Hubbard County readies acceptance of roughly 1,800 acres; staff authorized to execute closing documents

County staff presented a continuation of a multi‑year land acquisition project and sought administrative authorization to execute a declaration accepting about 1,800 acres at an upcoming closing.

A staff presenter said the parcels were identified to connect managed forests and to make contiguous trail systems whole; the purchase closing is scheduled for next week through Lazard Sams and the related grant process has been completed. The presenter told commissioners that the board had previously approved the purchase and that the outstanding administrative step was allowing staff to sign a declaration of transfer so the closing could proceed on schedule.

Commissioners asked about the "as‑is" language and whether the county would perform parcel‑by‑parcel surveys and clear encroachments. Staff said they expect to evaluate property issues on a case‑by‑case basis and that many parcels adjoin county‑managed lands, which simplifies boundary resolution. Staff noted that Potlatch's earlier sales left the remaining parcels in generally good timber condition and that many parcels are already incorporated into the county's management plan.

The presenter emphasized the grant covered purchase costs but not property‑investigation or recording expenses; the resolution language reflects that county acceptance will occur "as is" and that the grantee or seller remains responsible for some transaction costs in specific circumstances.

Asked whether there were any objections to executing the declaration administratively rather than waiting for a formal vote at the next regular meeting, the chair sought consensus, and the board indicated assent with a head nod: "Consensus? Yep." Staff said they would finalize closing paperwork after that acknowledgment.