STATE LAND SALES

RCW 79.11
in effect

RCW 79.11.005 Sale of administrative sites.

(1) The department is authorized to sell any real property not designated or acquired as state forestlands, but acquired by the state, either in the name of the forest board, the forestry board, or the division of forestry, for administrative sites, lien foreclosures, or other purposes whenever it shall determine that the lands are no longer or not necessary for public use. (2) The sale may be made after public notice to the highest bidder for such a price as approved by the governor, but not less than the fair market value of the real property, plus the value of improvements thereon. Any instruments necessary to convey title must be executed by the governor in a form approved by the attorney general. (3) All amounts received from the sale must be credited to the fund of the department of government that is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of the property sold. (1) The department is authorized to sell any real property not designated or acquired as state forestlands, but acquired by the state, either in the name of the forest board, the forestry board, or the division of forestry, for administrative sites, lien foreclosures, or other purposes whenever it shall determine that the lands are no longer or not necessary for public use. (2) The sale may be made after public notice to the highest bidder for such a price as approved by the governor, but not less than the fair market value of the real property, plus the value of improvements thereon. Any instruments necessary to convey title must be executed by the governor in a form approved by the attorney general. (3) All amounts received from the sale must be credited to the fund of the department of government that is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of the property sold.

RCW 79.11.010 Maximum and minimum acreage subject to sale — Exception — Approval by legislature or regents.

(1) Not more than one hundred and sixty acres of any land granted to the state by the United States shall be offered for sale in one parcel and no university lands shall be offered for sale except by legislative directive or with the consent of the board of regents of the University of Washington. (2) Any land granted to the state by the United States may be sold for any lawful purpose in such minimum acreage as may be fixed by the department. (1) Not more than one hundred and sixty acres of any land granted to the state by the United States shall be offered for sale in one parcel and no university lands shall be offered for sale except by legislative directive or with the consent of the board of regents of the University of Washington. (2) Any land granted to the state by the United States may be sold for any lawful purpose in such minimum acreage as may be fixed by the department.

RCW 79.11.020 Powers/duties of department.

The department shall exercise general supervision and control over the sale for any purpose of land granted to the state for educational purposes. It shall be the duty of the department to prepare all reports, data, and information in its records pertaining to any such proposed sale. The department shall have power, if it deems it advisable, to order that any particular sale of such land be held in abeyance pending further inspection and report. The department may cause such further inspection and report of land involved in any proposed sale to be made and for that purpose shall have power to employ its own inspectors, cruisers, and other technical assistants. Upon the basis of such further inspection and report the department shall determine whether or not, and the terms upon which, the proposed sale shall be consummated. The department shall exercise general supervision and control over the sale for any purpose of land granted to the state for educational purposes. It shall be the duty of the department to prepare all reports, data, and information in its records pertaining to any such proposed sale. The department shall have power, if it deems it advisable, to order that any particular sale of such land be held in abeyance pending further inspection and report. The department may cause such further inspection and report of land involved in any proposed sale to be made and for that purpose shall have power to employ its own inspectors, cruisers, and other technical assistants. Upon the basis of such further inspection and report the department shall determine whether or not, and the terms upon which, the proposed sale shall be consummated.

RCW 79.11.030 Terms of sale.

All state lands shall be sold on terms and conditions established by the board in light of market conditions. Sales by real estate contract or for cash may be authorized. All deferred payments shall draw interest at such rate as may be fixed, from time to time, by rule adopted by the board, and the rate of interest, as so fixed at the date of each sale, shall be stated in all advertising for and notice of sale and in the contract of sale. All remittances for payment of either principal or interest shall be forwarded to the department. All state lands shall be sold on terms and conditions established by the board in light of market conditions. Sales by real estate contract or for cash may be authorized. All deferred payments shall draw interest at such rate as may be fixed, from time to time, by rule adopted by the board, and the rate of interest, as so fixed at the date of each sale, shall be stated in all advertising for and notice of sale and in the contract of sale. All remittances for payment of either principal or interest shall be forwarded to the department.

RCW 79.11.040 Who may purchase — Application — Fees.

Any person desiring to purchase any state lands shall file an application on the forms provided by the department and accompanied by the fees authorized under RCW 79.02.250 . Any person desiring to purchase any state lands shall file an application on the forms provided by the department and accompanied by the fees authorized under RCW 79.02.250 .

RCW 79.11.060 Entire section may be inspected.

Whenever application is made to purchase less than a section of unplatted state lands, the department may order the inspection of the entire section or sections of which the lands applied for form a part. Whenever application is made to purchase less than a section of unplatted state lands, the department may order the inspection of the entire section or sections of which the lands applied for form a part.

RCW 79.11.070 Survey to determine area subject to sale.

The department may cause any state lands to be surveyed for the purpose of ascertaining and determining the area subject to sale. The department may cause any state lands to be surveyed for the purpose of ascertaining and determining the area subject to sale.

RCW 79.11.080 Inspection and appraisal.

When in the judgment of the department, there is sufficient interest for the appraisement and sale of state lands, the department shall cause each tract of land to be inspected as to its topography, development potential, forestry, agricultural, and grazing qualities, coal, mineral, stone, gravel, or other valuable material, the distance from any city or town, railroad, river, irrigation canal, ditch, or other waterway, and location of utilities. In case of an application to purchase land granted to the state for educational purposes, the department shall submit a report to the board, which board shall fix the value per acre of each lot, block, subdivision, or tract proposed to be sold in one parcel, which value shall be not less than ten dollars per acre. In case of applications to purchase state lands, other than lands granted to the state for educational purposes and capitol building lands, the department shall appraise and fix the value thereof. When in the judgment of the department, there is sufficient interest for the appraisement and sale of state lands, the department shall cause each tract of land to be inspected as to its topography, development potential, forestry, agricultural, and grazing qualities, coal, mineral, stone, gravel, or other valuable material, the distance from any city or town, railroad, river, irrigation canal, ditch, or other waterway, and location of utilities. In case of an application to purchase land granted to the state for educational purposes, the department shall submit a report to the board, which board shall fix the value per acre of each lot, block, subdivision, or tract proposed to be sold in one parcel, which value shall be not less than ten dollars per acre. In case of applications to purchase state lands, other than lands granted to the state for educational purposes and capitol building lands, the department shall appraise and fix the value thereof.

RCW 79.11.090 Sales by public auction — Appraised value.

Except as provided in RCW 79.11.340 , all sales of land under this chapter shall be at public auction, to the highest bidder, on the terms prescribed by law and as specified in the notice provided under RCW 79.11.120 , and no land shall be sold for less than its appraised value. Except as provided in RCW 79.11.340 , all sales of land under this chapter shall be at public auction, to the highest bidder, on the terms prescribed by law and as specified in the notice provided under RCW 79.11.120 , and no land shall be sold for less than its appraised value.

RCW 79.11.100 Date of sale limited by time of appraisal — Purchasers required to make independent appraisals.

In no case shall any lands granted to the state be offered for sale under this chapter unless the same shall have been appraised by the board within ninety days prior to the date fixed for the sale. A purchaser of state lands may not rely upon the appraisal prepared by the department or made by the board for purposes of deciding whether to make a purchase from the department. All purchasers are required to make their own independent appraisals. In no case shall any lands granted to the state be offered for sale under this chapter unless the same shall have been appraised by the board within ninety days prior to the date fixed for the sale. A purchaser of state lands may not rely upon the appraisal prepared by the department or made by the board for purposes of deciding whether to make a purchase from the department. All purchasers are required to make their own independent appraisals.

RCW 79.11.110 Separate appraisal of improvements.

Before any state lands are offered for sale, the department may establish the fair market value of those authorized improvements not owned by the state. Before any state lands are offered for sale, the department may establish the fair market value of those authorized improvements not owned by the state.

RCW 79.11.120 Sale procedure — Fixing date, place, and time of sale.

When the department decides to sell any state lands, or with the consent of the board of regents of the University of Washington, or by legislative directive, decides to sell any lot, block, tract, or tracts of university lands, it is the duty of the department to fix the date, place, and time of sale. (1) No sale may be conducted on any day that is a legal holiday. (2) Sales must be held between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If all sales cannot be offered within this time period, the sale must continue on the following day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (3) Sales must take place: (a) At the department's regional office administering the respective sale; or (b) On county property designated by the board of county commissioners or county legislative authority of the county in which the whole or majority of state lands are situated. When the department decides to sell any state lands, or with the consent of the board of regents of the University of Washington, or by legislative directive, decides to sell any lot, block, tract, or tracts of university lands, it is the duty of the department to fix the date, place, and time of sale. (1) No sale may be conducted on any day that is a legal holiday. (2) Sales must be held between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If all sales cannot be offered within this time period, the sale must continue on the following day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (3) Sales must take place: (a) At the department's regional office administering the respective sale; or (b) On county property designated by the board of county commissioners or county legislative authority of the county in which the whole or majority of state lands are situated.

RCW 79.11.130 Notice — Pamphlet — List of lands to be sold — Certain valuable materials exempt.

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2348.SL ) *** (1) The department shall give notice of the sale by advertisement published not fewer than two times during a four-week period prior to the time of sale in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the whole, or any part of any lot, block, or tract of land to be sold is situated, and by posting a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place in the department's Olympia office, the region headquarters administering such sale, and in the office of the county auditor of such county. The notice shall specify the place, date, and time of sale, the appraised value of the land, describe with particularity each parcel of land to be sold, and specify that the terms of sale will be available in the region headquarters and the department's Olympia office. (2) The advertisement is for informational purposes only, and under no circumstances does the information in the notice of sale constitute a warranty that the purchaser will receive the stated values, volumes, or acreage. All purchasers are expected to make their own measurements, evaluations, and appraisals. (3) The department shall print a list of all public lands and the appraised value thereof, that are to be sold. This list should be published in a pamphlet form to be issued at least four weeks prior to the date of any sale of the lands. The list should be organized by county and by alphabetical order, and provide sale information to prospective buyers. The department shall retain for free distribution in the Olympia office and the region offices sufficient copies of the pamphlet, to be kept in a conspicuous place, and, when requested so to do, shall mail copies of the pamphlet as issued to any requesting applicant. The department may seek additional means of publishing the information in the pamphlet, such as on the internet, to increase the number of prospective buyers. (4) The sale of valuable materials appraised at an amount not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars, as described in *RCW 79.01.200 and as authorized by the board of natural resources, are exempt from the requirements of subsection (3) of this section. (1) The department shall give notice of the sale by advertisement published not fewer than two times during a four-week period prior to the time of sale in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the whole, or any part of any lot, block, or tract of land to be sold is situated, and by posting a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place in the department's Olympia office, the region headquarters administering such sale, and in the office of the county auditor of such county. The notice shall specify the place, date, and time of sale, the appraised value of the land, describe with particularity each parcel of land to be sold, and specify that the terms of sale will be available in the region headquarters and the department's Olympia office. (2) The advertisement is for informational purposes only, and under no circumstances does the information in the notice of sale constitute a warranty that the purchaser will receive the stated values, volumes, or acreage. All purchasers are expected to make their own measurements, evaluations, and appraisals. (3) The department shall print a list of all public lands and the appraised value thereof, that are to be sold. This list should be published in a pamphlet form to be issued at least four weeks prior to the date of any sale of the lands. The list should be organized by county and by alphabetical order, and provide sale information to prospective buyers. The department shall retain for free distribution in the Olympia office and the region offices sufficient copies of the pamphlet, to be kept in a conspicuous place, and, when requested so to do, shall mail copies of the pamphlet as issued to any requesting applicant. The department may seek additional means of publishing the information in the pamphlet, such as on the internet, to increase the number of prospective buyers. (4) The sale of valuable materials appraised at an amount not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars, as described in *RCW 79.01.200 and as authorized by the board of natural resources, are exempt from the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

RCW 79.11.135 Notification requirements.

Actions under this chapter are subject to the notification requirements of RCW 43.17.400 . Actions under this chapter are subject to the notification requirements of RCW 43.17.400 .

RCW 79.11.140 Additional advertising.

The department is authorized to expend any sum in additional advertising of such sale as it determines to be for the best interest of the state. The department is authorized to expend any sum in additional advertising of such sale as it determines to be for the best interest of the state.

RCW 79.11.150 Conduct of sales.

Sales by public auction under this chapter shall be conducted under the direction of the department or its authorized representative. The department or department's representative are hereinafter referred to as auctioneers. On or before the time specified in the notice of sale each bidder shall deposit with the auctioneer, in cash or by certified check, cashier's check, money order payable to the order of the department of natural resources, or by bid guarantee in the form of bid bond acceptable to the department, an amount equal to the deposit specified in the notice of sale. The deposit shall include a specified amount of the appraised price for the land offered for sale, together with any fee required by law for the issuance of contracts, deeds, or bills of sale. The deposit may, when prescribed in notice of sale, be considered an opening bid of an amount not less than the minimum appraised price established in the notice of sale. The successful bidder's deposit will be retained by the auctioneer and the difference, if any, between the deposit and the total amount due shall on the day of the sale be paid in cash, certified check, cashier's check, bank draft, or money order, made payable to the department. If a bid bond is used, the share of the total deposit due guaranteed by the bid bond shall, within ten days of the day of sale, be paid in cash, certified check, cashier's check, money order, or other acceptable payment method payable to the department. Other deposits, if any, shall be returned to the respective bidders at the conclusion of each sale. The auctioneer shall deliver to the purchaser a memorandum of his or her purchase containing a description of the land or materials purchased, the price bid, and the terms of the sale. The auctioneer shall at once send to the department the cash, certified check, cashier's check, bank draft, money order, bid guarantee, or other acceptable payment method received from the purchaser, and a copy of the memorandum delivered to the purchaser, together with such additional report of the proceedings with reference to such sales as may be required by the department. Sales by public auction under this chapter shall be conducted under the direction of the department or its authorized representative. The department or department's representative are hereinafter referred to as auctioneers. On or before the time specified in the notice of sale each bidder shall deposit with the auctioneer, in cash or by certified check, cashier's check, money order payable to the order of the department of natural resources, or by bid guarantee in the form of bid bond acceptable to the department, an amount equal to the deposit specified in the notice of sale. The deposit shall include a specified amount of the appraised price for the land offered for sale, together with any fee required by law for the issuance of contracts, deeds, or bills of sale. The deposit may, when prescribed in notice of sale, be considered an opening bid of an amount not less than the minimum appraised price established in the notice of sale. The successful bidder's deposit will be retained by the auctioneer and the difference, if any, between the deposit and the total amount due shall on the day of the sale be paid in cash, certified check, cashier's check, bank draft, or money order, made payable to the department. If a bid bond is used, the share of the total deposit due guaranteed by the bid bond shall, within ten days of the day of sale, be paid in cash, certified check, cashier's check, money order, or other acceptable payment method payable to the department. Other deposits, if any, shall be returned to the respective bidders at the conclusion of each sale. The auctioneer shall deliver to the purchaser a memorandum of his or her purchase containing a description of the land or materials purchased, the price bid, and the terms of the sale. The auctioneer shall at once send to the department the cash, certified check, cashier's check, bank draft, money order, bid guarantee, or other acceptable payment method received from the purchaser, and a copy of the memorandum delivered to the purchaser, together with such additional report of the proceedings with reference to such sales as may be required by the department.

RCW 79.11.160 Deposit by purchaser to cover value of improvements.

A purchaser of state lands who is not the owner of the authorized improvements thereon shall deposit with the auctioneer making the sale, at the time of the sale, the appraised value of such improvements. The department shall pay to the owner of the improvements the sum deposited. However, when the improvements are owned by the state in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or have been acquired by the state by escheat or operation of law, the purchaser may pay for such improvements in equal annual installments at the same time, and with the same rate of interest, as the installments of the purchase price of the land are paid, and under such rules regarding use and care of the improvements as may be fixed by the department. A purchaser of state lands who is not the owner of the authorized improvements thereon shall deposit with the auctioneer making the sale, at the time of the sale, the appraised value of such improvements. The department shall pay to the owner of the improvements the sum deposited. However, when the improvements are owned by the state in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or have been acquired by the state by escheat or operation of law, the purchaser may pay for such improvements in equal annual installments at the same time, and with the same rate of interest, as the installments of the purchase price of the land are paid, and under such rules regarding use and care of the improvements as may be fixed by the department.

RCW 79.11.165 Reoffer.

Any sale which has been offered, and for which there are no bids received shall not be reoffered until it has been readvertised as specified in RCW 79.11.130 and 79.11.140 . If all sales cannot be offered within the specified time on the advertised date, the sale shall continue on the following day between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Any sale which has been offered, and for which there are no bids received shall not be reoffered until it has been readvertised as specified in RCW 79.11.130 and 79.11.140 . If all sales cannot be offered within the specified time on the advertised date, the sale shall continue on the following day between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

RCW 79.11.175 Confirmation of sale.

The department shall enter upon its records a confirmation of sale and issue to the purchaser a contract of sale if the following conditions have been met: (1) No fewer than ten days have passed since the auctioneer's report has been filed; (2) No affidavit is filed with the department showing that the interests of the state in the sale was injuriously affected by fraud or collusion; (3) It appears from the auctioneer's report that: (a) The sale was fairly conducted; and (b) The purchaser was the highest bidder and the bid was not less than the appraised value of the land sold; (4) The department is satisfied that the land sold would not, upon being readvertised and offered for sale, sell for at least ten percent more than the price bid by the purchaser; (5) The payment required by law to be made at the time of making the sale has been made; (6) The department determines the best interests of the state will be served by confirming the sale. The department shall enter upon its records a confirmation of sale and issue to the purchaser a contract of sale if the following conditions have been met: (1) No fewer than ten days have passed since the auctioneer's report has been filed; (2) No affidavit is filed with the department showing that the interests of the state in the sale was injuriously affected by fraud or collusion; (3) It appears from the auctioneer's report that: (a) The sale was fairly conducted; and (b) The purchaser was the highest bidder and the bid was not less than the appraised value of the land sold; (4) The department is satisfied that the land sold would not, upon being readvertised and offered for sale, sell for at least ten percent more than the price bid by the purchaser; (5) The payment required by law to be made at the time of making the sale has been made; (6) The department determines the best interests of the state will be served by confirming the sale.

RCW 79.11.190 Readvertisement of lands not sold.

If any land offered for sale is not sold, it may again be advertised for sale, as provided in this chapter, whenever in the opinion of the commissioner it shall be expedient to do so. Whenever any person applies to the department in writing to have such land offered for sale, agrees to pay at least the appraised value thereof and deposits with the department at the time of making such application a sufficient sum of money to pay the cost of advertising such sale, the land shall again be advertised and offered for sale as provided in this chapter. If any land offered for sale is not sold, it may again be advertised for sale, as provided in this chapter, whenever in the opinion of the commissioner it shall be expedient to do so. Whenever any person applies to the department in writing to have such land offered for sale, agrees to pay at least the appraised value thereof and deposits with the department at the time of making such application a sufficient sum of money to pay the cost of advertising such sale, the land shall again be advertised and offered for sale as provided in this chapter.

RCW 79.11.200 Form of contract — Rate of interest.

The purchaser of state lands under the provisions of this chapter, except in cases where the full purchase price is paid at the time of the purchase, shall enter into and sign a contract with the state, to be signed by the commissioner on behalf of the state, with the seal of the commissioner's office attached, and in a form to be prescribed by the attorney general, in which the purchaser shall covenant to make the payments of principal and interest, computed from the date the contract is issued, when due, and that the purchaser will pay all taxes and assessments that may be levied or assessed on such land, and that on failure to make the payments as prescribed in this chapter when due all rights of the purchaser under said contract may, at the election of the commissioner, acting for the state, be forfeited, and that when forfeited the state shall be released from all obligation to convey the land. The purchaser's rights under the real estate contract shall not be forfeited except as provided in chapter 61.30 RCW. The contract provided for in this section shall be executed in duplicate, and one copy shall be retained by the purchaser and the other shall be filed in the department's Olympia office. The commissioner may, as deemed advisable, extend the time for payment of principal and interest on contracts heretofore issued, and contracts to be issued under this chapter. The department shall notify the purchaser of any state lands in each instance when payment on the purchaser's contract is overdue, and that the purchaser is liable to forfeiture if payment is not made when due. The purchaser of state lands under the provisions of this chapter, except in cases where the full purchase price is paid at the time of the purchase, shall enter into and sign a contract with the state, to be signed by the commissioner on behalf of the state, with the seal of the commissioner's office attached, and in a form to be prescribed by the attorney general, in which the purchaser shall covenant to make the payments of principal and interest, computed from the date the contract is issued, when due, and that the purchaser will pay all taxes and assessments that may be levied or assessed on such land, and that on failure to make the payments as prescribed in this chapter when due all rights of the purchaser under said contract may, at the election of the commissioner, acting for the state, be forfeited, and that when forfeited the state shall be released from all obligation to convey the land. The purchaser's rights under the real estate contract shall not be forfeited except as provided in chapter 61.30 RCW. The contract provided for in this section shall be executed in duplicate, and one copy shall be retained by the purchaser and the other shall be filed in the department's Olympia office. The commissioner may, as deemed advisable, extend the time for payment of principal and interest on contracts heretofore issued, and contracts to be issued under this chapter. The department shall notify the purchaser of any state lands in each instance when payment on the purchaser's contract is overdue, and that the purchaser is liable to forfeiture if payment is not made when due.

RCW 79.11.210 Reservation in contract.

Each and every contract for the sale of, and each deed to, state lands shall contain the following reservation: "The party of the first part hereby expressly saves, excepts, and reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself and its successors and assigns forever, all oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils of every name, kind, or description, and which may be in or upon said lands above described, or any part thereof, and the right to explore the same for such oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils; and it also hereby expressly saves and reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself and its successors and assigns forever, the right to enter by itself or its agents, attorneys, and servants upon said lands, or any part or parts thereof, at any and all times, for the purpose of opening, developing, and working mines thereon, and taking out and removing therefrom all such oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils, and to that end it further expressly reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself its successors and assigns, forever, the right by its or their agents, servants, and attorneys at any and all times to erect, construct, maintain, and use all such buildings, machinery, roads, and railroads, sink such shafts, remove such soil, and to remain on said lands or any part thereof for the business of mining and to occupy as much of said lands as may be necessary or convenient for the successful prosecution of such mining business, hereby expressly reserving to itself and its successors and assigns, as aforesaid, generally, all rights and powers in, to, and over said land, whether herein expressed or not, reasonably necessary or convenient to render beneficial and efficient the complete enjoyment of the property and the rights hereby expressly reserved. No rights shall be exercised under the foregoing reservation, by the state or its successors or assigns, until provision has been made by the state or its successors or assigns, to pay to the owner of the land upon which the rights reserved under this section to the state or its successors or assigns, are sought to be exercised, full payment for all damages sustained by said owner, by reason of entering upon said land: PROVIDED, That if said owner from any cause whatever refuses or neglects to settle said damages, then the state or its successors or assigns, or any applicant for a lease or contract from the state for the purpose of prospecting for or mining valuable minerals, or option contract, or lease, for mining coal, or lease for extracting petroleum or natural gas, shall have the right to institute such legal proceedings in the superior court of the county wherein the land is situate, as may be necessary to determine the damages which said owner of said land may suffer." Each and every contract for the sale of, and each deed to, state lands shall contain the following reservation: "The party of the first part hereby expressly saves, excepts, and reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself and its successors and assigns forever, all oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils of every name, kind, or description, and which may be in or upon said lands above described, or any part thereof, and the right to explore the same for such oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils; and it also hereby expressly saves and reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself and its successors and assigns forever, the right to enter by itself or its agents, attorneys, and servants upon said lands, or any part or parts thereof, at any and all times, for the purpose of opening, developing, and working mines thereon, and taking out and removing therefrom all such oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils, and to that end it further expressly reserves out of the grant hereby made, unto itself its successors and assigns, forever, the right by its or their agents, servants, and attorneys at any and all times to erect, construct, maintain, and use all such buildings, machinery, roads, and railroads, sink such shafts, remove such soil, and to remain on said lands or any part thereof for the business of mining and to occupy as much of said lands as may be necessary or convenient for the successful prosecution of such mining business, hereby expressly reserving to itself and its successors and assigns, as aforesaid, generally, all rights and powers in, to, and over said land, whether herein expressed or not, reasonably necessary or convenient to render beneficial and efficient the complete enjoyment of the property and the rights hereby expressly reserved. No rights shall be exercised under the foregoing reservation, by the state or its successors or assigns, until provision has been made by the state or its successors or assigns, to pay to the owner of the land upon which the rights reserved under this section to the state or its successors or assigns, are sought to be exercised, full payment for all damages sustained by said owner, by reason of entering upon said land: PROVIDED, That if said owner from any cause whatever refuses or neglects to settle said damages, then the state or its successors or assigns, or any applicant for a lease or contract from the state for the purpose of prospecting for or mining valuable minerals, or option contract, or lease, for mining coal, or lease for extracting petroleum or natural gas, shall have the right to institute such legal proceedings in the superior court of the county wherein the land is situate, as may be necessary to determine the damages which said owner of said land may suffer."

RCW 79.11.220 Relinquishment to United States, in certain cases of reserved mineral rights.

Whenever the state shall have heretofore sold or may hereafter sell any state lands and issued a contract of purchase or executed a deed of conveyance therefor, in which there is a reservation of all oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils of every kind and of rights in connection therewith, and the United States of America shall have acquired for governmental purposes and uses all right, title, claim, and interest of the purchaser, or grantee, or his or her successors in interest or assigns, in or to the contract or the land described therein, except such reserved rights, and no oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, or fossils of any kind have been discovered or are known to exist in or upon such lands, the commissioner may, if it is advisable, cause to be prepared a deed of conveyance to the United States of America of such reserved rights, and certify the same to the governor in the manner provided by law for deeds to state lands, and the governor shall be, and hereby is authorized to execute, and the secretary of state to attest, a deed of conveyance for such reserved rights to the United States of America. Whenever the state shall have heretofore sold or may hereafter sell any state lands and issued a contract of purchase or executed a deed of conveyance therefor, in which there is a reservation of all oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, and fossils of every kind and of rights in connection therewith, and the United States of America shall have acquired for governmental purposes and uses all right, title, claim, and interest of the purchaser, or grantee, or his or her successors in interest or assigns, in or to the contract or the land described therein, except such reserved rights, and no oils, gases, coal, ores, minerals, or fossils of any kind have been discovered or are known to exist in or upon such lands, the commissioner may, if it is advisable, cause to be prepared a deed of conveyance to the United States of America of such reserved rights, and certify the same to the governor in the manner provided by law for deeds to state lands, and the governor shall be, and hereby is authorized to execute, and the secretary of state to attest, a deed of conveyance for such reserved rights to the United States of America.

RCW 79.11.250 Lands subject to platting.

The department shall cause all unplatted state lands, within the limits of any incorporated city or town, or within two miles of the boundary thereof, where the valuation of such lands is found by appraisement to exceed one hundred dollars per acre, to be platted into lots and blocks, of not more than five acres in a block, before the same are offered for sale, and not more than one block shall be offered for sale in one parcel. The department may designate or describe any such plat by name, or numeral, or as an addition to such city or town, and, upon the filing of any such plat, it shall be sufficient to describe the lands, or any portion thereof, embraced in such plat, according to the designation prescribed by the department. Such plats shall be made in duplicate, and when properly authenticated by the department, one copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the department and one copy in the office of the county auditor in which the lands are situated, and the auditor shall receive and file such plats without compensation or fees and make record thereof in the same manner as required by law for the filing and recording of other plats in the auditor's office. In selling lands subject to the provisions of Article 16, section 4, of the state Constitution, the department will be permitted to sell the land within the required land subdivision without being required to complete the construction of streets, utilities, and such similar things as may be required by any local government entity in the instance of the platting of private or other property within their area of jurisdiction. However, no construction will be permitted on lands so sold until the purchaser or purchasers collectively comply with all of the normal requirements for platting. The department shall cause all unplatted state lands, within the limits of any incorporated city or town, or within two miles of the boundary thereof, where the valuation of such lands is found by appraisement to exceed one hundred dollars per acre, to be platted into lots and blocks, of not more than five acres in a block, before the same are offered for sale, and not more than one block shall be offered for sale in one parcel. The department may designate or describe any such plat by name, or numeral, or as an addition to such city or town, and, upon the filing of any such plat, it shall be sufficient to describe the lands, or any portion thereof, embraced in such plat, according to the designation prescribed by the department. Such plats shall be made in duplicate, and when properly authenticated by the department, one copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the department and one copy in the office of the county auditor in which the lands are situated, and the auditor shall receive and file such plats without compensation or fees and make record thereof in the same manner as required by law for the filing and recording of other plats in the auditor's office. In selling lands subject to the provisions of Article 16, section 4, of the state Constitution, the department will be permitted to sell the land within the required land subdivision without being required to complete the construction of streets, utilities, and such similar things as may be required by any local government entity in the instance of the platting of private or other property within their area of jurisdiction. However, no construction will be permitted on lands so sold until the purchaser or purchasers collectively comply with all of the normal requirements for platting.

RCW 79.11.260 Vacation — Vested rights.

When, in the judgment of the department the best interest of the state will be thereby promoted, the department may vacate any plat or plats covering state lands, and vacate any street, alley, or other public place therein situated. The vacation of any such plat shall not affect the vested rights of any person or persons theretofore acquired therein. In the exercise of this authority to vacate the department shall enter an order in the records of its office and at once forward a certified copy thereof to the county auditor of the county wherein the platted lands are located. The auditor shall cause the same to be recorded in the miscellaneous records of the auditor's office and noted on the plat by reference to the volume and page of the record. When, in the judgment of the department the best interest of the state will be thereby promoted, the department may vacate any plat or plats covering state lands, and vacate any street, alley, or other public place therein situated. The vacation of any such plat shall not affect the vested rights of any person or persons theretofore acquired therein. In the exercise of this authority to vacate the department shall enter an order in the records of its office and at once forward a certified copy thereof to the county auditor of the county wherein the platted lands are located. The auditor shall cause the same to be recorded in the miscellaneous records of the auditor's office and noted on the plat by reference to the volume and page of the record.

RCW 79.11.270 Vacation — Preference right to purchase.

Whenever all the owners and other persons having a vested interest in the lands abutting on any street, alley, or other public place, or any portion thereof, in any plat of state lands, lying outside the limits of any incorporated city or town, petition the department, the department may vacate any such tract, alley, or public place or part thereof and in such case all such streets, alleys, or other public places or portions thereof so vacated shall be platted, appraised, and sold or leased in the manner provided for the platting, appraisal, and sale or lease of similar lands. However, where the area vacated can be determined from the plat already filed it shall not be necessary to survey such area before platting the same. The owner or owners, or other persons having a vested interest in the lands abutting on any of the lots, blocks, or other parcels platted upon the lands embraced within any area vacated as provided in this section, shall have a preference right for the period of sixty days from the date of filing with the department such plat and the appraisal of such lots, blocks, or other parcels of land, to purchase the same at the appraised value thereof. Whenever all the owners and other persons having a vested interest in the lands abutting on any street, alley, or other public place, or any portion thereof, in any plat of state lands, lying outside the limits of any incorporated city or town, petition the department, the department may vacate any such tract, alley, or public place or part thereof and in such case all such streets, alleys, or other public places or portions thereof so vacated shall be platted, appraised, and sold or leased in the manner provided for the platting, appraisal, and sale or lease of similar lands. However, where the area vacated can be determined from the plat already filed it shall not be necessary to survey such area before platting the same. The owner or owners, or other persons having a vested interest in the lands abutting on any of the lots, blocks, or other parcels platted upon the lands embraced within any area vacated as provided in this section, shall have a preference right for the period of sixty days from the date of filing with the department such plat and the appraisal of such lots, blocks, or other parcels of land, to purchase the same at the appraised value thereof.

RCW 79.11.290 Leased lands reserved from sale.

State lands held under lease as provided in RCW 79.13.370 shall not be offered for sale, or sold, during the life of the lease, except upon application of the lessee. State lands held under lease as provided in RCW 79.13.370 shall not be offered for sale, or sold, during the life of the lease, except upon application of the lessee.

RCW 79.11.310 Sale of lands with low-income potential.

(1) The purpose of this section is to provide revenues to the state and its various taxing districts through the sale of public lands which are currently used primarily for grazing and similar low priority purposes, by enabling their development as irrigated agricultural lands. (2) All applications for the purchase of lands of the foregoing character, when accompanied by a proposed plan of development of the lands for a higher priority use, shall be individually reviewed by the board. The board shall thereupon determine whether the sale of the lands is in the public interest and upon an affirmative finding shall offer such lands for sale. However, any such parcel of land shall be sold to the highest bidder but only at a bid equal to or higher than the last appraised valuation thereof as established by appraisers for the department for any such parcel of land. Further, any lands lying within United States reclamation areas, the sale price of which is limited or otherwise regulated pursuant to federal reclamation laws or regulations thereunder, need not be offered for sale so long as such limitations or regulations are applicable thereto. (3) The department shall adopt appropriate rules defining properties of such irrigated agricultural potential and shall take into account the economic benefits to the locality in classifying such properties for sale. (1) The purpose of this section is to provide revenues to the state and its various taxing districts through the sale of public lands which are currently used primarily for grazing and similar low priority purposes, by enabling their development as irrigated agricultural lands. (2) All applications for the purchase of lands of the foregoing character, when accompanied by a proposed plan of development of the lands for a higher priority use, shall be individually reviewed by the board. The board shall thereupon determine whether the sale of the lands is in the public interest and upon an affirmative finding shall offer such lands for sale. However, any such parcel of land shall be sold to the highest bidder but only at a bid equal to or higher than the last appraised valuation thereof as established by appraisers for the department for any such parcel of land. Further, any lands lying within United States reclamation areas, the sale price of which is limited or otherwise regulated pursuant to federal reclamation laws or regulations thereunder, need not be offered for sale so long as such limitations or regulations are applicable thereto. (3) The department shall adopt appropriate rules defining properties of such irrigated agricultural potential and shall take into account the economic benefits to the locality in classifying such properties for sale.

RCW 79.11.320 Assessments added to purchase price.

(1) When any public land of the state is offered for sale and the state has paid assessments for local improvements, or benefits, to any municipal corporation authorized by law to assess the same, the amount of the assessments paid by the state shall be added to the appraised value of such land. (2) The amount of assessments paid by the state shall be paid by the purchaser in addition to the amount due the state for the land. (3) In case of sale by contract under RCW 79.11.220 the purchaser may pay the assessments in equal annual installments at the same time, and with the same rate of interest upon deferred payments, as the installments of the purchase price for the land are paid. (4) No deed shall be executed until such assessments have been paid. (1) When any public land of the state is offered for sale and the state has paid assessments for local improvements, or benefits, to any municipal corporation authorized by law to assess the same, the amount of the assessments paid by the state shall be added to the appraised value of such land. (2) The amount of assessments paid by the state shall be paid by the purchaser in addition to the amount due the state for the land. (3) In case of sale by contract under RCW 79.11.220 the purchaser may pay the assessments in equal annual installments at the same time, and with the same rate of interest upon deferred payments, as the installments of the purchase price for the land are paid. (4) No deed shall be executed until such assessments have been paid.

RCW 79.11.340 Sale of acquired lands.

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2348.SL ) *** (1) Except as provided in RCW 79.10.030 (2), the department shall manage and control all lands acquired by the state by escheat, deed of sale, gift, devise, or under RCW 79.19.010 through 79.19.110 , except such lands that are conveyed or devised to the state for a particular purpose. (2) Except as provided in RCW 79.19.030 (4), when the department determines to sell the lands, they may initially be offered for sale either at public auction or direct transfer to public agencies as provided in this chapter. (3) The department may, with approval of the board, market the lands through persons licensed under chapter 18.85 RCW or through other commercially feasible means at a price not lower than the land's appraised value. (4) Necessary marketing costs may be paid from the sale proceeds. For the purpose of this subsection, necessary marketing costs include reasonable costs associated with advertising the property and paying commissions. (5) Proceeds of the sale shall be deposited into the appropriate fund in the state treasury unless the grantor in any deed or the testator in case of a devise specifies that the proceeds of the sale be devoted to a particular purpose. (1) Except as provided in RCW 79.10.030 (2), the department shall manage and control all lands acquired by the state by escheat, deed of sale, gift, devise, or under RCW 79.19.010 through 79.19.110 , except such lands that are conveyed or devised to the state for a particular purpose. (2) Except as provided in RCW 79.19.030 (4), when the department determines to sell the lands, they may initially be offered for sale either at public auction or direct transfer to public agencies as provided in this chapter. (3) The department may, with approval of the board, market the lands through persons licensed under chapter 18.85 RCW or through other commercially feasible means at a price not lower than the land's appraised value. (4) Necessary marketing costs may be paid from the sale proceeds. For the purpose of this subsection, necessary marketing costs include reasonable costs associated with advertising the property and paying commissions. (5) Proceeds of the sale shall be deposited into the appropriate fund in the state treasury unless the grantor in any deed or the testator in case of a devise specifies that the proceeds of the sale be devoted to a particular purpose.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79.11&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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