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River and Habitat Open Space Program
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington DNR
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Forest
Water-focused program:
Yes
Provide forestland that benefits environmental considerations.
Overview
Description:
Ensure long-term conservation of aquatic and upland resources by acquiring permanent
conservation easements. Forestlands with unconfined channel migration zones (CMZs) or critical habitat for state threatened and endangered species are eligible for the program.
Eligibility:
Two types of land are eligible for the program: 1) forestland habitat critical for state-listed threatened or endangered species (Critical Habitat), and 2) a specific type of river habitat called unconfined channel migration zones (CMZ), which are islands of timber within a river channel that is actively shifting.
Identified as either "designated forestland" or "current use forestland" on county assessor records
Free of unacceptable liabilities such as hazardous substances or other site conditions that may jeopardize the preservation of fisheries enhancement or ecological protection of the project area.
Financial benefit:
One time payment for easement
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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