DSL has an active program for land sales and exchanges. The Land Board’s 2006-2016 Asset Management Plan and rules (OAR 141-067) govern and direct DSL’s land sales and exchange efforts and priorities.
Any land sale or exchange project is given careful and thoughtful consideration by the Department and must be approved by the State Land Board. Project work comes from two sources: through a land sale or exchange application initiated by a prospective purchaser or land exchange partner (e.g. private party) or is initiated by the Department to fulfill an Asset Management Plan strategy, area management plan or other legal obligation (e.g. filled land sale).
The current high priority efforts are focused on the following Asset Management Plan strategies:
- Process for disposal approximately 12,000 acres unleased, isolated Rangelands.
- Evaluate and process for disposal or management approximately 12,000 acres of scattered, unblocked Forest lands.
The processing of land sale or exchange applications (a $250 non-refundable application processing fee must accompany each application) is controlled by the Department’s rules (OAR 141-067).
The Department evaluates all sales and exchange opportunities by carefully investigating financial, natural, cultural and recreational impacts of the project. 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 sale transaction.
The Land Board must also approve the actual land sale method. Sale methods vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of land being sold and the prospective purchaser. An appraisal of all interests being sold is always conducted before a sale occurs. Generally, sales of Common School Fund trust land are made through a public auction process. The Department almost always 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).
Land exchanges are processed based on equal value for the land being exchanged for the land being acquired. 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. A pre-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.
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 website all parcels being evaluated for disposal. Opportunities for public comment on these projects are welcome at any time unless indicated otherwise.
Additional Information
Check Back for News Releases for Upcoming Sales and Auctions
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