DNR to Hold Public Hearing for Land Bank Exchange

Trust Land Exchange will Provide Greater Benefits for Schools, Enhance Working Trust Lands

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Richland 16 Land Exchange. The hearing will take place on June 10^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Skagit County Public Utility District offices in Mount Vernon.

This hearing is to provide information and receive testimony on the proposed Richland 16 Land Bank Inter-Trust Exchange. The exchange enables the replacement of trust lands with lands that are better suited for trust management.

The purpose of this exchange is to consolidate state trust lands to improve management efficiency and marketing options for trust revenue, enhance the sustainability of working trust landscapes to provide for future generations, and facilitate the sale of properties no longer suitable for trust ownership.

DNR manages more than 3 million acres of state trust forest, agricultural, range, and commercial properties. These trust lands earn income to build schools, universities, and other state institutions, and help fund local services in many counties. The Department also provides important habitat for fish and wildlife, recreation, and educational opportunities for the public.

The exchange affects portions of the following Trust Lands located in Benton County, and Land Bank properties located in Benton, Clark, Kitsap, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties:

TRUST LAND PROPERTY TO LAND BANK

• Sec 16-T9N-28E, W.M., Benton County; Common School Trust, comprising 49.95 acres, more or less.

LAND BANK PROPERTY TO TRUST LAND

• Sec 36-T9N-R24E, W.M., Benton County;
• Sec 35-T3N-R4E, W.M., Clark County;
• Sec 3-T24N-R1W, W.M., Kitsap County;
• Sec 13-T36N-R3E, W.M., Skagit County;
• Secs 17, 18 & 21-T36N-R5E, W.M., Skagit County;
• Secs 20 & 21-T33N-R6E, W.M., Skagit County;
• Sec 11-T31N-R5E, W.M., Snohomish County;
• Secs 19 & 20-T29N-R7E, W.M., Snohomish County.
• Land Bank comprising 1,525.50 acres, more or less.

PUBLIC HEARING DETAILS

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

6:00 p.m.

Skagit County Public Utility District (PUD)

Aqua Room - Meeting Room

1415 Freeway Drive

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

All written testimony must be received by 5 p.m., June 25, 2026, and addressed to the State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources, Asset Management Division, ATTN: Richland 16 Land Bank Exchange, PO Box 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-7014, or emailed to [email protected].

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ryan Rodruck

Communications Manager

Cell: 360-584-3916

[email protected]