Reconveyance: RCWs to Read & Questions to Ask

After last night's Roast of Tim Douglas, I spoke briefly with Pete Kremen about the reconveyance idea.
Here is a synopsis of our brief conversation:

Pete is traveling to Olympia next week to meet with DNR Commissioner Doug Sutherland about the possible reconveyance of over 8,000 acres of DNR forest lands in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to a new use as a Park.
Apparently, Sutherland doesn't welcome advance publicity on this idea, and doesn't want to hear about Whatcom County wanting to protect Lake Whatcom.
Reconveyance for use as a Park is the only reason authorized by State statutes.

But, Pete wants to create a Park that will protect Lake Whatcom better than DNR will likely do by continued logging.
He seems to believe some sort of 'announcement' may be issued soon.
Whether this means a DNR Press Release or a Herald article isn't clear yet, although there were reports of new DNR activity down in Sedro-Wooley today.

Announcement of a reconveyance scheme may be imminent -maybe next week- but the details of just what will transpire is yet to be known.
Pete said he and County folks hadn't talked about this much because they didn't want the idea to be 'blown up' before it had a chance of success.

If the suspected impending announcement does come to pass, it will open up a big new discussion on Lake Whatcom.
Major questions must be asked about things like:

Lost DNR revenues from timber harvests - how much, and how will these funds be replaced?

Land use - what kind of Park is envisioned; will it do a better job of protecting the lake; how would the County's Park Plan fit with State requirements?

Zoning changes from Commercial Forestry - how would this be done; and how administered by County?

This Park scheme may work, but likely several hundred thousand dollars per year must find other funding sources, and the Park itself administered by the County.

It will be interesting to see how this plan will be presented and play out.
Of course, the County Council must muster the 4 votes needed to even begin to accomplish this scheme.
--------------------------
I've now read through all the material Lisa McShane pulled together, including brief references to the applicable RCWs.
This included correspondence from experts who were asked to comment on the DNR's PEIS on the Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan.

Those interested in going to sleep early, can Google 'Access Washington' and search to find the full texts for these RCWs, but here are the three excerpts included in my package of materials:
------------------
RCW 79.22.300
Procedure — Reconveyance back when use ceases.

Whenever the board of county commissioners of any county shall determine that state forest lands, that were acquired from such county by the state pursuant to RCW 79.22.040 and that are under the administration of the department, are needed by the county for public park use in accordance with the county and the state outdoor recreation plans, the board of county commissioners may file an application with the board for the transfer of such state forest lands.

Upon the filing of an application by the board of county commissioners, the department shall cause notice of the impending transfer to be given in the manner provided by RCW 42.30.060. If the department determines that the proposed use is in accordance with the state outdoor recreation plan, it shall reconvey said state forest lands to the requesting county to have and to hold for so long as the state forest lands are developed, maintained, and used for the proposed public park purpose. This reconveyance may contain conditions to allow the department to coordinate the management of any adjacent public lands with the proposed park activity to encourage maximum multiple use management and may reserve rights of way needed to manage other public lands in the area. The application shall be denied if the department finds that the proposed use is not in accord with the state outdoor recreation plan. If the land is not, or ceases to be, used for public park purposes the land shall be conveyed back to the department upon request of the department.


[2004 c 199 § 216; 2003 c 334 § 213; 1983 c 3 § 195; 1969 ex.s. c 47 § 1. Formerly RCW 76.12.072.]

Notes:
Part headings not law -- 2004 c 199: See note following RCW 79.02.010.
Intent -- 2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.
---------------------
79.22.310
Timber resource management.
---------------------
79.22.050
Sales and leases of timber, timber land, or products thereon.
=================
Now, here is the URL and Index to RCW 79.22:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=79.22

Chapter 79.22 RCW

Acquisition, management, and disposition of state forest lands
Complete Chapter

RCW Sections
PART 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS
79.22.010
Powers of department -- Acquisition of land for reforestation -- Taxes, cancellation.
79.22.020
Acquisition of forest land -- Requisites.
79.22.030
Record of proceedings, etc.
79.22.040
Deed of county land to department.
79.22.050
Sales and leases of timber, timber land, or products thereon.
79.22.060
Transfer, disposal of lands without public auction -- Requirements.
79.22.070
Forest and land management -- Rules -- Penalty.
79.22.080
Utility bonds.
79.22.090
Bonds -- Purchase price of land limited -- Retirement of bonds.
79.22.100
Reacquisition of lands from federal government.
79.22.110
Reconveyance to county in certain cases.
79.22.120
Reconveyance to county of certain leased lands.
PART 2

TRANSFERS OF STATE FOREST LANDS

FOR PUBLIC PARK PURPOSES
79.22.300
Procedure -- Reconveyance back when use ceases.
79.22.310
Timber resource management.
79.22.320
Lands transferred by deed.
79.22.330
Provisions cumulative and nonexclusive.
===============
Figuring out what the requirements are for a Park may prove to be a bigger undertaking than applying for the reconveyance.
Part of that process is for the County to develop a Parks Plan to submit to the IAC [Interagency Committee - see below]

Here is the URL for the Interagency committee for outdoor recreation, plus the applicable WAC [Washington Administrative Code]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.25

Chapter 79A.25 RCW

Interagency committee for outdoor recreation
Complete Chapter | RCW Dispositions

RCW Sections
79A.25.005
Policy -- Mission of committee.
79A.25.010
Definition of terms.
79A.25.020
Director's powers and duties.
79A.25.030
Determination of proportion of motor vehicle fuel tax moneys derived from tax on marine fuel -- Studies -- Costs.
79A.25.040
Marine fuel tax refund account -- Moneys derived from tax on marine fuel -- Refunding and placement in account -- Exception.
79A.25.050
Marine fuel tax refund account -- Claims for refunds paid from.
79A.25.060
Outdoor recreation account -- Deposits.
79A.25.070
Recreation resource account, motor vehicle fund -- Transfers of moneys from marine fuel tax account.
79A.25.080
Recreation resource account -- Distribution of moneys transferred.
79A.25.090
Interest on funds granted by committee to be returned to source account.
79A.25.100
Conversion of marine recreation land to other uses -- Approval -- Substitution.
79A.25.110
Interagency committee for outdoor recreation -- Created -- Membership -- Terms -- Compensation and travel expenses.
79A.25.120
Plans for public outdoor recreation land acquisition or improvement -- Contents -- Submission -- Recommendations.
79A.25.130
Participation in federal programs -- Authority.
79A.25.140
Commitments or agreements forbidden unless sufficient funds available -- Agreements with federal agencies on behalf of state or local agencies -- Conditions.
79A.25.150
Assistance furnished by state departments -- Appointment of director and personnel -- Civil service exemption.
79A.25.160
Washington state recreation trails system, duties of interagency committee for outdoor recreation.
79A.25.170
Public parks and recreation sites guide.
79A.25.180
Public parks and recreation sites guide -- Review and update.
79A.25.190
Appropriations by subsequent legislatures.
79A.25.200
Recreation resource account.
79A.25.210
Firearms range account -- Grant program -- Rules.
79A.25.220
Firearms range advisory committee.
79A.25.230
Firearms range account -- Gifts and grants.
79A.25.240
Grants and loan administration.
79A.25.250
Acquisition, development, etc., of urban area parks by interagency committee for outdoor recreation.
79A.25.300
Findings.
79A.25.310
Washington invasive species council -- Created.
79A.25.320
Washington invasive species council -- Membership.
79A.25.330
Washington invasive species council -- Goals.
79A.25.340
Washington invasive species council -- Statewide strategic plan.
79A.25.350
Washington invasive species council -- Annual report.
79A.25.360
Washington invasive species council -- Advisory and technical committees authorized.
79A.25.370
Washington invasive species council -- Invasive species council account.
YOUTH OR COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES
79A.25.800
Intent.
79A.25.820
Strategic plan -- Funding eligibility -- Regional coordination and cooperative efforts -- Data collection and exchange.
79A.25.830
Gifts, grants, or endowments.
CONSTRUCTION
79A.25.901
Severability -- 1965 c 5.
79A.25.902
Short title.
--------------------
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?dispo=true&cite=286

Title 286 WAC

Interagency committee for outdoor recreation
Last Update: 2/7/06
Hide Dispositions

Chapters
286-04
General.
286-06
Public records.
286-13
General grant assistance rules.
286-26
Nonhighway road and off-road vehicle funds.
286-27
Washington wildlife and recreation program.
286-30
Firearms range.
286-35
Boating facilities program.
286-40
Land and water conservation fund.
286-42
Aquatic lands enhancement account program.
DISPOSITIONS OF CHAPTERS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE Chapter 286-12 STATEWIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN (UNCODIFIED).
  Repealed by Order 1, filed 12/10/71. 
[Filed 2/16/67.]
Chapter 286-16 ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE OUTDOOR RECREATION

GRANT-IN-AID ASSISTANCE 286-16-010
Scope of chapter. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 86-23-038 (Order 86-2), § 286-16-010, filed 11/17/86; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-010, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-16-010, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5),43.99.080 , 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-020
Eligibility for funding assistance. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-020, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-16-020, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-030
Apportionment of monies between state and local agencies. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-030, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-030, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-16-030, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-035
Applications -- Deadlines. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 87-08-032 (Order 87-1), § 286-16-035, filed 3/27/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-16-035, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-035, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080,46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-040
Matching requirements. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-040, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-040, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-16-040, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5),43.99.080 , 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-050
Projects eligible for funding. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-050, filed 9/5/79; Order 3, § 286-16-050, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-060
Local agency requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-16-060, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-060, filed 9/5/79; Order 3, § 286-16-060, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-070
State agency requirements. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-070, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-16-070, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-16-080
Grant-in-aid policy. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-16-080, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-16-080, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-16-080, filed 2/17/78; Order 76-2, § 286-16-080, filed 6/30/76; Order 3, § 286-16-080, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1),[43.98A].070 (5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
Chapter 286-20 APPLICATION PROCEDURE
286-20-010
Scope of chapter. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.070(5). 93-24-006, § 286-20-010, filed 11/19/93, effective 12/20/93. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-20-010, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-20-010, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-20-010, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5),43.99.080 , 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-20-020
Application form. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-20-020, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-20-020, filed 9/5/79; Order 3, § 286-20-020, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-20-030
Deadlines. [Order 3, § 286-20-030, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), filed 2/17/78.  Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW.
286-20-040
Application review. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-20-040, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1),[43.98A].070 (5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-20-060
Acquisition projects -- Required documents and deed of right to use land for public recreation purposes. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-20-060, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080,46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
Chapter 286-24 FUNDED PROJECTS
286-24-010
Scope of chapter. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 86-23-038 (Order 86-2), § 286-24-010, filed 11/17/86; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-24-010, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-24-010, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5),43.99.080 , 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-015
Final decision. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-015, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1),[43.98A].070 (5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-020
Project contract. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-24-020, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-020, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-24-020, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-24-020, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-040
Disbursement of funds. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-24-040, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-040, filed 9/5/79; 78-03-032 (Order 78-1), § 286-24-040, filed 2/17/78; Order 3, § 286-24-040, filed 7/31/73.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-050
Restriction on conversion of facility to other uses. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-24-050, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-050, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-060
Income. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-060, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1),[43.98A].070 (5), 43.99.080, 46.09.240 and 77.12.720.
286-24-070
Permanent project signs. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.99.010, 43.99.110, 43.99.080, 43.99.120, 43.99.060, 42.17.370, 46.09.020, 46.09.170 and 46.09.240. 83-01-030 (Order IAC 82-1), § 286-24-070, filed 12/8/82. Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.99 RCW. 79-09-124 (Order 79-1), § 286-24-070, filed 9/5/79.]  Repealed by 94-17-095, filed 8/17/94, effective 9/17/94.  Statutory Authority: RCW 43.98A.060(1), [43.98A].070(5),43.99.080 , 46.09.240 and 77.12.720
=============================