Laserfiche WebLink
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 />