Board of Natural Resources Approves Transfer of Wetland Property to City of Bellingham

News Date:

September 4, 2024

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The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has approved the transfer of over 116 acres of state trust land to the City of Bellingham for use as a park and open space. The parcels in the Squalicum Creek corridor are an important wetland area and serve as a future connection of the Bay to Baker trail.

"This property purchase contributes significantly toward our long-term goals to expand Bellingham's renowned network of trails, parks and open spaces," said City of Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. "We're fortunate that our community's values are reflected in a dedicated local funding source to take advantage of strategic, mutually beneficial opportunities like this one."

The parcels, located two miles east of Interstate 5 and northwest of Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, are currently designated to benefit the Common School Trust. They are valued at $2,190,000, and proceeds from the transfer will be used to purchase replacement lands for the trust.

DNR is authorized to execute direct transfers to any local, state, federal, or tribal governmental entity, selling the parcels at fair market value. This allows the department to purchase other properties better suited to support schools and local services in the long term.

More information about the Board of Natural Resources and the Direct Transfer process can be found on the Board's website at this link

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Cell: 360-584-3916

[email protected]