The Teanaway: Conserved!
The Teanaway transaction is complete. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) now owns an additional 50,000 acres in and around the Teanaway basin. This is the largest single land conservation transaction in the 22-year history of the Greenway, and the largest state transaction in 45 years. This major land acquisition is a huge win!
The Teanaway Community Forest will be collaboratively managed with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. This joint management structure will incorporate public input to help preserve wildlife habitat, recreation access, working forests, and bring tourism revenue to nearby communities.
“The Teanaway Community Forest is one of the most beloved landscapes in Washington, and it will be cared for and managed for years to come to reflect the values and priorities of the community that has worked so hard to protect it,” said Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands. “That’s the beauty of the Community Forest Trust model: it allows local communities to help protect the forests they love.”
Thanks for this collaborative success go to the Yakama Tribe, farmers, government agencies and conservation groups, as well as funding for the greater Yakima Basin Integrated Plan by the Washington State Legislature.