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County staff seek approval to buy 78‑acre Fancher property for $2.05 million from DNR
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Summary
Parks staff told commissioners they will advance a purchase‑and‑sale agreement under the Conservation Futures program to buy the 78‑acre Fancher property from the Washington Department of Natural Resources for $2,050,000; staff said funds are budgeted and they intend to bring the agreement to the April 14 legislative meeting.
Parks staff presented the Fancher property — the top‑ranked parcel on the county’s Conservation Futures acquisition list — as a proposed acquisition. The property is about 78 acres north of Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill, and staff said appraisals support a purchase price of $2,050,000. Parks staff told the board the Conservation Futures Fund has anticipated the purchase and has adequate funding to proceed.
Commissioners asked whether the county often buys government‑owned land under the Conservation Futures program; staff said it does occur and that the Department of Natural Resources is statutorily obligated to sell properties at market value. Staff also noted contributions from private donors and a Park Foundation pledge of $10,000 that would be applied to the acquisition. Commissioners discussed longer‑term maintenance and the program’s 25% earmark for maintenance and operations and asked staff to report back on carrying costs and what the county can afford to maintain in the portfolio.
Next steps: staff said they will advance the purchase‑and‑sale agreement for consideration on the April 14 legislative agenda and can return with analysis of long‑term maintenance capacity if the board wishes.
