On December 12th, MVCC facilitated a well-attended meeting between DNR staff and the public to gain clarity on a recent proposal to transfer some parcels of land near Twisp out of DNR Trust status.

Dozens of thoughtful and passionate citizens shared their questions and concerns about the proposed land transfer with DNR staff from the Northeastern Region and Olympia. Participants who stayed to the end also shared personal written feedback about the values they are most interested in protecting on the lands proposed for transfer. Habitat for a wide variety of important wildlife species, public access and conservation of open space topped the list.

DNR staff committed to including what they learned from the meeting in their review to evaluate options for each of the parcel under consideration and determine their next steps. They will also consider all comments received until January 15th.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW UP?

The decision about whether to transfer the parcels out of the Trust, whether to auction them or transfer them to another agency or program, is DNR’s to make. As the public, we can influence the outcome of their decision and advocate for the outcome that best serves the public interest.

Before the end of the comment period on January 15th, send a clear message about what you think a good outcome would will look like. Whether you have commented previously, but have something new to say, or whether you were recently inspired – please share your thoughts!

Based on what we have learned at the public meeting, MVCC plans to advocate the following to the DNR:

• Many of the parcels have high ecological value for wildlife habitat, including habitat for some rare and sensitive species. These values need to be protected as part of any decision.
• Based on potential agency interest, we support removing some of the parcels from the auction process to allow agencies adequate time to develop their options.
• To the degree possible, we recommend that DNR work with agencies find a path to continued public ownership for most of the parcels.
• Where public ownership is not possible, we encourage DNR to use every option at their disposal to protect the conservation values of the parcels.

Written testimony must be received by 5 p.m. on January 15th, 2020. Please mail written testimony to: DNR, Land Bank Exchange 2019, Attn: Deborah Whitney, P.O. Box 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-7014, or email exchanges@dnr.wa.gov. For more information about the exchange, contact Exchange Project Manager Deborah Whitney at 360-902-1482 or deborah.whitney@dnr.wa.gov.