DNR manages state trust lands to produce sustainable revenue for public schools, universities, counties and other trust beneficiaries through:
Land Leasing: More than 1 million acres are leased for agriculture, mining, mineral extraction and exploration, wind power, communication sites, commercial real estate, and more.
Land Exchanges: Exchanging land with other public and private parties helps improve trust land values and income potential.
Other Land Transactions: Fee transfers to other public agencies, public auctions, and purchases of replacement properties keep trust lands productive for long-term revenue production. Replacement lands are purchased when trust lands with special environmental values are transferred to conservation or other ownership.
Shellfish and Aquatic Leasing: State aquatic lands are a ‘public trust’ for all the people of Washington. Portions of the 2.6 million acres of state-owned lakes, rivers, tidelands, beds of Puget Sound and other aquatic lands are leased for marinas, shellfish beds, rights of way, and other activities.