Forest Service Cashes Out At The Top

Okay so it might be a bit of a stretch, but it is rather "convenient" that they're shedding this excess housing now, after a record five-year run up in housing values, wouldn't you say?

DARRINGTON -- The U.S. Forest Service plans to sell 10 houses built about 50 years ago for employees near the Darrington Ranger Station.

Everett White, acting district ranger, said shrinking budgets have made the homes less affordable for the Forest Service.

"As the Forest Service has downsized in the last 10 or 15 years, we've just got a lot of excess buildings that are a drain on our budget for maintenance," White said.

Given the location I have a hard time imagining that they're going to make all that much money from the sales, but then again maybe some crazy Seattleite would be willing to make the short 75 mile commute. I've heard of worse. In any case, I think they're likely to make more now than they would have five years ago or than they would five years from now. More power to them.

(Associated Press, 08.25.2005)