OLYMPIA — The Senate’s bipartisan passage of House Bill 2119 today will streamline the creation of the Harriet A. Spanel State Forest.
This is a critical component of finalizing the transfer of timber land — including public and private lands — in Blanchard Mountain.
“So many community members have been working to preserve and designate this one-of-a-kind location,” said Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes), the sponsor of Senate companion legislation. “This bill is one small step in completing the hard work of many and ensures the purchase of forestland to permanently protect the Oyster Dome for future generations. I’m grateful for the efforts of legislators representing Whatcom and Skagit counties to make this happen, including Rep. Lekanoff, Rep. Morris, and Sen. Wagoner.”
HB 2119 completes the final piece of a complicated transfer of forest land and maintains revenue flow to the intended junior taxing district. Having passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support, the bill now goes to the governor for signature.
