Email to the Editor: Enumclaw Councilman Surveys Residents on White River Forest

Enumclaw Survey written by Darrel Dickson.

King County is purchasing the development rights on 43,000 acres of Timberland in the White River Forest for 11.1 million from Hancock Timber. Hancock will continue to harvest timber property, charge users for recreational use, with no obligation in the purchase agreement to allow access. Hancock Timber and future owners of the land will pay minimal property taxes.

The purchase agreement was announced on March 21st. The hearings were scheduled to take place from April 2 through the 16th.  The hearing was opened and closed on April 2 with many questions unanswered. The King County council was originally scheduled to vote on April 29th, the date was then moved up to April 15th and then again to April 8th with two hours’ notice of a possible meeting that day. King County Council voted 9-0 on April 8th to approve the purchase agreement with terms included as described above.

The purchase contract calls for a close of escrow sometime between May and December 2013.  Until the money transfers the deal is not done.

Four Survey questions:

1. As a King County tax payer do you favor this contract as written?

2. Do you favor a contract between King County and Hancock Timber that does not guarantee any access for recreational use on the trails of the White River Timber property when park levy funds are being used?

3. As a King County tax payer, would you be in favor of a modification to the purchase agreement between Hancock Timber and King County to allow for guaranteed recreational access at no cost?

4. Would you be in favor of an extended hearing process on this transaction so that your voice can be heard?

Disclosure:  I am an Enumclaw City Councilman and I have reservations regarding the current contract as it is currently written.  I have proposed that the contract be modified prior to closing to guarantee our residents of King County recreational access at no cost.  I would appreciate all opinions whether you agree with me or not.

Editor's Note: Mr. Dickson asks that citizens please leave their answers to the questions posed in the comments area below.