WA Wild’s Message to Governor Ferguson: Invest in the Trust Land Transfer Program
In a recent comment letter, nearly 80 groups joined Washington Wild in calling on Governor Ferguson to dedicate $31 million to DNR’s Trust Land Transfer (TLT) program in the upcoming supplemental capital budget. The TLT program shifts ecologically valuable but low-revenue state trust lands to entities better suited for conservation or recreation, delivering broad benefits for communities and ecosystems. By protecting vital habitats and working forests, supporting public institutions like schools and emergency services, and strengthening climate resilience through the preservation of carbon-rich forests and key watersheds, TLT serves as a proven win for Washington. The proposed $31 million investment would protect more than 12,000 acres across the state.
Since its inception in 1989, the TLT program has preserved more than 128,000 acres of state trust land. Parts of the state’s most treasured places—Mt. Si, Blanchard Mountain, and Deception Pass State Park—were former trust lands. Photo: Deception Pass State Park, Christopher Newton
Projects Under Consideration for the 2026 Supplemental Capital Budget
As the second batch of TLT projects since the program’s revitalization in 2023, with a new application process, eligibility analysis, and transparent public advisory committee ranking, the projects recommended for funding this year highlight the best TLT has to offer. Representing geographic diversity, they collectively support Tribal sovereignty, protect critical wildlife habitat, enhance outdoor recreation access, and improve land management efficiency, while maintaining trust beneficiary compensation. The projects highlight TLT’s ability to correct historical errors, consolidate fragmented ownerships, and safeguard exceptional natural resources across Washington.
Yakama Nation
Three high-elevation forest and meadow parcels within the Yakama Reservation would be returned to the Yakama Nation for conservation. Difficult or impossible to access given their place in a checkerboard pattern with Yakama Nation land, these headwaters are a tributary of the steelhead-bearing Klickitat River. TLT provides a long-needed pathway to remedy the historical filing error, support Tribal sovereignty, and permanently protect sensitive ecosystems.
Babcock Bench
Two state parcels surrounded by WDFW land near the Ancient Lakes would transfer to WDFW to unify management of this important wildlife habitat that also offers incredible rock climbing, trout fishing, and hiking trails. The lands generate almost no trust revenue and are better suited for habitat protection and outdoor recreation stewardship.
Photo: The Middle Fork Snoqualmie, WTA trip report by Alpine Wanderer
Middle Fork Snoqualmie
A 95-acre parcel near North Bend would move into DNR’s Natural Areas Program to protect a key low-elevation wildlife crossing and sensitive riparian habitat. The transfer continues a decades-long effort to restore the valley into a regional recreation and conservation destination, resolving checkerboard ownership and supporting both habitat and community use.
Cape George, Anderson Lake & Beaver Valley
These isolated, old-growth-containing parcels—popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding—would transfer to Jefferson County for management focused on forest health, passive recreation, and wildfire risk reduction. They include trail corridors for major regional and national trail systems and enjoy strong community support.
Trout Lake
A marginal-timber-value parcel already managed as habitat for the Northern spotted owl would be transferred to DNR’s Natural Areas Program to enhance protection of rare species, including Oregon spotted frogs and nesting Sandhill cranes. The parcel strengthens an ecologically significant mid-elevation wetland and forest ecosystem and facilitates long-term preservation and restoration.
