BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The agreement that forever preserves the core of Blanchard Mountain for recreation and conservation is finalized.
The newly protected core area includes popular hiking destinations Oyster Dome and the Samish Overlook.
Mitch Friedman with Bellingham-based Conservation Northwest told KGMI in early 2018 that this has been a years-long process.
State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz is applauding the measure, which swaps State Forest Lands for Common School Trust Lands on Blanchard.
The state land along with $10 million from the legislature will compensate the trust for revenue it would have gotten from logging the mountain.
The trust helps finance school construction in districts around the state.