Committee advances discussion on updating DNR timber- and land-sale notices and processes

Senate Bill 6216 would update how the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publicizes and conducts timber sales and land transactions, removing an older pamphlet requirement and allowing notices and lists to be posted on the agency’s website and made available on request.

Jeff Olson, committee staff, told lawmakers the bill also changes how DNR must publicize sales of valuable materials valued at $250,000 or less, permitting website publication or other practical methods, and allows sales to take place at regional headquarters or alternate locations designated by DNR. Olson said staff estimates no fiscal impact from the change.

Industry and agency witnesses testified in support. Matt Domet of the Washington Forest Protection Association said the bill would help preserve a healthy forest-products supply chain by improving DNR’s efficiency. Erica Odom, DNR’s deputy director of governmental affairs, described the bill as an agency-request measure that had passed the Senate in prior sessions (2021 and 2022) but stalled in the House; she said the commissioner challenged staff to find cost-savings and efficiencies in the face of constrained budgets.

Keith Heikala of the American Forest Resource Council emphasized the importance of state trust land fiduciary duties and noted that "timber sales from DNR state trust lands generate about $200,000,000 in average timber revenue annually to support public services." Heikala also highlighted a provision in section 4 that requires appraisal and sale at fair market value for transfers or sales and said the provision mirrors existing state law.

The committee recorded 60 written pro submissions and one con submission and concluded the public hearing; no final floor action on SB 6216 is recorded in the transcript.