| AQUATIC PARCEL | |
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Data format: SDE Feature Class File or table name: ALO.AQUATIC_PARCEL Coordinate system: Lambert Conformal Conic Theme keywords: aquatic, boundary, parcel, boundaries, planningCadastre, inlandWaters, oceans |
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Abstract:
The State of Washington's aquatic land ownership records have been maintained on marine index maps or index plates. These are hand drafted maps some of which are over 100 years old. The aquatic parcel dataset places the ownership records into a spatial GIS system. The aquatic parcel layer contains ownership information and physical and legal characteristics of the parcels. The aquatic parcel layer is controlled by and built using the aquatic boundary layer. |
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Metadata elements shown with blue text are defined in the Federal Geographic Data Committee's (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM). Elements shown with green text are defined in the ESRI Profile of the CSDGM. Elements shown with a green asterisk (*) will be automatically updated by ArcCatalog. ArcCatalog adds hints indicating which FGDC elements are mandatory; these are shown with gray text.
The State of Washington's aquatic land ownership records have been maintained on marine index maps or index plates. These are hand drafted maps some of which are over 100 years old. The aquatic parcel dataset places the ownership records into a spatial GIS system. The aquatic parcel layer contains ownership information and physical and legal characteristics of the parcels. The aquatic parcel layer is controlled by and built using the aquatic boundary layer.
To replace the marine index maps and plates as an inventory of aquatic lands.
publication date
The data is intended for agency use only. Copies of the data may be given to other agencies so long as there are sufficient disclaimers about the accuracy and compleness of the data.
The data was initially derived from drawings, not maps, which were georeferenced to calculated meander corners. As such, there cannot be much of a claim of spatial accuracy. With time the introductions of constraints to actual surveyed position may increase to accuracy of the data
See the accuracy report above.
The State of Washington's aquatic land ownership records have been maintained on marine index maps or index plates. These are hand drafted maps some of which are over 100 years old. They are vulnerable to decay and there has been a lot of interest in having the agency's aquatic ownership incorporated into DNR's GIS. The initial step was to have over 4000 of the index plates scanned and vectorized into ARC coverages. One step in incorporating these coverages into the agency's GIS is to transform them into state plane feet (south zone 5626, Nad27). Control points on each individual index plate must be established, using meander corners, PLSS section corners and other points. These control points are added to the vector coverages and empty coverages created with a stateplane south BND, as tic-ids. Using ARC/INFO transformation a matching coverage in state plane feet is created (T_covers). Arcs from the T_covers are selected and put into an Aquatic land parcel coverage. The arcs and polygons are coded with desired attributes. The first step in this process was to have all of the index maps scanned. The scanned tif images were then digitized into ARC/INFO vector coverages. The scanning and digitizing processes were performed by contractors. The vector coverages are in digitizer inches with no coordinate system and need to be georeferenced into state plane coordinates to match DNR's other GIS data sets. For each vector coverage there need to be a minimum of four control points established with known state plane coordinates. With these control points it is possible using an ARC/INFO process to transform the vector coverages into coverages with state plane coordinates. These vectors or lines can then be used to build polygons or areas which represent every parcel of aquatic land. Each vector is individually coded and needs to be carefully assembled to create a coverage with no gaps or seams. Each polygon or area is then coded with up to 32 attributes, converting all of the needed information from the index maps into a GIS data set. These coverages are refereed to as landparcel coverages. When a geographic area is completed the work is reviewed by the aquatic surveyor. The finished coverage is then given to the aquatic computer programmer who runs the coverage through some error checking programs and prepares the coverage for conversion into the agency's cadastral framework project. INPUTS Vector coverages of marine index plates, plats and harbor areas. Three types: 1. Second class tide and shore lands plates, the originals. 2. Digitized second class tide and shore land plates. 3. First class plates. Tif images of the marine index plates, plats and harbor areas. POCA (Public Ownership and County Administration coverage) coverage provided in a township tiling format which provides section lines. PLS-PT also in township tiling format, contains the section corner and quarter quarter points. This is where the meander corners should be added to. GLO plats. NAMING CONVENTION FOR COVERAGES The vector covers for the indexes, plats and harbor area plats are numbered with three parts. The first part, two letters, the first of which, is a "t" or an "s", means tideland or shoreland and the second letter, an "f" or an "s", means first or second class. After the two letters there are two numbers which identify the county. This is followed by a dash and a three digit unique number for that type of land in that county. The format is for example ts29-032, and would be read as tidelands, second class in Skagit county, plate 032. The empty coverages that the vector coverages are transformed into carry the same name with a "T" suffix (the T_covers). So.....tf25-014 would be tf25-014t. The tif images also use the same naming convention with the .tif extension. QUALITY CONTROL ON VECTOR COVERAGES Produce an edit check plot of the vector coverage overlayed on the tif image. Identify and highlight any missing arcs from the vector coverage that are necessary. Necessary arcs include meander lines, platted tidelands, lease lines and deed lines. Upland lot lines and PLSS lines are not needed. In arcedit digitize any of the missing arcs. Edit tolerances for vector coverages: editdistance 15.0 nodesnap off 2.0 weedtolerance .05 grain .05 arcsnap off snapping off 2.0 intersectarcs off CONTROL POINTS Control points with known locations must be established for each vector coverage. A minimum of six control points are needed. The control points are identified and marked on check plots, and added as tic IDs in the vector coverages. Matching tic IDs are added to the empty T_covers. There are three types of index maps and each requires different processes. The three types are: second class plates, digitized second class plates and first class platted areas. Meander corners are the highest priority control point and every meander corner available should be used as a control point. Other control points will be described later. ADDING MEANDER CORNERS TO EXISTING STATE PLANE TOWNSHIP COVERAGES Meander corners were originally set by the General Land Office (GLO) during the surveying process of the PLSS township and range grid system. A township is divided into 36 one square mile sections. When a water body was encountered along the one mile section line a meander corner was set and the distance was recorded from the section corner or the last meander corner, and recorded on the GLO plat for that township. The recording distance is in chains and one chain equals 66 feet (80 chains equals one mile). DNR has two coverages that are needed to add meander corners so they can be used for control points. Once the meander corners are in an existing DNR coverage that coverage can be drawn up in arcedit as a back cover and tic IDs can be added at the meander corner locations. CURRENT PROCESS FOR BUILDING MEANDER CORNERS 1. Plot out township edit check plot with the arcs from POCA and the points from PLS-PT. 2. Mark approximate meander corner location on the check plot and record the distance in chains (and feet is optional). 3. Edit work done in COGO in ARCTOOLS. Go into ARC and ARCTOOLS and open the township workspace and the POCA cover with arc as the editfeature. Set the draw environment to include arc, arrows and nodes. Set tolerances. Select COGO and open the PLS-PT cover for the same township. Select the COGO Environment button and within this menu select COGO POINT ITEM and move the cursor to select Point.id and make the next number to be 2000. By selecting an arc and breaking the arc at the specified distance a point will be generated in the PLS-PT coverage with a Point.id beginning with 2000. Any number greater than 100 can be used, 2000 works well because it is 4 digits long and shows up well in arcedit next to other point values. Edit tolerances: Fuzzy = 1.0 feet Dangle = 20.0 feet Edit = 100.0 feet Nodesnap = 20.0 feet Weed = 1.0 feet Snap = 20.0 feet Grain = 1.0 feet 4. Point.id is the type of point in PLS-PT. The types are: 1 = Coordinate 2 = USGS projected 3 = USGS found 4 = Meander corner 7 = Pin Corner 10 = Closing North 11 = Closing East 12 = Closing South 13 = Closing West 14 = Protracted 99 = Stable If a meander corner is within .25 chains (16.5 feet) of another point do not add an additional point. If the Point.id is greater that 10, change that Point.id to be 4. If the existing Point.id is less than 10 do nothing, this Point.id value takes priority over a meander corner, but remember to include this as a point for the statewide meander corner coverage and use it as a control point. 5. Draw up the PLS-PT cover as a back cover with a symbol of POINT.ID. Redraw the screen. 6. Determine if a proportion is needed on the line. Find the total distance for the section line from the GLO notes, compare this distance to the total distance on the POCA cover. If the difference is greater than 15 feet then proportion the meander corner distances by dividing the Poca distance by the GLO distance and multiply this result by the meander corner distances. If the section line is not a complete line in either the POCA coverage or the GLO plats then a comparison can not be made and no proportion can be made. 7. Select the arc to break and break at the distance or the proportion distance and a point will be generated in PLS-PT. 8. If the meander corner needs to extend further than the POCA line, then with the traverse option build an extension on the line. Use two points along the line as the backsight point and extend the line 180 degrees with the necessary footage. This will also establish a point at the end of the line. 9. Save the work. Exit and select the PLS-PT as the edit cover and select all the Point.id's greater than 1999 and calc them to equal 4. Select these as well as any of the original points that had a Point.id less than 10 that will be used as meander corners and put the into the statewide meander corner coverage (STATEMC). In a few cases the distance across a small stream was not recorded on the plat. Check the index plates and see if there is a distance recorded, and use that distance, if not and the distance is less than 200 feet then measure the distance from the index plate and use that to set the meander corner. If the distance is greater than 200 feet contact DNR staff. There will be meander corners that can not be set. The majority of these will be on peninsulas and islands, where the meander corners have no recorded distance from any section corners, only a distance between the meander corners. When this situation is encountered note on both the township edit check plot and the index check plot that the meander corners were not set. Highlight the locations of the meander corners and the notes. ESTABLISHING CONTROL POINTS FOR SECOND CLASS INDEX PLATES, ORIGINALS The original second class plates are scanned and vectorized from linen paper maps (plates) that usually cover 4-8 sections. On the majority of these there are enough meander corners to use for control. If there are more than six, use them. In arcedit delete existing tics and add tic IDs in the vector coverage at the meander corner locations using the tif image as a back image. Matching tic IDS can be added at meander corner locations in the empty T_covers using the STATEMC coverage or PLS-PT coverages as backcovers. Zoom in very close to add tics or snap them to the backcover features to assure the most accurate position. This accuracy is important in the transformation process which will be described latter. ESTABLISHING CONTROL POINTS FOR SECOND CLASS INDEX PLATES, DIGITIZED For some counties the originals were digitized on mylar. The majority of the plates cover one section, so usually do not have enough meander corners to provide control. They do have four tics that have state plane coordinates. With the four tic locations and two or more meander corners there are enough points. Add tic IDs at the tic locations and meander corners locations. The meander corners can be added to the T_covers as described above. The coordinates for the four tic locations can be generated as tics in the T_covers. The coordinates for the digitized maps are zone appropriate so some of them are in state plane north zone and they will have to be projected to south zone first and then generated as tics. ESTABLISHING CONTROL POINTS FOR FIRST CLASS INDEX PLATES, PLATS AND HARBOR AREAS The basic process is the same as the original second class plates and if there are at least six available meaner corners then the process is the same. If there are not six meander corners then PLSS corners can be used. If PLSS corners are used the matching tic IDs can be added in the T_covers from the POCA coverages. If the minimum number of control points can not be met with meander corners and PLSS corners another approach is necessary. First class plates are of a large scale and some cover only a part of a section which is why finding six control points is difficult. The solution is to transform the plat for the area. The plat is of a smaller scale and there will be plenty of control points. Once the plat is transformed into state plane feet, then any easily identifiable point on the plat that is also on the plate can be used as control points. Begin first with any meander corners and PLSS corners and then use angle points on the meander line or the harbor line, and last use block or lot corners. Identify these control points on the edit check plot and then add them as tic IDs to the vector coverage and then the matching tic IDs to the T_covers. Harbor area plats can also be used like the plats to provide control for the index plates. SUBDIVISION INSETS ON INDEX PLATES Some of the index plates have subdivision inset that are a different scale than the index. A separate vector coverage will have to be made with the subdivision lines, and then control points for it will have to be established. The minimum of six will be difficult to obtain. Three or four control points will be acceptable, and some of these will lack precision. It may be necessary to place control points at measured distances from known points, such as 150 feet east of the section corner, or 80 feet north and 40 feet west of the meander corner. The idea here is to get these lines as close as possible and then adjust them to fit the rest of the index plate. Name the new coverages the same as the index plate number followed by an underscore (_)and the letter "A" for the first one, letter "B' and so on. If there are more than one insets begin letter "A" in the northwest corner and proceed with the remaining insets in a clockwise direction (with north at the top), around to the southwest. TRANSFORMATION PROCESS AND RMS ERROR ACCEPTABILITY In Arc, transform the vector coverages to the T_covers. Note the RMS error for the output and record this value on the edit check plot of the index. Desired RMS is 40 feet or less for all areas except second class shorelands (index maps that begin with the letters "ss") where 80 feet is the acceptable limit. An example: Arc: transform tf25-032 tf25-032t Transforming coordinates for coverage tf25-032 Scale (X,Y) = (79.123,81.385) Skew (degrees) = (-3.419) Rotation (degrees) = (-139.841) Translation = (1174995.241,506081.030) RMS Error (input, output) = (0.138,11.265) Affine X = Ax + By + C Y = Dx + Ey + F A = -60.471 B = 56.202 C = 1174995.241 D = -51.028 E = -59.064 F = 506081.030 tic id input x input y output x output y x error y error ------ ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- 222 18.092 -21.785 1172662.585 506441.421 14.312 3.127 223 14.787 -17.029 1173152.916 506339.793 -8.892 -7.504 224 11.994 -16.886 1173333.796 506463.277 -12.909 3.085 225 13.293 -9.465 1173652.357 505962.917 7.109 -1.128 226 14.798 -7.787 1173653.209 505783.031 9.546 2.853 227 22.732 -9.165 1173114.722 505462.820 -9.166 -0.433 On this transformation the output RMS error is 11.265 feet. If the RMS output error is greater than 40 first look at the x and y error for each individual tic id. If the error is large (over 100 feet)it may indicate that Tic-id in either the vector coverage or the T_cover was located in the wrong place, i.e. along the wrong section line. Occasionally a meander corner location is bad and it may be best to not use the corner for control. Remove that Tic-id from one of the coverages and rerun the transform process. If attempts to improve the RMS error fail notify DNR staff about the problem before going to the next step. We are aware that some coverages will have an RMS error greater than 40 feet. ADJUSTING THE COVERAGES After the transform process, go into arcedit and set up links to fine tune the positions of the arcs. Set links to the meander corners, control points, PLSS lines and corners. Run an adjust. Save the coverage and build it with the line option. Edit tolerances for T_covers: Editdistance 15.0 Nodesnap off 2.0 Weedtolerance .05 Grain .05 Arcsnap off Snapping off 2.0 Intersectarcs off
Metadata imported.
Metadata imported.
Metadata imported.
Internal feature number.
ESRI
A unique user identification number for aquatic parcel features.
Aquatic Land Type Code. Is the land tideland, shoreland, bedland, not aquatic, etc.
Tideland, Marine. Tidelands are those lands that are covered and uncovered by the daily tides. Generally tidelands extend from mean high tide to extreme low tide, but there are exceptions. Marine tidelands are along the Pacific coast and within Puget sound. Marine land means those lands from the mean high tide mark waterward in marine and estuarine waters, including intertidal and submerged lands. Marine lands represents a portion of aquatic lands.
Shoreland, River. River shorelands are the lands that lie between the line of ordinary high water and the line of navigability ( the line at a depth where watercraft can safely operate). The line of navigability is a surveyed line and there are very few of them around the state, usually the line is the estimated line of navigability. A river is a natural stream of water larger than a creek and emptying into an ocean, lake, or another river. (Webster's New World Dictionary) River shorelands means the shores of a navigable river belonging to the state not subject to tidal flow, lying between the line of ordinary high water and the line of navigability, or the inner harbor line where established and within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within two miles thereof upon either side (RCW 79.90.040). These boundary descriptions represent the general rule; however exceptions do exist. To determine if the shorelands are within two miles of the corporate limits of a city, the distance is measured along the shoreline from the intersection of the corporate limit with the shoreline. (WAC 332-130-106)
The two definitions were both developed by DNR.
Harbor. The area of navigable water in front of incorporated cities as provided for in the state constitution. This area is reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce. Harbor areas exist between the inner and outer harbor line as established by the state harbor line commission. Harbor area means the area of navigable waters determined as provided in section 1 of Article XV of the state Constitution which shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce (RCW 79.90.020). Harbor areas exist between the inner and outer harbor lines as established by the state harbor line commission. (WAC 332-30-106)
The two definitions were both developed by DNR.
Waterway. An area platted across aquatic lands providing for access between uplands open water, or between navigable bodies of water. Waterway means an area platted across aquatic lands or created by a waterway district providing for access between the uplands and open water, or between navigable bodies of water. (WAC 332-130-106)
Bedland, Marine. Those lands that are below extreme low tide in the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound. "Marine land" means those lands from the mean high tide mark waterward in marine and estuarine waters, including intertidal and submerged lands. Marine lands represents a portion of aquatic lands. (9) "Beds of navigable waters" means those submerged lands lying waterward of the line of extreme low tide in navigable tidal waters and waterward of the line of navigability in navigable lakes, rivers and streams. The term, "bedlands" means beds of navigable waters. (WAC 332-30-106)
Bedland, Lake. Those lands that are below the line or estimated line of navigability. A lake is an inland body of usually fresh water, larger than a pool or pond. (Webster's New World Dictionary) "Beds of navigable waters" means those submerged lands lying waterward of the line of extreme low tide in navigable tidal waters and waterward of the line of navigability in navigable lakes, rivers and streams. The term, "bedlands" means beds of navigable waters. ( WAC 332-30-106.)
Bedland, River. Those lands that are below the line or estimated line of navigability. A river is a natural stream of water larger than a creek and emptying into an ocean, lake, or another river. (Webster's New World Dictionary) "Beds of navigable waters" means those submerged lands lying waterward of the line of extreme low tide in navigable tidal waters and waterward of the line of navigability in navigable lakes, rivers and streams. The term, "bedlands" means beds of navigable waters. (WAC 332-130-106)
Bedland, Abandoned. Bedlands that now have the characteristics of uplands usually as a result of a natural change in the water body, i.e. the former river channel after a river changes its course. This is an identifiable land area that no longer has the characteristics of bedland resulting from a sudden change. The cause of abandonment must be an avulsive event, either naturally occuring or the result of the intervention of mankind.
Tideland, Marine, Abandoned. Tidelands that now have the characteristics of uplands. Tidelands behind a dike are a good example of this. This is an identifiable land area that no longer has the characteristics of marine tideland resulting from a sudden change. The cause of abandonment must be an avulsive event, either naturally occuring or the result of the intervention of mankind.
Shoreland, River, Abandoned. Shorelands that now have the characteristics of uplands, usually as a result of a river changing its course. This is an identifiable land area that no longer has the characteristics of river shoreland resulting from a sudden change. The cause of abandonment must be an avulsive event, either naturally occuring or the result of the intervention of mankind.
Tideland, River, Abandoned. Tidelands that now have the characteristics of uplands, usually as a result of a river changing its course. This is an identifiable land area that no longer has the characteristics of river tideland resulting from a sudden change. The cause of abandonment must be an avulsive event, either naturally occuring or the result of the intervention of mankind.
Shoreland, Lake, Abandoned. Shorelands that now have the characteristics of uplands, usually as a result of a significant drop in the lake level. This is an identifiable land area that no longer has the characteristics of lake shoreland resulting from a sudden change. The cause of abandonment must be an avulsive event, either naturally occuring or the result of the intervention of mankind.
Tideland, River. Those lands that are influenced by the tides along a river. A river is a natural stream of water larger than a creek and emptying into an ocean, lake, or another river. (Webster's New World Dictionary) "First class tidelands" means the shores of navigable tidal waters belonging to the state lying within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within one mile thereof upon either side and between the line of ordinary high tide and the inner harbor line; and within two miles of the corporate limits on either side and between the line of ordinary high tide and the line of extreme low tide (RCW 79.90.030). In general, the line of ordinary high tide is the landward boundary. The line of extreme low tide, or the inner harbor line where established, is the waterward boundary. To determine if the tidelands are within two miles of the corporate limits of a city, the distance is measured along the shoreline from the intersection of the corporate limit with the shoreline. (WAC 332-30-106) "Second class tidelands" means the shores of navigable tidal waters belonging to the state, lying outside of and more than two miles from the corporate limits of any city and between the line of ordinary high tide and the line of extreme low tide (RCW 79.90.035). In general, the line of ordinary high tide is the landward boundary. The line of extreme low tide is the waterward boundary.
Shoreland, Lake. Lake shorelands are those lands that lie between the line of ordinary high water and the line or estimated line of navigability along a lake. A lake is an inland body of usually fresh water, larger than a pool or pond. (Webster's New World Dictionary) "First class shorelands" means the shores of a navigable lake or river belonging to the state not subject to tidal flow, lying between the line of ordinary high water and the line of navigability, or the inner harbor line where established and within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within two miles thereof upon either side (RCW 79.90.040). These boundary descriptions represent the general rule; however exceptions do exist. To determine if the shorelands are within two miles of the corporate limits of a city, the distance is measured along the shoreline from the intersection of the corporate limit with the shoreline. (WAC 332-130-106) "Second class shorelands" means the shores of a navigable lake or river belonging to the state, not subject to tidal flow, lying between the line of ordinary high water and the line of navigability, and more than two miles from the corporate limits of any city (RCW 79.90.045).
Abandoned Channel
Canal
Flooded Uplands
Not Aquatic Land. Uplands, usually islands within the aquatic area. Also used to code small pieces of lands that lie landward of the shoreline that have been included in an aquatic survey.
Undetermined. The type of land is undetermined usually because of extreme differences between the historic and current shoreline. How the shoreline moved could make the land upland or aquatic land in ownership, and this cannot be determined without additional research.
Aquatic Land Class Code
First Class: means the shores of navigable tidal waters or of a navigable lake or river belonging to the state, lying within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within two miles of the corporate limits. First class lands lie within city limits or within two miles of the city limits (as measured along the shoreline).
Second Class: means the shores of navigable tidal waters or of a navigable lake or river belonging to the state, lying outside of and more than two miles from the corporate limits of any city. Second class tidelands are everything else. There are some third class tidelands, and they should be coded as second class. Second and third class tidelands all became second class tidelands in 1897.
No class designation. No class designation applies to bedlands, harbors and waterways, and not applicable would go with uplands.
Not Applicable
Unknown
Aquatic land designation code. This is a use code for public lands that have a specific or special use. Most public and all private aquatic lands (except oyster tracts) will be coded with no specific designation. Aquatic reserves are those areas designated as a "reserve" and commissioners reserves are those areas identified on the index maps as areas withdrawn from sale or lease by commissioners orders. Oyster reserves are areas set aside and managed by Washington State Fish and Wildlife to preserve oysters. Other designations should be self explanatory.
Aquatic Reserve. RCW 79.68.060 Public lands identified and withdrawn from conflicting uses -- Effect -- Limitation. For the purpose of providing increased continuity in the management of public lands and of facilitating long range planning by interested agencies, the department of natural resources is authorized to identify and to withdraw from all conflicting uses at such times and for such periods as it shall determine appropriate, limited acreages of public lands under its jurisdiction. Acreages so withdrawn shall be maintained for the benefit of the public and, in particular, of the public schools, colleges and universities, as areas in which may be observed, studied, enjoyed, or otherwise utilized the natural ecological systems thereon, whether such systems be unique or typical to the state of Washington. Nothing herein is intended to or shall modify the department's obligation to manage the land under its jurisdiction in the best interests of the beneficiaries of granted trust lands.
Harbor Area. Harbor area means the area of navigable waters determined as provided in section 1 of Article XV of the state Constitution which shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce (RCW 79.90.020). Harbor areas exist between the inner and outer harbor lines as established by the state harbor line commission. (WAC 332-30-106)
Street. An aquatic street is a public thoroughfare that was extended across state owned tidelands or shorelands and in the platting thereof to lay out streeets which were dedicated to public use (RCW 79.93.010). The control of streets and alleys over first class tidelands and shorelands are under the supervision of the city to the ssame extent as are all other streets and alleys (RCW 35.21.250)
Waterway. "Waterway" means an area platted across aquatic lands or created by a waterway district providing for access between the uplands and open water, or between navigable bodies of water. (WAC 332-130-106)
Wilderness Area. Areas of National Forest protected against economic development.
Historic Site. A federal area, much like a park, administered by the U.S. National Park Service.
National Monument. A federal area, much like a park, administered by the U.S. National Park Service.
National Park. A park administered by the U.S. National Park Service.
State Park. A park administered by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
County Park. Counties may establish park and playground systems for public recreational purposes and for such purposes shall have the power to acquire lands, buildings and other facilities by gift, purchase, lease, devise, bequest and condemnation.
City Park. Cities may establish park and playground systems for public recreational purposes and for such purposes shall have the power to acquire lands, buildings and other facilities by gift, purchase, lease, devise, bequest and condemnation.
Municipal Water shed: a parcel set aside for the protection of surface and sub-surface waters from pollution or degradation. The purpose is to allow the creation of aquifer protection areas to prevent pollution and degradation of drinking water supplies for a specific city.
Wildlife Refuge. An area administered by a public agency for the protection of wildlife.
Military Reservation. Federal lands which have been dedicated for military purposes.
Wild and Scenic River. The U.S. Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in October of 1968. Designation as a wild and scenic river is not designation as a national park. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act does not generally lock up a river like a wilderness designation. The idea is not to halt development and use of a river; instead, the goal is to preserve the character of a river. Uses compatible with the management goals of a particular river are allowed; change is expected to happen. The Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service share in the responsibility for protecting and managing wild and scenic rivers.
National Marine Sanctuary. A marine area protected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the National Marine Sanctuary Program created by Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Commissioner's Withdrawal: an order issued by the Commissioner of Public Lands setting aside a specific parcel of state owned aquatic lands from sale or lease. The lands withdrawn from sale or lease may be used for a specific function or use, such as, fronting a state park, used for shooting grounds (hunting of waterfowl), or for preservation of habitat.
Lighthouse Reserve
Natural Area Preserve. Washington's rapidly expanding population has significantly altered many of the natural habitats across our state. To protect examples of the native features that still remain, the Washington State Legislature created the Natural Area Preserve (NAP) system in 1972, stating: Natural lands, together with the plants and animals living thereon in natural ecological systems, are valuable for the purposes of scientific research, teaching, as habitats of rare and vanishing species, as places of natural historic and natural interest and scenic beauty, and as living museums of the original heritage of the state. [RCW 79.70.010] Today, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages 47 Natural Area Preserves protecting approximately 28,000 acres of Washington's native habitats, from coastal estuaries to freshwater wetlands and arid shrub-steppe. All were acquired through gifts, purchase from willing sellers, or transfer of appropriate state lands. NAP's are managed for the conservation of our highest quality natural communities, with particular emphasis on those plants and animals considered rare or threatened in Washington. Lands suitable for inclusion in the NAP system are identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program and reviewed by the Natural Heritage Advisory Council. Also created by statute, the Council includes scientific experts and other representatives from diverse geographic regions and industries.
NRCA (Natural Resource Conservation Area). In 1987, at the urging of the department and numerous conservation groups, the legislature created an additional state land designation for properties to be managed for conservation purposes. Properties in this category are called Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCA's). Lands with a high priority for conservation, critical wildlife habitat, prime natural features, examples of native ecological communities, and environmentally significant sites threatened with conversion to other uses were candidates for NRCA status. Opportunities for outdoor environmental education and appropriate low impact public use were to be additional considerations when designating an NRCA.
Oyster Tract. Those aquatic lands purchased under the Bush and Callow Acts. The Bush Act was passed in 1895. The act provided that anyone who had been entitled to purchase oyster lands under an 1890 law authorizing tideland sales now had a six-month preference right to purchase up to 100 acres of oyster lands for $1.25 per acre. Thus, in order to qualify, the applicant must have planted oysters on an area of second- or third-class tidelands not containing natural oysters prior to March 26, 1890. However, the act also provided that anyone desiring to plant new oysters in areas barren of natural oysters could purchase third class tidelands for oyster growing, as long as their application did not conflict with someone's preference right as described above. The Bush Act contained a defeasance clause with two provisions. The first provision stated that if any oyster tract purchased under the act became unfit or valueless for oyster planting, the owner could file a certificate of abandonment with the Commissioner of Public Lands. Such a party could then make additional purchases under the act. The second provision stated that if the purchaser used the oyster tract for any purpose other than oyster cultivation, then any citizen could apply to the Commissioner of Public Lands to have the sale cancelled. The land would then revert to the state and be subject to sale under the act. The Callow Act was also passed in 1895. This act allowed people who had, previous to March of 1890, planted oysters on second- or third-class tidelands designated as "reserved oyster beds" (for example, beds containing naturally set oysters) to purchase up to 40 acres of those beds per person. The Callow Act required that deeds issued pursuant to it provide that title revert to the state "if at any time after granting of said deed the land described therein shall cease to be used for the purposes of an artificial oyster bed." The state specifically reserved the right to: (a) enter upon and take possession of said tracts "if the same is used for any purpose other than the cultivation of oysters," or (b) enter upon and take possession of any tidelands sold under this act, at any time it desires, upon paying to the then owner or occupant the original purchase price of the lands, together with the value of any improvements erected thereon in connection with the cultivation of oysters. Both the Bush and Callow Acts relied on a definition of "oyster land" as all natural beds of oysters and lands suitable for the cultivation of oysters. Note that the definition does not distinguish tidelands from bedlands. Both the Bush Act and the Callow Act were repealed in 1935. A savings clause provided that nothing in the repealer affected either: (a) the rights of a Bush/Callow Act landowner to abandon worthless oysterlands and purchase replacement lands, or (b) the state's reserved or reversionary interests. In 1919, an act was passed by the legislature which allowed owners of Bush and Callow Act lands the option of cultivating clams as well as oysters on these lands. This act was repealed in 1949. Cultivation of clams on these lands now meets the statutory test of use only if the cultivation of clams began prior to 1949.
Oyster Reserve. Oyster Reserves are special aquatic oyster lands whose locations and permited uses are designated by the legislature. RCW 77.60.010. State oyster reserves established. The following areas are the state oyster reserves and are more completely described in maps and plats on file in the office of the commissioner of public lands and in the office of the auditor of the county in which the reserve is located: 1. PUGET SOUND OYSTER RESERVES: (a) Totten Inlet reserves (sometimes known as Oyster Bay reserves), located in Totten Inlet, Thurston county; (b) Eld Inlet reserves (sometimes known as Mud Bay reserves), located in Mud Bay, Thurston county; (c) Oakland Bay reserves, located in Oakland Bay, Mason county; (d) North Bay reserves (sometimes known as Case Inlet reserves), located in Case Inlet, Mason county. 2. WILLAPA HARBOR OYSTER RESERVES: (a) Nemah reserve, south and west sides of reserve located along Nemah River channel, Pacific county; (b) Long Island reserve, located at south end and along west side of Long Island, Willapa Harbor, Pacific county; (c) Long Island Slough reserve, located at south end and along east side of Long Island, Willapa Harbor, Pacific county; (d) Bay Center reserve, located in the Palix River channel, extending from Palix River bridge to beyond Bay Center to north of Goose Point, Willapa Harbor, Pacific county; (e) Willapa River reserve, located in the Willapa River channel extending west and up-river from a point approximately one-quarter mile from the blinker light marking the division of Willapa River channel and the North River channel, Willapa Harbor, Pacific county.
Biological Reserve: a land area of environmental or scientific importance, sites established for the continuance of environmental baseline monitoring, and/or areas of historical, geological or biological interest requiring special protective management. Also known as an Environmental reserve or as a scientific reserve.
Public Place. "Public place" means a part of aquatic lands set aside for public access through platted tidelands, shorelands, and/or harbor areas to the beds of navigable waters. (WAC 332-30-106)
County or State Road
Seashore Conservation Area
Aquaculture District
Not Applicable (uplands)
No Specific Designation
Unknown
Aquatic Land Authority Code. This is the authority that establishes aquatic lands or land uses. This can be a state law, a court decision, a DNR commissioner's decision, etc. All DNR commissioner's decisions are coded as a Commissioner's Order.
Title Abstract Map
Transaction Exhibit
Tract Book
Map
Aquatic Index Plate
Orthophoto
Topographic Map
Aquatic Plat
Aerial Photo
Survey Field Notes
Geographic Information System Database
Deed
Survey Map
Tabular Database
Index
Survey Record
Letter
Memo
Instrument
Note
Nautical Chart
DNR Business Order
DNR Resolution
Meeting Minutes
Water Right
Court Document
Legal Notice
SEPA Report, State Environmental Protection Act
Timber Cruise
Auction Bid
Title Abstract Report
Register
Application
Claim
Certificate
Permit
HCP, Habitat Conservation Plan
EIS, Environmental Impact Statement
NEPA Report, National Environmental Protection Act
FCC License, Federal Communication Commission
Property Appraisal
Title Insurance
DNR Commissioner's Order. A decision or order of the Commissioner of Public Lands.
DNR Proposal to Board of Natural Resources
State Constitution Article
RCW, Revised Code of Washington
WAC, Washington Administrative Code
Harbor Line Commission Resolution. The Board of Natural Resources also convenes as the Harbor Line Commission. The commission establishes, relocates or re-establishes harbor lines in the state's navigable waters to define boundaries reserved for commerce and navigation. Section 1 of Article XV of the State Constitution: HARBOR LINE COMMISSION AND RESTRAINT ON DISPOSITION. The legislature shall provide for the appointment of a commission whose duty it shall be to locate and establish harbor lines in the navigable waters of all harbors, estuaries, bays and inlets of this state, wherever such navigable waters lie within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within one mile thereof on either side. Any harbor line so located or established may thereafter be changed, relocated or reestablished by the commission pursuant to such provision as may be made therefor by the legislature. The state shall never give, sell or lease to any private person, corporation, or association any rights whatever in the waters beyond such harbor lines, nor shall any of the area lying between any harbor line and the line of ordinary high water, and within not less than fifty feet nor more than two thousand feet of such harbor line (as the commission shall determine) be sold or granted by the state, nor its rights to control the same relinquished, but such area shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce. RCW 79.90.070: The board of natural resources shall constitute the commission provided for in section 1 of Article XV of the state Constitution to locate and establish outer harbor lines beyond which the state shall never sell or lease any rights whatever to private persons, and to locate and establish the inner harbor line, thereby defining the width of the harbor area between such harbor lines. The harbor area shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce.
State Agency Order
Federal Code
Local Code
State Law
Bush Act. The Bush Act was passed in 1895. The act provided that anyone who had been entitled to purchase oyster lands under an 1890 law authorizing tideland sales now had a six-month preference right to purchase up to 100 acres of oyster lands for $1.25 per acre. Thus, in order to qualify, the applicant must have planted oysters on an area of second- or third-class tidelands not containing natural oysters prior to March 26, 1890. However, the act also provided that anyone desiring to plant new oysters in areas barren of natural oysters could purchase third class tidelands for oyster growing, as long as their application did not conflict with someone's preference right as described above. The Bush Act contained a defeasance clause with two provisions. The first provision stated that if any oyster tract purchased under the act became unfit or valueless for oyster planting, the owner could file a certificate of abandonment with the Commissioner of Public Lands. Such a party could then make additional purchases under the act. The second provision stated that if the purchaser used the oyster tract for any purpose other than oyster cultivation, then any citizen could apply to the Commissioner of Public Lands to have the sale cancelled. The land would then revert to the state and be subject to sale under the act. Both the Bush and Callow Acts relied on a definition of "oyster land" as all natural beds of oysters and lands suitable for the cultivation of oysters. Note that the definition does not distinguish tidelands from bedlands. Both the Bush Act and the Callow Act were repealed in 1935. (from Aquatic Resource Management Reference Manual)
Callow Act. The Callow Act was also passed in 1895. This act allowed people who had, previous to March of 1890, planted oysters on second- or third-class tidelands designated as "reserved oyster beds" (for example, beds containing naturally set oysters) to purchase up to 40 acres of those beds per person. The Callow Act required that deeds issued pursuant to it provide that title revert to the state "if at any time after granting of said deed the land described therein shall cease to be used for the purposes of an artificial oyster bed." The state specifically reserved the right to: (a) enter upon and take possession of said tracts "if the same is used for any purpose other than the cultivation of oysters," or (b) enter upon and take possession of any tidelands sold under this act, at any time it desires, upon paying to the then owner or occupant the original purchase price of the lands, together with the value of any improvements erected thereon in connection with the cultivation of oysters. Both the Bush and Callow Acts relied on a definition of "oyster land" as all natural beds of oysters and lands suitable for the cultivation of oysters. Note that the definition does not distinguish tidelands from bedlands. Both the Bush Act and the Callow Act were repealed in 1935. (from Aquatic Resource Management Reference Manual)
Board of Natural Resources Resolution. The Board of Natural Resources was formed when the Washington Department of Natural Resources was created in 1957 (RCW 43.30.020.060). The board is responsible for establishing policies to guide land and resource management. In doing so, they request and evaluate recommendations, approve/disapprove timber and mineral sales from trust lands, and establish sustainable harvest levels. The board also approves/disapproves the sale or exchange of trust lands according to the laws governing the trusts. By statute, the members are: The Commissioner of Public Lands, The Governor, The Superintendent of Public Instruction, A county commissioner from a county with Forest Board trust land, The Dean of the University of Washington College of Forest Resources, The Dean of the Washington State University College of Agriculture and Home Economics.
Port Management Agreement. A formal, written agreement between a Port District and the department, which may authorize a port district to manage some or all of those aquatic lands within the port district meeting the criteria. See WAC 332-30-114 for Management agreements with port districts and see Title 53 RCW for powers and duties of a Port District.
Unknown
Aquatic land reversionary code. Some lands were sold with specific clauses that if they are not used for the intended purpose, ownership will revert back to the state. The most common of these lands are oyster tracts and military lands.
State has reversionary rights
State has NO reversionary rights
Not Applicable
Unknown
Navigability Status Code: The major rivers and lakes in Washington have been classified with a navigability status based on information in the river and lake files maintained by the Aquatic Resources Division. This assessment represents the Department's opinion about the navigability of certain rivers and lakes, and it is a summary of the navigability information that has been acquired over the years. Rivers and lakes that are not classified by the Department were omitted solely due to lack of information, and the water body must not be assumed to be not navigable solely on the basis that they were not included.
Navigable by court decree: These rivers and lakes have been adjudicated in a court of appropriate jurisdiction, an opinion was issued where the river or lake was declared navigable for a claim of ownership by the State, and the question of navigability was properly defended.
Not navigable by court decree: These rivers and lakes have been adjudicated in a court of appropriate jurisdiction, an opinion was issued where the river or lake was declared not navigable for a claim of ownership by the State, and the question of navigability was properly defended.
Public Highway by court decree: These rivers have been adjudicated in a court of appropriate jurisdiction, an opinion was issued where the river was declared not navigable for a claim of ownership by the State, and the question of navigability was properly defended, but the court ruled even though the bed of the river was privately owned, the water course was suitable as a public highway for special commercial purposes, such as, for log drives or floating of shingle bolts.
Definitely Navigable (assigned by DNR): These rivers and lakes are considered navigable by the department because they are tidally influenced or there is sufficient documented evidence of use for transportation and/or commerce. The Department's Management Guidelines for these waters are to claim ownership to the beds and shores of these waters and to actively manage these submerged lands; EXCEPT those granted to native tribes by treaty or that have otherwise been alienated from State ownership.
Probably Navigable (assigned by DNR): These rivers and lakes would likely be found to be navigable, if the matter were adjudicated because there is some documented evidence of use for transportation and/or commerce, or their size and geographic location with respect to historical settlement patterns and transportation routes make them susceptible to use for commerce and/or transportation or they were meandered by the General Land Office surveys performed by the federal government. [Please note that the presence or absence of meander lines is not conclusive evidence for navigability, but is evidence of the surveyor's opinion. The DNR considers all meandered streams to be navigable unless found to be otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction in a case that the state was a named party. See WAC 332-30-106(40).] The Department's Management Guidelines for these waters are to claim ownership to the bed and shores of these waters and to actively manage these submerged lands; EXCEPT those granted to native tribes by treaty or that have otherwise been alienated from State ownership
Possibly Navigable (assigned by DNR): These rivers and lakes meet some of the conditions for navigability, but evidence is sketchy or conflicting, so more research is needed. Since the State=s claim to these lands may not be strong, the Department's Management Guidelines for these waters are to not assert a claim of ownership, but also to not disclaim ownership to the bed and shores of these waters and the Department will generally not actively manage these lands.
Not Navigable (assigned by DNR): These rivers and lakes have characteristics that would prohibit the use of the water body for a useful commercial purpose. For example, an exception is a portion of the Skagit River that is classified as not navigable because the research is clear that this portion of the river was impassable. The Department's Management Guidelines for these waters are the beds and shores are not State owned aquatic lands and the Department does not have a management responsibility.
Unknown or no navigability assessment (assigned by DNR): These rivers and lakes may meet some of the conditions for navigability, but evidence is sketchy or conflicting, so further research is needed. The Department's Management Guidelines for these waters are to not assert a claim of ownership to the beds and shores of these waters, but the State will not disclaim ownership to these lands and the Department will not actively manage these lands.
Not Applicable
Aquatic Parcel Label Name
Aquatic Parcel Name
Aquatic parcel vacated flag. Primarily used for streets.
The parcel is vacated.
The parcel is not vacated.
Ownership dispute flag. Indicates if there is a dispute or uncertainty as to the owner of the parcel.
There is a dispute or uncertainty.
There is not a dispute or uncertainty.
Surface rights flag. Indicates whether the parcel is a surface ownership.
The parcel is a surface ownership parcel.
The parcel is not a surface ownership parcel.
Mineral rights flag. Indicates whether the parcel has mineral ownership.
The parcel is a mineral ownership parcel.
The parcel is not a mineral ownership parcel.
Identifies DNR trust beneficiary for surface rights.
Trust Status Not Applicable or Unknown
State Forest Board Transfer
State Forest Board Purchase
Common School and Indemnity
Agricultural School
University - Transferred
Charitable/Educational/Penal Reformatory Instit.
Capitol Grant
Normal School
Escheat
Scientific School
University - Original
Community College Forest Reserve
Administrative Site
Beds of Navigable Waters (Abutting Tidelands)
Beds of Navigable Waters (Abutting Shorelands)
Tidelands - 1st Class (Outside 4th Class Towns)
Tidelands - 2nd Class
Shorelands - 1st Class
Shorelands - 2nd Class
Harbor Areas (Outside 4th Class Towns)
Harbor Areas (Inside 4th Class Towns)
1st Class Tidelands (Inside 4th Class Towns)
Washington Dept. of Corrections
Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services
Washington Dept. of Fisheries
Washington Dept. of Wildlife
Washington State Parks Recreation Commission
Washington Dept. of Transportation
Washington Dept. of Transportation - Aeronautics
Washington Dept. of Agriculture
Washington Dept. of Veterans Affairs
University Repayment
Forest Board Repayment
Land Bank
C.E.P.R.I. Transferred
Milwaukee Road Corridor
Under Contract to State Parks Recreation
Under Contract to Private Party
Under Contract to Federal Agency
Under Contract to Other Agency
Natural Area Preserve
Natural Resource Conservation Area.
Water Pollution Control Division Trust Land
Parkland Reserve Trust
Owner agent system ID. The ID is the same as is used in the agent table. It uniquely identifies the owner agent.
Owner Agent Type Code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Owner agent name
Owner agent designation code
Chehalis
Colville
Yakima
Hoh
Jamestown S'Klallam
Kalispel
Lower Elwah S'Klallam
Lummi
Makah
Muckleshoot
Nisqually
Nooksack
Port Gamble S'Klallam
Puyallup
Quileute
Quinault
Sauk-Suiattle
Shoalwateer
Skokomish
Spokane
Squaxin
Stillaguamish
Suqamish
Swinomish
Tulalip
Upper Skagit
Ozette
Adams
Asotin
Benton
Chelan
Clallum
Clark
Columbia
Cowlitz
Douglas
Ferry
Franklin
Garfield
Grant
Grays Harbor
Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lewis
Lincoln
Mason
Okanogan
Pacific
Pend Oreille
Pierce
San Juan
Skagit
Skamania
Snohomish
Spokane
Stevens
Thurston
Wahkiakum
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Whitman
Yakima
Aberdeen
Airway Heights
Albion
Algona
Almira
Anacortes
Arlington
Asotin City
Auburn/King
Auburn/Pierce
Bainbridge Island
Battle Ground
Beaux Arts Village
Bellevue
Bellingham
Benton City
Bingen
Black Diamond
Blaine
Bonney Lake
Bothell/King
Bothell/Snohomish
Bremerton
Brewster
Bridgeport
Brier
Buckley
Bucoda
Burien
Burlington
Camas
Carbonado
Carnation
Cashmere
Castle Rock
Cathlamet
Centralia
Chehalis
Chelan City
Cheney
Chewelah
Clarkston
Cle Elum
Clyde Hill
Colfax
College Place
Colton
Colville
Conconully
Concrete
Connell
Cosmopolis
Coulee City
Coulee Dam
Coupeville
Covington
Creston
Cusick
Darrington
Davenport
Dayton
Deer Park
Des Moines
Du Pont
Duvall
East Wenatchee
Eatonville
Edgewood
Edmonds
Electric City
Ellensburg
Elma
Elmer City
Endicott
Entiat
Enumclaw
Ephrata
Everett
Everson
Fairfield
Farmington
Federal Way
Ferndale
Fife
Fircrest
Forks
Friday Harbor
Garfield
George
Gig Harbor
Gold Bar
Goldendale
Grand Coulee
Grandview
Granger
Granite Falls
Hamilton
Harrah
Harrington
Hartline
Hatton
Hoquiam
Hunts Point
Ilwaco
Index
Ione
Issaquah
Kahlotus
Kalama
Kelso
Kenmore
Kennewick
Kent
Kettle Falls
Kirkland
Kittitas City
Krupp
La Center
La Conner
La Crosse
Lacey
Lake Forest Park
Lake Stevens
Lakewood
Lamont
Langley
Latah
Leavenworth
Liberty Lake
Lind
Long Beach
Longview
Lyman
Lynden
Lynnwood
Mabton
Malden
Mansfield
Maple Valley
Marcus
Marysville
Mattawa
McCleary
Medical Lake
Medina
Mercer Island City
Mesa
Metaline Falls
Metaline
Mill Creek
Millwood
Milton/King
Milton/Pierce
Monroe
Montesano
Morton
Moses Lake
Mossyrock
Mount Vernon
Mountlake Terrace
Moxee City
Mukilteo
Naches
Napavine
Nespelem
Newcastle
Newport
Nooksack
Normandy Park
North Bend
North Bonneville
Northport
Oak Harbor
Oakesdale
Oakville
Ocean Shores
Odessa
Okanogan City
Olympia
Omak
Oroville
Orting
Othello
Pacific/King
Pacific/Pierce
Palouse
Pasco
Pateros
Pe Ell
Pomeroy
Port Angeles
Port Orchard
Port Townsend
Poulsbo
Prescott
Prosser
Pullman
Puyallup
Quincy
Rainier
Raymond
Reardan
Redmond
Renton
Republic
Richland
Ridgefield
Ritzville
Riverside
Rock Island
Rockford
Rosalia
Roslyn
Roy
Royal City
Ruston
Sammamish
SeaTac
Seattle
Sedro-Woolley
Selah
Sequim
Shelton
Shoreline
Skykomish
Snohomish City
Snoqualmie
Soap Lake
South Bend
South Cle Elum
South Prairie
Spangle
Spokane City
Sprague
Springdale
St. John
Stanwood
Starbuck
Steilacoom
Stevenson
Sultan
Sumas
Sumner
Sunnyside
Tacoma
Tekoa
Tenino
Tieton
Toledo
Tonasket
Toppenish
Tukwila
Tumwater
Twisp
Union Gap
Uniontown
University Place
Vader
Vancouver
Waitsburg
Walla Walla City
Wapato
Warden
Washougal
Washtucna
Waverly
Wenatchee
West Richland
Westport
White Salmon
Wilbur
Wilkeson
Wilson Creek
Winlock
Winthrop
Woodinville
Woodland
Woodway
Yacolt
Yakima City
Yarrow Point
Yelm
Zillah
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRG)
Department of Ecology (ECY)
State Parks and Recreation Commission (PARKS)
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC)
Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Department of Agriculture (AGR)
University of Washington (UW)
Washington State University (WSU)
Eastern Washington University (EWU)
Central Washington University (CWU)
The Evergreen State College (TESC)
Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute (SIRTI)
Western Washington University (WWU)
Everett Community College (EVC)
Edmonds Community College (EDC)
Whatcom Community College (WHC)
Bellevue Community College (BCC)
Big Bend Community College (BBC)
Centralia College (CEC)
Cascadia Community College (CCC)
Clark College (CLC)
Pierce College (PIE)
Columbia Basin Community College (CBC)
Grays Harbor College (GHC)
Green River Community College (GRC)
Highline Community College (HCC)
Lower Columbia College (LCC)
Olympic College (OLC)
Peninsula College (PEC)
Seattle Community College - District 6 (SCCD-6)
Shoreline Community College (SHC)
Skagit Valley College (SVC)
South Puget Sound Community College (SPS)
Spokane Community College - District 17 (SCCD-17)
Tacoma Community College (TCC)
Walla Walla Community College (WLC)
Wenatchee Valley College (WVC)
Yakima Valley College (YVC)
Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC)
Renton Technical College (RTC)
Bellingham Technical College (BTC)
Bates Technical College (BATES)
Clover Park Technical College (CPTC)
Allyn
Anacortes
Bellingham
Benton
Bremerton
Brownsville
Camas-Washougal
Centralia
Chehalis
Chelan County
Chinook
Clarkston
Columbia
Coulee City
Coupville
Dewatto
Douglas County
Edmonds
Eglon
Ephrata
Everett
Friday Harbor
Garfield
Grand Coulee
Grandview
Grapeview
Grays Harbor
Hartline
Hoodsport
Illahee
Ilwaco
Indianola
Kahlotus
Kalama
Kennewick
Keyport
Kingston
Klickitat
Longview
Lopez
Mabana
Manchester
Mattawa
Moses Lake
Olympia
Orcas
Othello
Pasco
Pend Oreille
Peninsula
Port Angeles
Port Townsend
Poulsbo
Quincy
Ridgefield
Royal Slope
Seattle
Shelton
Silverdale
Skagit County
Skamania County
South Whidbey Island
Sunnyside
Tacoma
Tahuya
Tracyton
Vancouver
Wahkiakum No. 1
Wahkiakum No. 2
Walla Walla
Warden
Waterman
Whitman
Wilapa Harbor
Wilson Creek
Woodland
Department of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
Department of Commerce
Census Bureau
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
U.S. Geological Survey
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Transportation
U.S. Coast Guard
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Steward agent system ID. The ID is the same as is used in the agent table. It uniquely identifies the steward agent.
Steward agent type code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Steward agent name
Steward agent designation code
Manager agent system ID. The ID is the same as is used in the agent table. It uniquely identifies the manager agent.
Manager agent type code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Manager agent name
Manager agent designation code
County code
Adams
Asotin
Benton
Chelan
Clallum
Clark
Columbia
Cowlitz
Douglas
Ferry
Franklin
Garfield
Grant
Grays Harbor
Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lewis
Lincoln
Mason
Okanogan
Pacific
Pend Oreille
Pierce
San Juan
Skagit
Skamania
Snohomish
Spokane
Stevens
Thurston
Wahkiakum
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Whitman
Yakima
DNR Region code
Southeast Region
Olympic Region
Pacific Cascade Region
South Puget Sound Region
Northwest Region
Northeast Region
Unknown
Legal Description Type code
PLS Township. In the Public Land Survey System a Township refers to a unit of land, that is nominally six miles on a side, usually containing 36 sections, some of which are designed to correct for the convergence of meridians or range lines, with boundaries conforming to meridians and parallels within established limits.
PLS Township Subdivision. The primary subdivision of a PLSS Township. It may be a PLSS Section Area, a Donation Land Claim, a PLSS Tract, or a Protracted Block.
PLS Section 1/16 Subdivision. A legal subdivision of a section into either 1/16 aliquot parts, e.g. SE1/4 of the NW1/4, or into government lots.
PLS Section Subdivision Other. Legal subdivision of a section into aliquot parts other than subdivisions into 1/16 sections. An aliquot part is a legal subdivision of a sections, except fractional lots, or further subdivision of any smaller legal subdivision, except fractional lots, by division into halves or quarters ad infinitum.
Non-PLS. Public Land Survey System Descriptions are descriptions for areas of land that follow the pattern of Townships and Ranges established by the federal government in 1785 and its successors. Non-PLSS Described Areas are areas described by any other methodology or system. A Non-PLSS Described Area description can overlay a PLSS described area.
Right of Way. Any strip or area of land, including surface, overhead, or underground, granted by deed or easement, for construction and maintenance according to designated use, such as for drainage and irrigation canals and ditches; electric power, telegraph, and telephone lines; gas, oil, water, and other pipe lines; highways, and other roadways, including right of portage; sewers; flowage or impoundment of surface water; and tunnels.
Aquatic Platted. In general a plat is a tract of land divided into parcels for purposes of sale. A plat may be recorded or unrecorded. A plat is a simultaneous conveyance where all divisions of land within the plat have equal standing with each other. An aquatic plat is made under the authority of the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Aquatic Unplatted. All those aquatic lands that are not platted. See the definition for "Aquatic Platted."
Marine Protracted Block, which is an unsurveyed but coordinated marine area specified for management activities. A regular Protracted Block is 4,800 international meters on a side. A fractional Protracted Block is created when the protractions for the outer continental shelf are extended into state marine waters and are made fractional by intrusion of uplands.
Marine Protracted Subblock, which is a subdivision of a Marine Protracted Block. A regular Subblock is 1,600 international meters on a side. A fractional Subblock is created when the protractions for the outer continental shelf are extended into state marine waters and are made fractional by intrusion of uplands.
Legal description label name
Legal description name
The date the legal description was created.
The name of the aquatic subdivision.
Subdivision Tract: is a platted parcel of first class tidelands or shorelands in locations where a harbor area was not created. Often these tracts included all tidelands or shorelands fronting upon an entire government lot or fronting upon any existing upland parcel and these aquatic tracts were not further subdivided into lots.
The block number or name. A block is the platted portion of a subdivision surrounded by streets and avenues and plat boundaries. A block is usually subdivided into lots.
The lot number or name. There are two types of lots. (1) A plot of land, not surrounded by streets, which is the principle and only subdividing unit of an aquatic plat. (2) One of several other contiguous parcels of land making up a Block.
Aquatic Parcel Description: an explanation about the applicable designation code, authority, state law, or commissioner's order. There may be additional warnings about errors in the original data or in the record that require further research before making a final determination of ownership or management responsibilities.
Document type code
Title Abstract Map
Transaction Exhibit
Tract Book
Map
Aquatic Index Plate
Orthophoto
Topographic Map
Aquatic Plat
Aerial Photo
Survey Field Notes
Geographic Information System Database
Deed
Survey Map
Tabular Database
Index
Survey Record
Letter
Memo
Instrument
Note
Nautical Chart
DNR Business Order
DNR Resolution
Meeting Minutes
Water Right
Court Document
Legal Notice
SEPA Report, State Environmental Protection Act
Timber Cruise
Auction Bid
Title Abstract Report
Register
Application
Claim
Certificate
Permit
HCP, Habitat Conservation Plan
EIS, Environmental Impact Statement
NEPA Report, National Environmental Protection Act
FCC License, Federal Communication Commission
Property Appraisal
Title Insurance
DNR Commissioner's Order. A decision or order of the Commissioner of Public Lands.
DNR Proposal to Board of Natural Resources
State Constitution Article
RCW, Revised Code of Washington
WAC, Washington Administrative Code
Harbor Line Commission Resolution. The Board of Natural Resources also convenes as the Harbor Line Commission. The commission establishes, relocates or re-establishes harbor lines in the state's navigable waters to define boundaries reserved for commerce and navigation. Section 1 of Article XV of the State Constitution: HARBOR LINE COMMISSION AND RESTRAINT ON DISPOSITION. The legislature shall provide for the appointment of a commission whose duty it shall be to locate and establish harbor lines in the navigable waters of all harbors, estuaries, bays and inlets of this state, wherever such navigable waters lie within or in front of the corporate limits of any city, or within one mile thereof on either side. Any harbor line so located or established may thereafter be changed, relocated or reestablished by the commission pursuant to such provision as may be made therefor by the legislature. The state shall never give, sell or lease to any private person, corporation, or association any rights whatever in the waters beyond such harbor lines, nor shall any of the area lying between any harbor line and the line of ordinary high water, and within not less than fifty feet nor more than two thousand feet of such harbor line (as the commission shall determine) be sold or granted by the state, nor its rights to control the same relinquished, but such area shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce. RCW 79.90.070: The board of natural resources shall constitute the commission provided for in section 1 of Article XV of the state Constitution to locate and establish outer harbor lines beyond which the state shall never sell or lease any rights whatever to private persons, and to locate and establish the inner harbor line, thereby defining the width of the harbor area between such harbor lines. The harbor area shall be forever reserved for landings, wharves, streets, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce.
State Agency Order
Federal Code
Local Code
State Law
Bush Act. The Bush Act was passed in 1895. The act provided that anyone who had been entitled to purchase oyster lands under an 1890 law authorizing tideland sales now had a six-month preference right to purchase up to 100 acres of oyster lands for $1.25 per acre. Thus, in order to qualify, the applicant must have planted oysters on an area of second- or third-class tidelands not containing natural oysters prior to March 26, 1890. However, the act also provided that anyone desiring to plant new oysters in areas barren of natural oysters could purchase third class tidelands for oyster growing, as long as their application did not conflict with someone's preference right as described above. The Bush Act contained a defeasance clause with two provisions. The first provision stated that if any oyster tract purchased under the act became unfit or valueless for oyster planting, the owner could file a certificate of abandonment with the Commissioner of Public Lands. Such a party could then make additional purchases under the act. The second provision stated that if the purchaser used the oyster tract for any purpose other than oyster cultivation, then any citizen could apply to the Commissioner of Public Lands to have the sale cancelled. The land would then revert to the state and be subject to sale under the act. Both the Bush and Callow Acts relied on a definition of "oyster land" as all natural beds of oysters and lands suitable for the cultivation of oysters. Note that the definition does not distinguish tidelands from bedlands. Both the Bush Act and the Callow Act were repealed in 1935. (from Aquatic Resource Management Reference Manual)
Callow Act. The Callow Act was also passed in 1895. This act allowed people who had, previous to March of 1890, planted oysters on second- or third-class tidelands designated as "reserved oyster beds" (for example, beds containing naturally set oysters) to purchase up to 40 acres of those beds per person. The Callow Act required that deeds issued pursuant to it provide that title revert to the state "if at any time after granting of said deed the land described therein shall cease to be used for the purposes of an artificial oyster bed." The state specifically reserved the right to: (a) enter upon and take possession of said tracts "if the same is used for any purpose other than the cultivation of oysters," or (b) enter upon and take possession of any tidelands sold under this act, at any time it desires, upon paying to the then owner or occupant the original purchase price of the lands, together with the value of any improvements erected thereon in connection with the cultivation of oysters. Both the Bush and Callow Acts relied on a definition of "oyster land" as all natural beds of oysters and lands suitable for the cultivation of oysters. Note that the definition does not distinguish tidelands from bedlands. Both the Bush Act and the Callow Act were repealed in 1935. (from Aquatic Resource Management Reference Manual)
Board of Natural Resources Resolution. The Board of Natural Resources was formed when the Washington Department of Natural Resources was created in 1957 (RCW 43.30.020.060). The board is responsible for establishing policies to guide land and resource management. In doing so, they request and evaluate recommendations, approve/disapprove timber and mineral sales from trust lands, and establish sustainable harvest levels. The board also approves/disapproves the sale or exchange of trust lands according to the laws governing the trusts. By statute, the members are: The Commissioner of Public Lands, The Governor, The Superintendent of Public Instruction, A county commissioner from a county with Forest Board trust land, The Dean of the University of Washington College of Forest Resources, The Dean of the Washington State University College of Agriculture and Home Economics.
Port Management Agreement. A formal, written agreement between a Port District and the department, which may authorize a port district to manage some or all of those aquatic lands within the port district meeting the criteria. See WAC 332-30-114 for Management agreements with port districts and see Title 53 RCW for powers and duties of a Port District.
Unknown
Document sign date
Application Number
Agreement type code
Land Sale
Mineral Rights Retained
Escheated to the State
Forest Practices Sensitive Area
Archaeological/Historical Site
Special DNR Land Acquisition
Grazing Lease
Permit Range
Agricultural Lease or Grain Growing Storage Lease
Aquatic Land Lease
Unauthorized Aquatic Use and Occupancy or Aquatic Trespass
Harbor Area Lease
Aquatic Mooring, Buoy, and Right of Entry
1st Class Aquatic Land Sale
2nd Class Aquatic Land Sale
Timber Sale
Aquatic Material Sale
Upland Material Sale
Minor Forest Product Lease
Commercial Lease
Milwaukee Railroad
Right of Way - State Upland
Right of Way - Public Aquatic Land
Electronic Communication Site
Right of Way - Water System
Right of Way - Private Land
Aquatic Land Aquisition
Conservation Easement & Riparian Zone
IAC Recreation Sites
Special Use Lease
Upland Use/Occupancy
Oil and Gas Lease
Mining Contract
Mineral Prospecting Lease
Surface Mining Permit
Surface Mining Historical
Aquatic Valuation
Water Record
Assessments
Condemnation Land
Trespass
Land Exchange
Urban Tract
Miscellaneous Billing
Research Permanent Plots
Genetic Selected Trees
Management Agreement
DFW Endangered/Threatened Animal Species
Department of Health - Water Intakes
Plant Species or Natural Area
Cutting Line Agreement
Closed
Unauthorized Product Removal
Land Trespass
Aquatic Trespass
Not Applicable
Unknown
Waterway Vacation
Agreement Number
Recording agent system ID. See agent table.
Recording agent type code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Recording agent name
Recording agent designation code
Recording Number
Recording volume number
Recording page number
Grantor agent system ID. See Agent table.
Grantor agent type code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Grantor agent name
Grantor agent designation code
Grantee agent system ID. See Agent table.
Grantee agent type code
Nation
Tribe
State
County
City
Federal Agency
Tribal Agency
State Agency
County Agency
City Agency
Public College or University
Port District
Other Local Government
Private
Grantee agent name
Grantee agent designation code
Feature geometry.
ESRI
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