For the proposed Richland 16 Land Bank Exchange (DNR #86-102442), DNR proposes to exchange state trust lands no longer suitable for trust ownership with properties that have greater revenue potential to support the trust beneficiaries. Following the exchange, the properties no longer held in trust ownership will be positioned for sale, with proceeds used to purchase more productive properties.

The exchange will:

This exchange involves state trust land belonging to the Common School Trust, located in Benton County; and Land Bank properties located in Benton, Kitsap, Skagit and Snohomish Counties.

 

DNR held two public hearings for the Richland 16 Land Bank Exchange to share information and to receive information and testimony from the public. The first meeting was held on March 9, 2022 in Mount Vernon, Washington, and the second meeting was held on March 21, 2022 in Richland, Washington. Following the evaluation of hearing testimony and a property appraisal, DNR will finalize an exchange proposal to present to the Board of Natural Resources for a final decision at one of its regularly scheduled monthly meetings. The Board meeting provides an additional opportunity for public comment.