OLYMPIA — The state Board of Natural Resources is purchasing 1,209 acres of forestland in Jefferson, Clallam, Lewis and Snohomish counties from Manke Lumber Co., a private timber firm.
The purchase includes 377 acres in two parcels south of Port Angeles in Clallam County and 38 acres west of Quilcene in Jefferson County.
Management of the lands — which border existing state trust lands — will enhance stream and wildlife habit while providing public school construction revenue, according to Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, who chairs the Board of Natural Resources and leads DNR.
“In addition to generating long-term revenue for public schools, these lands will remain sustainable working forests that continue to provide clean water and excellent wildlife habitat under DNR’s management,” Goldmark said.
Known as the Tri-Region Acquisition, the $3.8 million purchase will be funded by proceeds from previous sales of state lands that did not meet DNR’s trust management and revenue goals.
