|
The Department of State Lands (DSL) has an active program for land sales and exchanges. The Land Board’s 2006-2016 Asset Management Plan directs DSL to evaluate and sell 12,000 acres of rangeland and 12,000 acres of forestland that is isolated, smaller or difficult for the department to manage effectively. The effort to sell this acreage has top priority over land sales requested by individuals through the application process.
Land sales are initiated by submitting a land sale or exchange application (a $750 non-refundable application processing fee must accompany each application).
All land sales or exchanges are processed through the rules established in OAR 141-067. Parcels are carefully evaluated for the financial, natural, cultural and recreational impacts of the proposal. Adjacent property owners, interested parties, lessees (if applicable), federal, state and local agencies are notified during the evaluation. The Department uses the information received to recommend to the Land Board whether or not to sell or exchange the parcels under study; the Land Board must also approve the final transaction.
The Land Board must also approve the actual land sale method. Sale methods vary depending on the type of land being sold and the prospective purchaser. Property appraisal is always conducted before a sale occurs. Generally, sales of Common School Fund trust land are made through a public auction process and DSL has retained Realty Marketing/Northwest as auctioneer through July 2012.
The Department normally retains mineral rights. In some instances reservations or easements might be attached to the property in order to place protection over or conserve special unique or significant resources (e.g. historical or cultural features). Valid existing rights (e.g. utility easements) are also honored.
Land exchanges are processed based on equal value for the exchange and acquired land. Mineral rights may also be included provided the potential is equal to or greater than that of the land being exchanged. Land exchanges also require the approval of the Land Board. An exchange agreement is set up between the Department and the exchange partner that describes the roles and responsibilities of each. The Land Board must approve the agreement and the final transaction.
From time to time, the Department sells or releases the mineral and geothermal resource rights (I.e. surface rights) to the landowners holding the surface rights.
When the Department offers land for sale at public auction it will advertise the auction and provide ample and complete notice to the public via the Department’s website, public notices, press releases and mailings to interested persons.
The Department lists on this Web site all parcels being evaluated for disposal. Opportunities for public comment on these projects are welcome at any time unless indicated otherwise.
|
