OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will discuss its upcoming analysis of the ecological and conservation values of state-owned lands in the Elwha Watershed during a virtual meeting from 2 to 3:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 18.
In this year’s capital budget, the Legislature appropriated $250,000 (SSB 5195) for DNR to conduct this analysis. Study planning began this summer, with field work and analysis continuing through next summer. DNR will deliver a report of the findings of this study to the legislature by October 2026 that will include:
- A Washington Natural Heritage Program site survey to identify rare flora, native ecological communities
- Locations of structurally complex forests
- Scenic or other natural features worthy of consideration for conservation
- Current uses, including recreation and cultural practices
- Identification of lands appropriate for NAP or NRCA conservation, and if applicable a proposed boundary, as well as acknowledgement that such lands will be developed through the process described in 79.70 and 79.71 RCW.
DNR’s team of experts leading the analysis will present their plans for this study during Tuesday’s online meeting. They will go over survey methods and timelines, and ways the public can contribute information and stay informed throughout the process.
Attendees can register in advance to the webinar on Zoom at https://dnr-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u56Ec1hoR12rOVn_2_4ukw
Links and more information is available at www.dnr.wa.gov/elwhastudy