[WSBARP] Land Trust to Avoid Development

[James Dolan]

Maybe reach out to the Skagit Land Trust for ideas? https://www.skagitlandtrust.org/.

-jbd-

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Scott Thomas
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2025 5:36 PM
To: WSBA Real Property Listserv <wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBARP] Land Trust to Avoid Development

I don't believe Snohomish county has a land trust established. You might want to speak to Snohomish County about dedicating the land for open space or recreational use. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3074/Open-Space-Designated-Forest-Land-Progra
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I don't believe Snohomish county has a land trust established.  You might want to speak to Snohomish County about dedicating the land for open space or recreational use.  https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3074/Open-Space-Designated-Forest-Land-Progra<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__snohomishcountywa.gov_3074_Open-2DSpace-2DDesignated-2DForest-2DLand-2DProgra&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=l0Mhk85dOFO_QMXFA5RaeFyI8xx9z412p7N4RBNsLn9D1s0Lp_Wndbzgnjwhn3bz&s=0FUKOGnur80pKcVxqwrWajSRITcONZDQOjqq4MHDZBY&e=>

If the land is within a city, talk to the city's parks department.  Your client may also wish to consider the Snohomish Conservation District, https://snohomishcd.org/forest-resources/2021/8/9/forestry-programs-amp-resources<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__snohomishcd.org_forest-2Dresources_2021_8_9_forestry-2Dprograms-2Damp-2Dresources&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H6n6r-DFlIz7r5VdHBmWpbj50tmhBsMLlFcQIU1RVMM&m=l0Mhk85dOFO_QMXFA5RaeFyI8xx9z412p7N4RBNsLn9D1s0Lp_Wndbzgnjwhn3bz&s=ey8Il0UdQVvMC-9Kmr5XhM38ByTD7nTFzyUBLD9JQnk&e=>

On Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM Brent Williams-Ruth <brent at williams-ruthlaw.com<mailto:brent at williams-ruthlaw.com>> wrote:
I feel like sending this to the RP list serv is like walking into the Tax Section and proclaiming the virtues of the Estate Tax.....but here I am nonetheless.

I have a client who has property in Snoqualmie. They really want to ensure that it is "never" developed and wanted to create a land trust. After talking about the cost of maintaining the land, house, other structures and how that would need to be funded by the trust, I asked if they have reached out to any organization that may be willing to preserve the land.

My question to all you amazing RP attorneys - do you have recommendations for entities/organizations that do these things? I immediately thought of Forterra - but so had they and the recent bad press has made them seek other options.

I advised I would consult with you amazing folk as this may be right in your wheelhouse.

Thank you!
Brent

PS - if you find this level of humor funny, be sure to attend the RP CLE on December 9th where I will be talking all about the legislative process.


Brent Williams-Ruth (pronouns: he/him)
Attorney-At-Law

Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC

Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003

Mailing Address: PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

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