The Washington State House included $16.9 million for the Trust Land Transfer (TLT) program in its capital budget. That’s the good news.

The challenge: the Senate proposal falls far short.

Now is the moment to speak up.

Trust Land Transfer (TLT) at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is one of the most effective conservation mechanisms we have. TLT is an incredibly important program that protects ecologically valuable lands while purchasing replacement properties better suited for long-term timber production. It’s a rare win-win-win: safeguarding the environment while supporting rural communities, trust beneficiaries, and working forests.

Please take a short moment to urge the Senate to match the House’s $16.9 million funding level during final budget negotiations.

It truly makes a difference for our Senators to hear from us!

When a TLT project is funded:

• High-value conservation lands are permanently protected.

• Lands are transferred to a receiving agency for stewardship.

• DNR purchases replacement lands better suited for sustainable timber production.

• Public services continue receiving stable, non-tax revenue.

It’s a rare win-win-win:

• ✔ Conservation of critical landscapes

• ✔ Revenue for trust beneficiaries

• ✔ Support for rural communities and working forests
  

TLT also allows DNR to collaborate with Tribes and local communities to find durable, locally supported solutions. It upgrades state assets and is one of the only tools available to strategically expand and improve state trust holdings.

And the demand is overwhelming. In 2025, only 4 out of 28 eligible projects were funded. For the 2027–2029 biennium, DNR is already reviewing 40 new applications.

The need is clear. The projects are ready. The only missing piece is funding.

📢 Call to Action

Contact your State Senator today and urge them to match the House’s $16.9 million investment in Trust Land Transfer during final budget negotiations.

Ask them to:

• Fully fund TLT at the House level

• Recognize TLT as our strongest conservation and trust support tool

• Ensure more than just a handful of projects move forward

Now is the time to make sure Trust Land Transfer remains strong!!