcel and plans to manage it for open space, passive recreation, reduced fire risk, and forest health. The local community is strongly supportive of the project. Jefferson County has been engaging residents since at least 2012 to evaluate best management strategies for these parcels.
A Win-Win for Washington
Trust land transfer addresses many complex challenges that our state is facing today, especially in answering the important question of how we conserve important state trust land while also providing a source of revenue for financially strapped communities.
We are very grateful for the leadership of many legislators on this important issue, especially outgoing Rep. Steve Tharinger, Rep. Lisa Callan, Senator Mike Chapman, and Rep. Greg Nance. We also appreciate the Governor for including funding for TLT in his original budget and Commissioner Upthegrove for continuing to lead on this issue.
Photo by Stephen Grace Photography
Why the TLT Program Matters
The Trust Land Transfer program is a unique “win-win-win” conservation tool. It has allowed the state to protect ecologically treasured places like Mount Si and Deception Pass while simultaneously providing the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funds to purchase replacement lands better suited for long-term timber revenue.
This approach supports:
- Conservation: Safeguarding our natural heritage and fish and wildlife habitat.
- Education & Community: Benefiting K-12 schools, universities, and local public services
- Economic Stability: Maintaining working forests and supporting rural communities.
Since its inception in 1989, the program has preserved more than 128,000 acres of state trust land for recreation, education, and community use.
