HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDS SS Cle Elum Ridge Update Staff Report 07.14.25 KITTITAS COUNTY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
2025 STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SEESION DATE: July 14, 2025
TOPIC: Cle Elum Ridge Update
ACTION REQUESTED: Informational
BACKGROUND: In November 2023, Kittitas County entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)with the
Washington Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW), The Nature Conservancy
(TNC), and the Kittitas Conservation Trust
regarding the long-term management and ownership
of the Cle Elum Ridge Property. The Cle Elum
Ridge Property is currently owned by Central
Cascades Forest, LLC and managed by TNC.
The MOU parties have identified two potential
ownership and management options:
Option 1: DNR would purchase the northern two-
thirds of Cle Elum Ridge (6,200 acres) as trust land,
and TNC would purchase the southern one-third
(3,500 acres) as a community forest, with a DNR
conservation easement. TNC intends to co-manage
its ownership with the Yakama Nation and the
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and may
transfer fee title to the Yakama Nation in the future.
Option 2: DNR would purchase all 9,700 acres as
trust lands, or as a hybrid of trust and community
lands, depending on its preference.
INTERACTION: Public Works, MOU Parties, Yakama Nation
HANDLING: None
ATTACHMENTS: Memorandum of Understanding, Presentation