Now until June 28th the DNR is accepting comments of the proposed expansion of the Dabob Bay Natural Area. The proposed expansion would add 3,860 acres and serve to improve hydrologic influences on streams, wetlands, and bays, expand terrestrial-aquatic linkages, and improve connectivity of forest habitats. In addition, this Natural Area will also conserve “Carbon Sequestration Forests” or older forests that help mitigate climate change.

Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, announced her support for the expanded boundary back in December of 2023. The Northwest Watershed Institute, Jefferson County, Tribes, and a coalition of conservation groups, citizens, and shellfish growers have been advocating for nearly ten years to protect these areas. We need your help in showing community support so this project can finally be accepted!

Within the expanded boundary the DNR can transfer state timber lands for permanent conservation as part of the natural area while providing replacement timber lands to the county and its junior taxing districts. It will also allow the DNR to work with private landowners to purchase land for the Natural Area.  

Read about the proposal here.

Comments are sent to Jayana Marshall, Assistant Division Manager for Conservation and Hilary Franz, the Commissioner of Public Lands.

Click “Start Writing” to send a prewritten comment, helping ensure the Dabob Bay Natural Area Proposal is accepted, and these lands are permanently protected!

Legacy forest in Dabob Bay Natural Area, Photo by Robert Tognoli