OLYMPIA – May 5 at its regular monthly public meeting, the Board of Natural Resources authorized two transfers of state trust land that, combined, will shift nearly 3,000 acres of state-owned forest and wetlands in western Washington into conservation status. In addition to providing more acreage for habitat and low-impact recreation, the transfers clear the way for about $7 million in legislatively appropriated funds to flow into public school construction projects statewide.

“The additions to the Stavis and Morningstar Natural Areas will put much-needed funds into public school construction while adding opportunities for low-impact recreation and protection of sensitive forests and wetlands,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark.

Morningstar Natural Resources Conservation Area

In the first land transfer, the board authorized the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to transfer 2,445 acres of Common School Trust land near Spada Lake into the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) in Snohomish County. In return, the state’s school construction account will receive $5.1 million. The funds, which reflect the value of standing timber on the land, are provided through the legislatively funded Trust Land Transfer program. The program also will provide DNR with $599,000 – the land’s value – to purchase replacement land for the trust. Much of the roadless site is covered with trees more than 160 years old and ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 feet in elevation. With its steep slopes, difficult terrain and high value as wildlife habitat, the site was considered unsuitable for producing long-term revenue for the school construction trust.

Stavis Natural Resources Conservation Area

The board authorized the transfer of 553 acres of Common School Trust land near Seabeck into the Stavis NRCA. The transfer, also through the state’s Trust Land Transfer program, will provide $1.9 million for school construction, while DNR will receive $3.9 million to purchase replacement lands better suited for long-term revenue to the trust. The parcels authorized for transfer contain numerous wetlands and streams that help provide plant and wildlife habitat and clean water for Hood Canal.