Commission approves three land transactions including Driscoll Island and Canyon Creek additions

Real estate services manager Matthew Trenda briefed commissioners on three land transactions the department recommended for approval. The first is the Driscoll Island addition in Okanogan County (about 8.8 acres) that staff said will be added to the Driscoll Island unit of the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and funded with a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) riparian protection grant. Staff told commissioners the parcel would add about $10 annually in PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) to Okanogan County and provide protection for riparian habitat and federally threatened Upper Columbia steelhead and spring Chinook.

The second proposed acquisition is the Canyon Creek property in Klickitat County (about 79 acres), to be added to the Soda Springs unit of the Klickitat Wildlife Area and funded through a critical habitat WWRP grant. Staff estimated ongoing operation and maintenance costs at about $125 per acre, to be shared with the adjacent wildlife area.

Staff also described a request to approve completion of a transfer of dike easements at Wylie Slough (Skagit County) to a local Dike Drainage and Irrigation District, part of a long-term management agreement that would give the district control over dike and drainage infrastructure while WDFW retains habitat, public-access and safety oversight.

Commissioner Victor Garcia moved to approve the transactions "as presented by staff," Commissioner Lorna Smith seconded, and Chair Jim Anderson called for ayes. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Funding and next steps: Staff said grants supporting the two acquisitions have been awarded and that operation and maintenance for newly acquired lands will be included in the next 9(v) decision package. There was no public opposition when the single Zoom-registered commenter was not present and no roll-call vote recorded.