(1) The owner of a registered natural area, whether a private individual or an organization, may voluntarily agree to dedicate the area as a natural area by executing with the state an instrument of dedication in a form approved by the council. The instrument of dedication shall be effective upon its recording in the real property records of the appropriate county or counties in which the natural area is located. The county assessor in computing assessed valuation shall take into consideration any reductions in property values and/or highest and best use which result from natural area dedication.

(2) A public agency owning or managing a registered natural area preserve may dedicate lands under the provisions of this chapter.

(3) The department shall adopt rules as authorized by RCW 43.12.065 and 79.70.030(1) relating to voluntary natural area dedication and defining:

(a) The types of real property interests that may be transferred;

(b) Real property transfer methods and the types of consideration of payment possible;

(c) Additional dedication provisions, such as natural area management, custody, use, and rights and privileges retained by the owner; and

(d) Procedures for terminating dedication arrangements.

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