Clark County officials on Oct. 15 discussed sending a letter of interest to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about the agency's Natural Conservation Swap program and identified a 612-acre parcel on Larch Mountain as a candidate for conservation.

County policy staff Jordan Bogie told the council the legislature has set aside climate funding for a program that would remove selected DNR trust lands from timber production and acquire replacement timber lands for trust beneficiaries. "It would be a good idea to write a letter expressing interest in this program," Bogie said, adding the county could recommend a preferred parcel but that DNR would make the final decision.

The parcel discussed measures about 612 acres, of which roughly 395 acres are forested; staff described the property as higher elevation (around 3,500 feet), with existing recreation trails and lower timber value than many other county forests. Councilor Little, who supported proactive engagement, said the site "seems to be a really good proposal in a a good location" because of its recreation value and lower timber-production economics.

Speakers noted the program is funded out of a state appropriation of $10 million; Bogie and others said a single swap in the current round could consume about $2.5 million of that total. Bogie said the money could go to any county and urged the council to act quickly to appear on DNR's short list.

Several councilors asked for more staff analysis before formally naming a preferred site. Councilor Young requested feedback from county staff on potential impacts and implementation issues; Kathleen (county staff) confirmed staff could prepare material and the council directed staff to present more detailed information at next week's council time. Councilor Belcott volunteered to serve as an alternate on the Elder Justice Center board (a separate item discussed earlier), and other councilors volunteered to try to cover the immediate meeting if scheduling permitted.

No formal vote was taken on a final parcel. The council reached consensus to move forward with drafting a letter expressing Clark County's interest in participating in the DNR Natural Conservation Swap program and to place the item on next week's agenda so staff can provide more information prior to any formal recommendation to name a specific parcel.

Background: staff said DNR would keep selected parcels in conservation status in perpetuity and acquire replacement timberland to manage for the trust beneficiaries; DNR makes final selection and would fund purchases for replacement lands. The community group that suggested the Larch Mountain parcel presented maps and rationale to county staff prior to the council discussion.

Looking ahead: staff will prepare additional analysis on the proposed parcel'size, access, recreational uses, likely impacts for junior taxing districts and replacement-land options'and will provide that material at the council's next scheduled meeting for possible additional direction.