Through acquisition of replacement properties for the state trusts—the $4.15 million, 985-acre Bear Creek Tree Farm in Snohomish County—DNR accomplished two important objectives: prime working forests will earn School Trust funding into the future, and the purchase supports the Working Forest Initiative for preventing commercial forests from being converted.
The Bear Creek tract, just 10 miles from I-5, and the Jim Creek acquisition to the north will help buffer thousands of acres of state trust land from non-forest development.
Preventing sprawl, while protecting working forests, supports the Northwest quality of life—clean air and water, wildlife habitat, sustainable timber harvesting practices, and recreation.
DNR exchanges, transfers or sells at public auction those trust lands less effective for natural resources management—such as those too close to housing developments.
