The state Department of Natural Resources extended the deadline to Dec. 18 for public comments on a proposed land exchange that would swap about 569 acres in Chelan County for about 265 acres in Franklin County.
A Nov. 5 meeting in Wenatchee on the proposed agricultural trust land exchange drew about 50 people, and some said they didn't have enough time to explore the proposal and comment.
That's why the deadline was extended, a DNR official said.
If the exchange is approved, Stemilt Growers Inc. would own the land it now leases from the DNR in Chelan County, and lease land from the agency that it currently owns in Franklin County. Stemilt would continue operating the orchard in Frankin County, of which 207 acres are in apple or cherry trees.
DNR spokesman Bob Redling said the agriculture school trust benefits Washington State University, and the agency believes the exchange would benefit the trust. He said a major motivator is also that the land in Franklin County is next to other DNR property.
"It just makes it so much easier to manage," Redling said.
He said under the proposal, Stemilt "would be getting land that's probably going to have a lower value than what they're giving up."
The state would own the water rights and orchard improvements in Franklin County, while Stemilt would retain buildings on the site, according to DNR.
Comments must be received by Dec. 18, and can be mailed to Department of Natural Resources, ATTN: Ice Harbor Exchange No. 86-082602, 1111 Washington St., MS 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-47014; e-mailed to exchanges
dnr.wa.gov with "Ice Harbor" in the subject line.
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