Washington officials seek large expansions of two conservation areas

QUILCENE, Wash. – Washington state officials want to expand two conservation areas with financial assistance from the U.S. Navy, which has concerns about development hampering underwater research.

The state Department of Natural Resources told the Kitsap Sun that it wants to triple the size of 2,770-acre Dabob Bay Natural Area and quadruple the 80-acre Devil’s Lake Conservation Area in northwest Washington.

Natural Resources spokeswoman Janet Pearce said the Navy has pledged matching funds to buy private land.

Officials say most of that is land on the Toandos Peninsula and owned by a timber company.

State lawmakers would have to approve the expansions that involve the state using recreation and conservation grants.

If approved, the state would place restrictions on state-owned timberlands within the new boundaries and begin negotiations to buy private property.