11/27/06 More DNR open houses on land exchanges

Washington Ag November 27, 2006 The Washington Department of Natural Resources will be holding three more open house meetings this week to provide information to the public about five proposed trust land exchanges DNR is considering. Proposed exchange properties include rural, forested and agricultural parcels. There are no formal public presentations at these open houses and they are not formal hearings but comment cards will be provided. Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland explains the reason for the proposed trust land exchanges. Sutherland: "These exchanges are trying to accomplish a more effective, a more efficient ownership of lands. Not only DNR lands but also Fish and Wildlife lands and private sector lands. In the end everyone comes out with equal value but with a more effective ownership." Which can lead to increased production of long-term trust revenue. All open houses begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be in Wenatchee Tuesday, November 28th at the Wenatchee Community Center, in Ellensburg November 29th at the Hal Holmes Community Center and in Goldendale at the Goldendale High School November 30th. More information and maps are at the DNR website. I'm Bob Hoff.