Alder Creek Exchange
DNR is interested in trading up to 80.98 acres of state trust property located in Lewis County for a property of equal value provided by Burton Christmas Trees LLC. This exchange involves one DNR trust beneficiary: the Capitol Building Trust (which maintains the Capitol Building improvements). The properties for potential DNR acquisition in this land exchange total up to 120 +/- acres of private land owned by Burton Christmas Trees LLC, located in Lewis County.
Purpose
DNR objectives for this proposed land exchange include consolidating working forest landscapes to enhance future trust revenue, decrease state costs, and provide ecological, biological, and social benefits to the State of Washington and its citizens. Actively managed DNR working forests provide benefits that frequently include forest biodiversity, habitat protection, open space, public access, and clean air and water for people and wildlife. In addition to generating revenue to support schools, these forestlands offer desirable public recreation opportunities, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Details
The land exchange properties involved are all located in Lewis County.
Summary Sheet: Alder Creek Land Exchange
Future Public Hearing
DNR has scheduled a public hearing for this land exchange to provide information and for public testimony. The date and location of the hearing are posted below:
The meeting will take place on May 19, 2026, and will start at 4:00 PM at the following location:
Salkum Public Library
2480 U.S. Highway 12
Salkum, WA 98582
Interested parties can submit written testimony at the public hearing location and date listed above, OR may send written testimony to arrive at the following DNR address on or prior to June 2, 2026.
Department of Natural Resources
Asset Management Division
Attn: Martin McElliott for Alder Creek Exchange
Mail Stop 47014
Olympia, WA 98504-7014
Project status
DNR and Burton Christmas Trees LLC. are in the early phase of exploring this potential land exchange. The final DNR decision regarding this land exchange will be made by the Board of Natural Resources at one of its scheduled meetings after public input is received and considered, parcel valuations are completed, and an exchange proposal is presented to the Board of Natural Resources.
