June 12, 2024
ISSUE 24
50¢
IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
Hunting for a job? In the market for a new home? Have something to sell? Turn to the Classifieds in The Dispatch and at dispatchnews.com
Four tips to keep your home safe this wildfire season By Michael Riley AAA Washington
Washington DNR accepting applications to turn properties into habitats By Tim Clouser The Center Square
The Department of Natural Resources is asking Washingtonians to help protect endangered species by selling their property under a program accepting applications through June 30. The Rivers and Habitat Open Space Program started in 1999 as a way for the state to turn private land into conservation easements. According to the DNR website, it has since helped purchase 26 conservation easements covering over 1,300 acres of habitat. “The Rivers and Habitat Open Space Program is a great opportunity to get paid for critical habitat and channel migration zones on your property,” said KelliAnne Ricks, DNR Conservation Easement Program Manager, in a news release. “Landowners can get paid for preserving critical forest habitat … [and] riparian habitat near channel migration zones.” Under the program, landowners can sell or donate eligible property, including its timber rights, in exchange for compensation. However, that amount of money is highly dependent on the amount of available timber, which is only determined after an applicant is approved, according to prior instructions for completing the application.
Even if a landowner only chooses to sell some of their property, compensation still depends on the amount of timber, regardless of whether there is any at all. Thus, leaving every candidate in the dark regarding how much money they are entitled to. Additionally, state law provides that if the property has no timber, the landowner would only receive compensation for a “portion of the land value component as determined just and equitable by the department. That “land value component” includes the qualifying acreage multiplied by the value per acre of all commercial forestland in western or eastern Washington, whichever region applies to the purchase. “DNR prioritizes applications based on ecological value to salmon or other statelisted threatened or endangered species, as well as potential benefits to water quality or connectivity to other protected lands,” according to the news release. The state allocates funding to the program every two years at the Legislature’s discretion, which DNR then uses over the next biennium. Currently, there is $4.7 million available for purchasing conservation easements during the 2023-2025 biennium. This application period extends to purchases over the 2025-2027 biennium.
Last year, Washington experienced the second-highest number of wildfires in our state's history. With most of Washington under a drought declaration, many predict we could see an even bigger surge in wildfires in 2024. It's crucial to know what steps to take to protect your home and property from wildfires, including revisiting your existing homeowners policies. Here are some essential tips from AAA Washington to safeguard your home for the upcoming fire season: 1. Know Your Home: Are you Wildfire Ready? Taking care of your home environment can help reduce your home’s fire risk. Avoid storing firewood that can fuel a fire under or near the house. Stack wood piles at least 30 feet away from the house and trim tree branches that hang over the eaves or roof. Remove mulch, leaves, and pine needles around at least a 5-foot perimeter of the house. Keep the area around the house well-watered and green, and prune and remove dead or dying branches from the trees within a 30-foot perimeter. Thin out and space trees and vegetation within a 100-foot perimeter around your home. 2. Know Your Policy: The first and most obvious question is, “Does my home insurance cover wildfire damage?” The good news is that homeowner insurance policies almost always cover wildfire damage. However, there are exceptional circumstances where a home’s risk is too high, and private insurance isn’t available. Usually, these properties are located in the wilderness and accessible by a single road. Policies tailored for the specific challenges of the Northwest like those offered by AAA Washington ensure that homeowners have adequate protection against regional  3. Know Your Limits: When reviewing your policy, it's vital to understand your coverage limits, or the maximum amount your policy will pay to repair or rebuild your home and replace your possessions. Homeowner policies assess a home’s value differently, which can significantly impact your claim amount in case of a total loss. This is why it's so important to consult a professional and conduct an account review. 4. Know Your Score: Insurance companies WILDFIRE Page 7Æ