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In April 2022, DNR acknowledged these concerns in correspondence related to the Cle <br /> Elum Ridge project and expressed interest in continued dialogue regarding ways to <br /> achieve benefits to the County and address recreation-related impacts to County <br /> infrastructure. <br /> On September 2, 2025, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove informed the <br /> Board of County Commissioners that DNR intends to actively manage approximately the <br /> northern two-thirds of the Cle Elum Ridge property as Trust Lands for commercial <br /> harvest and stated that the southern 1/3 will be owned and managed by the Nature <br /> Conservancy and other partners as a Community Forest. The letter also stated DNR's <br /> intent to continue coordinating with Kittitas County regarding recreation management <br /> and local impacts associated with public land ownership. <br /> DISCUSSION: <br /> County staff prepared the attached letter to acknowledge DNR's continued coordination <br /> and responsiveness to County concerns regarding the Cle Elum Ridge project. The letter <br /> recognizes DNR's commitment to manage portions of the property as Trust Lands for <br /> commercial harvest, which will continue generating revenue for Kittitas County and other <br /> taxing districts. <br /> The proposed correspondence also reiterates the County's ongoing concern regarding the <br /> cumulative reduction of privately owned green zone lands within upper Kittitas County. <br /> County staff conducted an initial review of undeveloped DNR-owned parcels located <br /> within green zone areas and identified several parcels that may warrant further evaluation <br /> regarding whether they could be appropriate candidates for private ownership. The <br /> proposed letter requests continued coordination with DNR staff to explore whether any <br /> such opportunities exist. <br /> FISCAL IMPACTS: <br /> No direct fiscal impacts are associated with approval of the proposed letter. <br /> The issues discussed in the letter relate to broader long-term fiscal considerations <br /> associated with public land ownership, County tax base limitations, recreation-related <br /> service demands, and the availability of privately owned developable lands within <br /> Kittitas County. <br /> ATTACHMENTS: <br /> Exhibit A Draft Letter <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br /> Public Works"Work Session Staff Report",May 11,2026 <br />