The ENABLING ACT February 22, 1889
Way back then, the Federal Government and the elected representative gave to and enabled American citizens, they made donations of public lands to such states.
Moving forward 125 years, “We the People” of Washington State, are in a battle with the Federal and state Governments and our elected representative struggling to preserve, protect, maintain the use of, intent and purpose of the public lands that were given to us in TRUST.
We are offended by the crippling and disabling congressional acts, including but not limited to other transgressions, by questionable “Sue and Settle” agreements.
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PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF TIMBER?
The designated TRUST land manager? (including all trust land)
INDEED, THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR), as the designated trust land manager, is responsible for the overall stewardship and management of Washington trust lands. This includes MAKING THE ASSETS PRODUCTIVE for current and future generations, GENERATING REVENUE FOR THE BENEFICIARIES, AND ACTING WITH AN UNDIVIDED LOYALTY TO THE BENEFICIARIES. DNR’s mission is to “provide professional, forward looking stewardship of our state lands, natural resources, and environment and to provide leadership IN CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE TRUSTS AND ALL CITIZENS.”
The state Legislature has a fiduciary duty to manage the lands for the benefit of the beneficiaries
WHO ARE THE BENEFICIARIES OF TRUST LANDS IN WASHINGTON STATE? (including all TRUST land)
The beneficiaries of Washington’s trust lands are enumerated in the state’s Enabling Act and Constitution.
They include Commons Schools, Washington State University, University of Washington, Normal Schools (Evergreen, Eastern, Western and Central Washington State universities), Charitable, Educational, Penal and Reformatory Institutions, the Capital Building Trust, and the citizens of the state. Through the Enabling Act, a specific acreage of land was endowed and is held in trust for each identified beneficiary. Revenues generated from those lands are deposited into designated accounts within the state Treasury. Guidance on use of these funds is derived from case law, the state Constitution, and state statute.
Washington Trust Land Beneficiary Funds and Acreage Fund Beneficiary Surface Acres in Fund % Acres
Total 2,240,692
COMMON SCHOOLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS (K-12) 1,757,142 78.4%
Agricultural School Trust Washington State University 71,336 3.2%
Scientific School Trust Washington State University 82,433 3.7%
Normal School Trust
Western Washington University
Central Washington University
Eastern Washington University
Evergreen State College 64,146 2.9%
University- Original Trust University of Washington 2,893 0.1%
University- Transfer Trust University of Washington 83,802 3.7%
Charitable, Educational, Penal and Reformatory Institutions Trust
Washington State Institutions 69,937 3.1%
Capitol Building Trust 109,003 4.9%
Total 2,240,692 100.0%
AND THE LANDS GRANTED BY THIS SECTION SHALL BE HELD, APPROPRIATED, AND DISPOSED OF EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE PURPOSES HEREIN MENTIONED
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The ENABLING ACT (segments related to WA State)
Approved February 22, 1889.) [25 U.S. Statutes at Large, c 180 p 676.]
[PRESIDENT’S PROCLAMATION DECLARING WASHINGTON A STATE: 26 ST. AT LARGE, PROCLAMATIONS, P 10, NOV. 11, 1889.]