State trust lands map available

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released an updated state trust lands map to help citizens see where, and how, these lands are giving back to them.

“I like to think of it as Washington’s treasure map,” says Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “These state lands generate money for schools and counties, habitat for native plants and wildlife, jobs for people and space to recreate and enjoy. In conserving and managing these magnificent landscapes we’re helping to ensure they continue to benefit us all.”

Of the 3 million acres of land managed by DNR, the majority, including state forests, are part of a trust system managed on behalf of education and other public entities to provide sustainable revenue for public services. The agency facilitates economic activities such as timber harvests, farming, grazing, and cell tower leases, on these lands which generates approximately $170 million per year. The lands are further managed to provide environmental benefits and wildlife habitat, while also enabling recreation, including 71 campgrounds and more than 1,100 miles of trails.

The map also highlights another kind of land under DNR’s protection; Washington’s most precious natural areas. These areas, comprising more than 160,000 acres, are some of the last remaining examples of healthy native ecosystems and are often home to rare plants and animals.

Many other facets of the agency’s efforts are covered by the map. It shares agency work on fighting wildfires, recreation volunteerism, sustainable forestry across public and private lands, and fishery, grazing and agricultural land management. The map also highlights a notable addition – the 50,241-acre Teanaway Community Forest north of Cle Elum.

Last updated in 2010, the new full-color map is 37 by 24 inches. The public may order the map mailed to them for $3.50 from http://www.dnr.wa.gov/maps, or pick one up in person, for no cost, at the Pacific Cascade Region Office, 601 Bond Rd, in Castle Rock.