(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the department shall manage and control all lands acquired by the state by escheat or under RCW 79.19.010 through 79.19.110 and all lands acquired by the state by deed of sale or gift or by devise, except such lands which are conveyed or devised to the state to be used for a particular purpose.

(2) When land is acquired by the state by escheat which because of its location or features may be suitable for park purposes, the department shall notify the state parks and recreation commission. The department and the commission shall jointly evaluate the land for its suitability for park purposes, based upon the features of the land and the need for park facilities in the vicinity. Where the department and commission determine that such land is suitable for park purposes, it shall be offered for transfer to the commission, or, in the event that the commission declines to accept the land, to the local jurisdiction providing park facilities in that area. When so offered, the payment required by the recipient agency shall not exceed the costs incurred by the department in managing and protecting the land since receipt by the state.

(3) The department may review lands acquired by escheat since January 1, 1983, for their suitability for park purposes, and apply the evaluation and transfer procedures authorized by subsection (2) of this section.

Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.

Effective date—1984 c 222: See RCW 79.19.901.

Real property distributed to state by probate court decree, jurisdiction of commissioner of public lands over: RCW 11.08.220.