"Dear Ashley Thank you for your message and for taking time to contact us regarding the Blanchard Forest. I wanted to let you know that both of us are actively working on this issue. We met with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and their subject matter expert on the Blanchard Forest to get an update and to strategize what the next steps might be. As you know, the forest is managed by the Department of Natural Resources for land trusts which generate revenue for the trust beneficiaries. This revenue provides essential funding to the county and local taxing districts. In 2008 the Blanchard Forest Strategy was finalized. The Strategy is a signed agreement between DNR, Trust Land beneficiaries and stakeholders. The Strategy identifies the need to acquire replacement lands that will be used to generate long term revenue for the trust beneficiaries. Our challenge is not only raising the needed additional 7.7 million dollars but to also identify the replacement lands for the core zone. A priority of DNR is to find lands suitable for forest management within or adjacent to Blanchard Forest in Skagit County or other DNR managed forests blocks within the same junior taxing districts which will serve as replacement for lands in the core zone. June 2017 is the deadline for the timber sale which will only be offered if DNR is not able to acquire adjacent land and the legislature fails to provide full funding by the end of the 2017 Legislation session. Please know as your Representatives we understand the passion and concerns for the Blanchard Mountain Forest. Like you, it is a very special place in our hearts and minds. We hope that DNR will be able to identify the replacement lands for the core zone and we will do all that we can to support the funding. Thank you once again for your dedication and attention to this beautiful, natural area of our state. We have attached some documents regarding Blanchard Forest for your consideration. Should you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Representative Jeff Morris Representative Kristine Lytton 40th Legislative District 40th Legislative District"