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DNR's Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCA) and Natural Areas Preserves (NAP)

Deadline:

Link: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/nap/

DNR is steward of high quality native ecosystems and plant and animal communities acquired by the state as natural areas. These generally small parcels are protected and used for scientific and educational study, and light public use, where appropriate. 105,700 acres 1.9%.

Natural Areas are acquired through gift or purchase from a willing seller. Fair market value is paid for those state school trust lands transferred to natural area status. Most of the natural area preserves were initially identified, inventoried and proposed for protection by the Washington Natural Heritage Program.

Selection criteria for NRCAs are based on considerations established by the legislature in the NRCA Act, including scenic and ecological values. Once an NRCA site has been nominated and approved, a public hearing is held to obtain public comment on a proposed boundary. The final boundary is approved by the Commissioner of Public Lands.

I.e. Shipwreck Point in Clallam county. This 472-acre site includes one of the last open stretches of beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Port Angeles and Neah Bay that is easily accessible. The tideland beaches and associated plant communities quickly transition to foothills covered with second growth Douglas fir, western red cedar, Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Approximately 50 acres of old growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock remain. The parcel is bisected by Highway 112, and offers beautiful views and panoramas of saltwater beaches, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.