WAC 222-21-030   Document standards.  (1) Riparian easement. The riparian easement document must be substantially in the following form, but may be modified by the small forest landowner office wherever necessary to accomplish the purposes of RCW 76.13.120.

(This version assumes ownership of land and trees)

FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT

THIS GRANT OF A FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT is made on this           day of           , 20          , by           [a                corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership] [husband and wife] [individual][or others as appropriate] having an address at                ("Grantor"), to and in favor of the State of Washington, acting by and through the Department of Natural Resources ("Grantee").

1.0 RECITALS AND PURPOSE

1.1     This Easement is intended to implement the goals of the Forest Practices Salmon Recovery Act, ESHB 2091, sections 501 through 504, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 ("Salmon Recovery Act"). The goals include avoiding the further erosion of the small forest landowners' economic viability and willingness or ability to keep the lands in forestry use which would reduce the amount of habitat available for salmon recovery and conservation of other aquatic resources, through the establishment of a forestry riparian easement program to acquire easements from small forest landowners along riparian and other areas of value to the state for protection of aquatic resources.

1.2     This Easement is intended to protect the Qualifying Timber and riparian functions associated with the qualifying timber located on the Easement Premises as provided by the terms of this Easement as set forth in Exhibit B while preserving all lawful uses of the Easement Premises by Grantor consistent with the Easement objectives, and to provide Grantee with the ability to enforce the terms thereof.

1.3     The Easement Premises and Qualifying Timber are located, as described in Exhibit A; that the encumbrances, if any, are as set forth in Exhibit A, that all Exhibits referenced herein and attachments thereto are incorporated into this Easement as part of this Easement; and that the Grantor wishes to execute this Forestry Riparian Easement.

2.0 CONVEYANCE AND CONSIDERATION

2.1     In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, including without limitation the monetary consideration set forth in subsection 2.2 below, the Grantor does hereby voluntarily warrant and convey to the Grantee a Forestry Riparian Easement under the Salmon Recovery Act, which Easement shall remain in full force and effect from the date hereof until it expires on (month, date, year) [50 years from the date the complete and accurate forest practices application is submitted], which Easement shall consist of the rights and restrictions expressly set forth herein.

2.2     In consideration of this Easement, Grantee shall pay to Grantor the sum of dollars ($ .00).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF Grantor and Grantee have executed this instrument on the day and year written.

GRANTOR:

Date:

By:

GRANTEE:

State of Washington

By and Through the Department of Natural Resources

Date:

(Title)

(insert form of acknowledgement, as appropriate)

EXHIBIT A

A1 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF QUALIFYING TIMBER

The Qualifying Timber includes the following categories of trees located within the Easement Premises:

[List the categories relevant to particular Easement, i.e., Permanent, Reserve, Replacement, Uneconomic, or Other Qualifying Timber.] The Qualifying Timber is located as shown in the documentation attached hereto as Attachment A-1.

A2 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF EASEMENT PREMISES

The Easement Premises is [insert description using the standards developed under Section 504(9)(b) of the Salmon Recovery Act including the categories relevant to particular Easement, i.e., Riparian Area and Other Easement Premises] as shown in the documentation attached hereto as Attachment A-2 and is located in [insert legal subdivision/lot, etc., in which the Easement Premises exists.]

A3 BASELINE IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION AND DOCUMENTATION OF PROPERTY, EASEMENT PREMISES AND QUALIFYING TIMBER

The parties agree that the current use, condition of the Easement Premises and the condition of the Qualifying Timber are documented in the inventory of their relevant features and identified in Attachment A-3 ("Baseline Documentation"), and that this documentation provides, collectively, an accurate representation at the time of this grant and is intended to serve as an objective information baseline for monitoring compliance with the terms of this grant.

EXHIBIT B

FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

B1 DEFINITIONS

The terms used in this Easement, including without limitation the following, are defined by the forest practices rules incorporated in Attachment B-1 to this Exhibit.

"Danger Tree"

"Easement Premises"

"Qualifying Timber"

"Hazard Substances"

"Riparian Areas"

"Riparian Function"

B2 RIGHTS OF GRANTEE **[Subsection B2.4 should be included only for multiple entry Easements.]**

To accomplish the purposes of this Easement, the following rights are conveyed to Grantee by this Easement:

B2.1 To enforce the terms of this Easement as provided in subsection B9.

B2.2 To enter upon the Easement Premises, or to allow Grantee's agents or any experts consulted by Grantee in exercising its rights under this Easement to enter upon the Easement Premises in order to evaluate Grantor's compliance with this Easement, and to otherwise enforce the terms of this Easement.

B2.3 To convey, assign, or otherwise transfer Grantee's interests herein to another agency of the State of Washington, as provided for and limited by Section 504 of the Salmon Recovery Act.

B2.4 Where harvest of Reserve Qualifying Timber is allowed during the term of this Easement, to approve Replacement Qualifying Timber that will be protected by this Easement as provided in subsection B3.5.

B3 RESTRICTIONS ON GRANTOR **[Subsection B3.6 should be included only for multiple entry Easements.]**

B3.1 Inconsistent Uses of Riparian Easement Premises

Any use of, or activity on, the Easement Premises inconsistent with the purposes and terms of this Easement, including without limitation converting to a use incompatible with growing timber, is prohibited, and Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it will not conduct, engage in, or permit any such use or activity.

B3.2 Property Outside the Easement Premises

Grantor may change its use of the property on which the Easement lies to any lawful use. Grantor shall provide Grantee sixty (60) days notice prior to changing the use of the property as a courtesy to Grantee.

B3.3 Qualifying Timber

Grantor shall not engage in any activity which would result in the cutting of Qualifying Timber or the removal of that timber from the Easement Premises, except as provided in this Easement. The parties further agree that use, harvest, and treatment of the Qualifying Timber are restricted according to the forest practices rules in Attachment B-1.

B3.4 Danger Trees and Salvage

Grantor may cut a Danger Tree, which shall be left in place within the Easement Premises or moved by Grantor inside the Easement Premises. Grantor shall notify DNR within seven (7) days that a Danger Tree has been felled. Grantor shall not engage in any activities pertaining to salvage of Qualifying Timber including without limitation blowdown except as provided for in the forest practices rules.

B3.5 Harvest of Reserve Qualifying Timber and Designation of Replacement Qualifying Timber on Riparian Area Easement Premises

Grantor shall not, during the term of this Easement, harvest or remove any Reserve Qualifying Timber except as permitted under the applicable forest practices rules. Grantor shall give Grantee at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to harvest or removal of Reserve Qualifying Timber, except that where a permit or approval is required from any governmental entity, such notice shall be given thirty (30) days before submission of the application for such permit or approval. Grantor shall mark Reserve Qualifying Timber and Replacement Qualifying Timber, where Replacement Qualifying Timber is required, for review by Grantee. Grantor's thirty (30) days written notice to Grantee is effective only after both Reserve Qualifying Timber and Replacement Qualifying Timber (if required) are marked. If Grantee does not object by giving Grantor written notice within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor may proceed to harvest and remove the Reserve Qualifying Timber. If Grantee does object and gives Grantor written notice thereof within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor shall not harvest or remove Reserve Qualifying Timber until the objection is resolved. If Reserve Qualifying Timber is to be removed but Replacement Qualifying Timber is required to be left standing for the balance of the term of this Easement, then Grantor shall mark the Replacement Qualifying Timber and, if approved by Grantee, such Timber shall be considered Qualifying Timber under this Easement. A new Exhibit A shall be prepared along with a supplement to this Easement, executed by Grantor and Grantee, and recorded.

B3.6 Multiple Entry Easements

Grantor shall not, during the term of this Easement, make multiple entry harvests except as permitted under the applicable forest practices rules. Grantor shall give Grantee at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to harvest or removal of timber, except that where a permit or approval is required from any government entity, such notice shall be given thirty (30) days before submission of the application for such permit or approval. Grantor shall mark timber to be removed for review by Grantee. Grantor's thirty (30) day written notice to Grantee is effective only after the timber to be removed is marked. If Grantee does not object by giving Grantor written notice within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor may proceed to harvest. If Grantee does object and gives Grantor notice thereof within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor shall not harvest until the objection is resolved.

B4 RESERVED RIGHTS

Other than specifically provided herein, Grantor is not restricted in its use of the Easement Premises.

B5 PUBLIC ACCESS

No right of public access to or across, or any public use of, the Easement Premises or the property on which it lies is conveyed by this Easement.

B6 COSTS, LIABILITIES, TAXES, AND INDEMNIFICATION

B6.1 Costs, Legal Requirements, and General Liabilities

Except as is expressly placed on Grantee herein, Grantor retains full responsibility for the Qualifying Timber and Easement Premises. Grantor shall keep the Qualifying Timber and Easement Premises free of any liens arising out of any work performed for, materials furnished to, or obligations incurred by Grantor. Grantor remains responsible for obtaining all permits required by law.

B6.2 Taxes and Obligations

Grantor shall remain responsible for payment of taxes or other assessments imposed on the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber. Grantor shall furnish Grantee with satisfactory evidence of payment upon request.

B6.3 Hold Harmless

B6.3.a Grantor

To the extent permitted by law, Grantor hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend Grantee and its employees, agents, and assigns from and against all liabilities, penalties, costs, charges, losses, damages, expenses, causes of action, claims, demands, orders, judgments, or administrative actions, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees arising from or in any way connected with: (a) Injury or death of any person or any physical damage to property resulting from any act or omission, or other matter occurring on or relating to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber, caused solely by Grantor; (b) a breach by Grantor of its obligations under subsection B3; (c) the violation or alleged violation of, or other failure to comply with, any state, federal, or local law or requirement by Grantor in any way affecting, involving, or relating to the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber; (d) the release or threatened release onto the Easement Premises of any substance now or hereinafter classified by state or federal law as a hazardous substance or material caused solely by Grantor.

B6.3.b Grantee

To the extent permitted by law, Grantee hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and defend Grantor and its employees, agents, and assigns from and against all liabilities, penalties, costs, charges, losses, damages, expenses, causes of action, claims, demands, orders, judgments or administrative actions, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees arising from or in any way connected with: (a) Injury or death of any person or any physical damage to property resulting from any act or omission, or other matter occurring on or relating to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber, caused solely by Grantee; or (b) the release or threatened release onto the Easement Premises of any substance now or hereinafter classified by state or federal law as a hazardous substance or material caused solely by Grantee.

B7 SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS

B7.1 Grantee

Grantee may assign, convey, or otherwise transfer its interest as evidenced in this Easement, but only to another agency of the State of Washington under any circumstances in which it determines, in its sole discretion, that such transfer is in the best interests of the state. Grantee shall give written notice to Grantor of the same within thirty (30) days of such conveyance, assignment, or transfer (provided that failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of the assignment, conveyance, or transfer).

B7.2 Grantor

Grantor may assign, convey, or otherwise transfer without restriction its interest in the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber identified in Exhibit A hereto. Grantor agrees to incorporate the restrictions of the Easement in any deed or other legal instrument by which Grantor divests itself of all or a portion of its interests in the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber. Grantor shall give written notice to the Grantee of the assignment, conveyance, or other transfer of all or a portion of its interest in the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber within thirty (30) days of such conveyance, assignment, or transfer (provided that failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of the assignment, conveyance, or transfer).

B7.3 Termination of Grantor's Rights and Obligations

The Grantor's personal rights and obligations under this Easement terminate upon transfer of the Grantor's interest in the property on which the Easement lies or the Qualifying Timber, except that liability under the Easement for acts or omissions occurring prior to transfer shall survive transfer.

B8 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The parties may at any time by mutual agreement use any nonbinding alternative dispute resolution mechanism with a qualified third party acceptable to Grantor and Grantee. Grantor and Grantee shall share equally the costs charged by the third party. The existence of a dispute between the parties with respect to this Easement, including without limitation the belief by one party that the other party is in breach of its obligations hereunder, shall not excuse either party from continuing to fully perform its obligations under this Easement. The dispute resolution provided for in this subsection is optional, not obligatory, and shall not be required as a condition precedent to any remedies for enforcement of this Easement.

B9 ENFORCEMENT

B9.1 Remedies

Either party may bring any action in law or in equity in the superior court for the county in which the Easement Premises are located or in Thurston County (subject to venue change under law) to enforce any provision of this Easement, including without limitation, injunctive relief (permanent, temporary, or ex parte, as appropriate) to prohibit a breach of this Easement, enforce the rights and obligations of this Easement, restore Qualifying Timber cut or removed in violation of this Easement or for damages. Grantee may elect to pursue some or all of the remedies provided herein.

B9.1.a Damages and Restoration

If Grantor cuts or removes (or causes another to cut or remove) Qualifying Timber from the Easement Premises in violation of this Easement, Grantee shall be entitled to damages, or restoration. Damages for the cutting of Qualifying Timber or the removal of Qualifying Timber from the Easement Premises in violation of the terms of this Easement may be up to triple stumpage value times the proportion of the original compensation. The maximum amount of damages shall be calculated according to the following formula:

Where:

Sv = The stumpage value of the Qualifying Timber that is cut or removed from the Easement Premises at the time the damage was done;

C = The compensation paid by the state to the Grantor at the time the Easement became effective;

Vq = The original value of Qualifying Timber at the time the Easement became effective as calculated in WAC 222-21-050.

Maximum Damages = 3*Sv*(C/Vq)

In addition the Grantor shall pay interest on the amount of the damages at the maximum interest rate allowable by law.

Grantee's rights to damages under this section shall survive termination. Restoration of Qualifying Timber may include either replanting or replacing trees or both, as determined by Grantee, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate. Replanting shall be by nursery transplant seedlings approved by Grantee with subsequent silvicultural treatment including without limitation weed control and fertilization approved by Grantee. Replacing trees shall be accomplished by designation of replacement trees of the size and species acceptable to Grantee. If replacement trees are designated to replace the Qualifying Timber cut or removed in violation of the terms of this Easement, the designated trees shall be thereafter treated as Qualifying Timber under this Easement.

B9.1.b Injunctive Relief. Grantor agrees that Grantee's remedies at law for any violation of the terms of this Easement may be inadequate and that Grantee may be entitled to injunctive relief, both prohibitive and mandatory, in addition to other relief to which Grantee may be entitled, including specific performance of the terms of this Easement, without the necessity of providing either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal remedies.

B9.1.c Relationship to Remedies in Other Laws. The remedies provided for in this section are in addition to whatever other remedies the state may have under other laws including without limitation the Forest Practices Act. Nothing in this Easement shall be construed to enlarge, diminish or otherwise alter the authority of the state to administer state law.

B9.2 Costs of Enforcement

The costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, of enforcing this Easement shall be borne by Grantee unless Grantee prevails in a judicial action to enforce the terms of this Easement, in which case costs shall be borne by Grantor, provided that nothing herein shall make Grantor liable for costs incurred by Grantee in taking enforcement actions pursuant to other state laws.

B9.3 Forbearance/Waiver

Enforcement of this Easement against the Grantor is at the sole discretion of the Grantee, and vice versa. Any forbearance by either party to exercise its rights hereunder in the event of a breach by the other party shall not be deemed a waiver by the forbearing party of the term being breached or of a subsequent breach of that term or any other term or of any other of the forbearing party's rights under this Easement.

B9.4 Waiver of Certain Defenses

Grantor hereby waives any defense of laches, estoppel, or prescription.

B9.5 Acts Beyond Grantor's Control

Nothing herein shall be construed to entitle Grantee to bring any action or claim against Grantor on account of any change in the condition of the Easement Premises or of the Qualifying Timber that was not within Grantor's control, including without limitation fire, flood, storms, insect and disease outbreaks, earth movement, or acts of trespassers, that Grantor could not reasonably have anticipated and prevented, or from any prudent action taken by Grantor under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber resulting from such causes. In the event the terms of this Easement are violated by acts of trespassers that Grantor could not reasonably have anticipated or prevented, Grantor agrees, at Grantee's option, to join in any suit, to assign its right of action to Grantee, or to appoint Grantee its attorney in fact, for the purpose of pursuing enforcement action against the responsible parties.

B10 CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION

B10.1 Controlling Law

Interpretation and performance of this Easement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

B10.2 Liberal Construction

Any general rule of construction to the contrary notwithstanding, this Easement shall be liberally construed in favor of the grant to effect the purposes of this Easement. If any provision in this instrument is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent with the purposes of this Easement that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any interpretation that would render it invalid. The parties acknowledge that each has had an opportunity to have this Easement reviewed by an attorney and agree that the terms shall not be presumptively construed against either party.

B10.3 Captions

The captions in this instrument have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and are not a part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon construction or interpretation.

B11 AMENDMENT

This Easement may be jointly amended. The amendments shall be in writing and signed by authorized representatives. Grantee shall record any such amendments in a timely fashion in the official records of County, Washington. All amendments shall be consistent with the purposes of this Easement.

B12 TERMINATION

Grantee may unilaterally terminate this Easement if it determines, in its sole discretion, that termination is in the best interest of the State of Washington. Grantee shall provide thirty (30) days written notice to Grantor of such termination.

B13 EXTINGUISHMENT

If circumstances arise that render the purpose of this Easement impossible to accomplish, this Easement can only be extinguished, in whole or in part, by mutual agreement of the parties or through judicial proceedings brought by one of the parties. Grantee shall be entitled to the value of the Easement as such value is determined pursuant to forest practices rules governing extinguishment or eminent domain, if no rule for extinguishment exists.

B14 CONDEMNATION

If the Easement is taken, in whole or in part, by exercise of the power of eminent domain, or acquired by purchase in lieu of condemnation, Grantee shall be entitled to compensation in accordance with the forest practices rules.

B15 NOTICE

Notices given pursuant or in relation to this Easement shall be in writing and delivered personally or by first class mail (postage prepaid), addressed as follows:

(a) If to Grantor:

(b) If to Grantee:

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Small Forest Landowner Office

DNR-Forest Practices Division

P.O. Box 47012

Olympia, WA 98504-7012

If either party's address changes during the term of this Easement, that party shall notify the other party of the change.

Any notice required to be given hereunder is considered as being received: (i) If delivery in person, upon personal receipt by the person to whom it is being given; or (ii) if delivered by first class U.S. mail and properly addressed, three (3) days after deposit into the U.S. mail; or (iii) if sent by U.S. mail registered or certified, upon the date receipt is acknowledged by the recipient.

B16 RECORDATION

Grantee shall record this instrument in timely fashion in the official records of                County, Washington and may rerecord it at any time as may be required to preserve its rights in this Easement.

B17 GENERAL PROVISIONS

B17.1 Severability

If any provision in this Easement, or the application hereof to any person or circumstance, is found to be invalid, the remainder of this Easement, or the application hereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

B17.2 Entire Agreement

This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Easement. This instrument supersedes all other and prior discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements of the parties. No alteration or variation of this instrument shall be binding unless set forth in an amendment to this instrument consistent with subsection B11.

B17.3 Successors and Assigns

The covenants, terms, conditions, and restrictions of this Easement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantor, Grantee, and their respective successors and assigns and shall continue as a servitude running with the property on which the Easement lies for the term of this Easement set forth in subsection 2.1.

B17.4 No Forfeiture

Nothing contained herein will result in a forfeiture or reversion of Grantor's title in any respect.

B17.5 Counterparts

The parties may execute this instrument in two or more counterparts which shall, in the aggregate, be signed by both parties. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original as against the party that has signed it. In the event of any disparity between counterparts produced, the recorded counterpart shall be controlling.

B17.6 References to Statutes and Rules

Except as otherwise specifically provided, any references in this Easement to any statute or rule shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute or rule in existence at the time the action is taken or the event occurs.

B17.7 Adherence to Applicable Law

Any activity pertaining to or use of the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber shall be consistent with applicable federal, state, or local law including chapter 76.09 RCW, the Forest Practices Act, chapter 36.70A RCW, the Growth Management Act, chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act, chapter 77.55 RCW, Construction Projects in State Waters Act ("Hydraulics Code"), the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531, et seq.), and the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251, et seq.), and rules adopted pursuant to these statutes (including all rules adopted under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act).

     (2) Forestry riparian easement application. The following items are required for a complete forestry riparian easement application:

     (a) A certification by the small forest landowner that he or she meets the qualifications of a small forest landowner;

     (b) All forest practices application numbers for the commercially reasonable harvest units and the associated qualifying timber on the property;

     (c) The dates and areas of all planned future harvest entries on the easement premises;

     (d) A preliminary litigation guarantee or similar report from a title company for the tax parcels that contain the easement premises;

     (e) A description of past and current uses of the easement premises;

     (f) Any information not specifically listed that the small forest landowner office needs to evaluate the easement and eligibility of the small forest landowner.

     (3) Baseline documentation. The baseline documentation must describe the features and current uses on the easement premises and the qualifying timber. The information provided by the small forest landowner in subsection (2) of this section is considered part of the baseline documentation. In addition, the department will provide documentation that includes, but is not limited to:

     (a) Cruise information consistent with the standards and methods in WAC 222-21-040;

     (b) An assessment to determine site condition and potential liabilities associated with the proposed riparian easement (see the board manual section 17 for procedures for conducting assessment); and

     (c) A description of the easement consistent with WAC 222-21-035.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-21-030, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.370, chapters 76.13 and 34.05 RCW. 03-06-039, § 222-21-030, filed 2/26/03, effective 3/29/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-030, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]


NOTES:

     Reviser's note:  The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency.