Olympic Peninsula Conservation Programs
Community Forest Trust Program
Program level:
State
Land use:
Forest
Provider:
Washington DNR
Benefits provided:
Financial
Water-focused program:
No
Create a community forest out of land that is threatened by development.
Overview
Description:
Since the 1980s, more than seventeen percent of Washington’s commercial forests have been converted to other land uses. As working forests vanish, so do many of their benefits, such as local timber sources, jobs, clean air and water, and open land for outdoor recreation. The Community Forest Trust program gives DNR and communities a way to protect these vital landscapes from conversion and to maintain all of these benefits.
Eligibility:
Selected based on nominations by communities and purchased from willing sellers of private forestland or from other state land trusts.
DNR prioritizes nominations based on the program’s statutory goals and presents those projects to the Board of Natural Resources for consideration. Projects approved by the Board are submitted to the legislature for funding of the state's portion of property acquisition costs.
The community partner is responsible for a local financial contribution of at least fifty percent of the difference between the parcel’s appraised fair market value and the parcel’s timber and forest land value.
Financial benefit:
Payment from fee simple purchase, transfer of development rights, or easement.
Contact information
Contact person:
Leah Dobey
Organization:
Washington Department of Natural Resources
Phone number:
360-902-1624
Email:
Information last updated on November 1, 2021.
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 conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is right for you!
Contact Us
This tool is meant for you. If you have any ideas for improvement, are struggling to find something, are having difficulty navigating, or program info is incorrect or missing, please contact Rachel Santa Olalla and she will fix it ASAP.