Thorpe Land Exhange
   

Thorpe Exchange - DNR #86-108039

 
PROPOSED LAND EXCHANGE BETWEEN WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR) AND Blue Fern Management LLC

Objective

DNR desires to replace a property in Spokane County that is underproducing for the Common School Trust with an income producing property in Whatcom County.
 
Blue Fern intends to develop the state trust parcel for housing, park space and civic uses. Its proposal is available in greater detail at latahpark.com. 

Benefits

The exchange will:
  • Provide long term income for the Common School Trust. 
  • DNR would own income producing property In Bellingham (Haggen).
  • Provide needed funds for K-12 Schools.
This exchange involves a single state trust: Common School Trust (builds public schools statewide). The proposed state property is in Spokane County and the exchange property is in Whatcom County.

Blue Fern Management LLC.

  • The proposed property for trade is a Haggen Grocery Store and parking lot in Bellingham.
  • The property is for sale and Blue Fern Management LLC. would need to secure this property first.
  • Acreage of the Haggen property:
    • Whatcom County – 4.12 acres of Commercial building & parking lot.

State Trust Property

  • The State trust parcel located in the Latah Valley is currently not leased.
  • Trust lands are held and managed by the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of generating revenue for both current and future beneficiaries, as mandated by both the Federal Enabling Act and the State Constitution. Where possible, DNR manages for multiple benefits such as recreation and protecting habitat and water quality.
  • Acreage of the state trust land:
    • Spokane County – 192 acres of Common School Trust Land.

Public Information, Outreach and Public Testimony

 
Written exchange testimony can be submitted to DNR until 5:30 P.M. on December 19, 2024, by sending written email comments to the following email address (exchanges@dnr.wa.gov) OR by submitting written letters to:
 
DNR, Strategic Planning Office, Attn. Thorpe Land Exchange No. 86-108039, Mail Stop 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-7014. 
 
All written and oral testimony will be considered equally
 
Following the evaluation of hearing testimony and a property appraisal, DNR and Blue Fern Management LLC. may finalize an exchange agreement 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. 

Documents

Contacts

Email exchanges@dnr.wa.gov with comments. 
 
Martin McElliott, Exchange Project Manager
Strategic Planning Office
PO Box 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-7014
360-790-5085
 
Gary R. Martindale, Commercial Property Manager
Product Sales & Leasing Division
P.O. Box 47014
Olympia, WA  98504-7014
(564) 201-0413