PORT ANGELES — The state Department of Natural Resources is working to acquire an 82-acre parcel about a mile southeast of Forks from the current family owners to replace timber trust lands impeded by environmental regulations.
The Clallam County commissioners agreed last week, following an executive session, to begin working with the Washington Association of Counties on the purchase, County Commissioner Mark Ozias wrote in a Monday email.
DNR anticipates bringing the $250,000 transaction to the Board of Natural Resources for approval at its September meeting, DNR spokesman Kenny Ocker wrote in a Monday afternoon email.
“This would be the first purchase by DNR in Clallam County using funds allocated by the Legislature to replace trust lands encumbered by Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act restrictions,” he wrote.
“The parcel will be managed to produce revenue to support the taxing districts where it lies, including the Forks School District and Forks Community Hospital,” he added.
The DNR purchase is the first in Clallam County using $2.5 million allocated by the Legislature to replace state timber trust lands where logging is restricted by the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.
The parcel will be managed to produce revenue to support nearby taxing districts, including the Forks School District and Forks Community Hospital.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@ soundpublishing.com.
