Jefferson County is currently accepting applications to protect important open space lands through the county’s Conservation Futures Program.

Citizens, landowners and citizen groups as well as local government agencies, special purpose districts and nonprofit corporations within Jefferson County may apply for funds in partnership, as applicable, with a local sponsoring organization based in Jefferson County.

Open space lands serve many functions, including protecting wildlife habitat and corridors; conserving cultural resources; maintaining natural floodwater control; protecting water quality, water supply and soils; enhancing or protecting scenic views; providing opportunities for education and passive recreation; and perpetuating the benefits of balanced and productive natural systems.

In the 2018 funding cycle, approximately $275,000 is available for new projects. Of this amount, as much as $35,947 is available to reimburse operations and maintenance expenses for any property acquired with Conservation Futures funding.

A minimum matching amount of 50 percent of the total project cost is required of a project sponsor. Sources of matching funds must be non-county funds such as private contributions, state and/or federal grants, and/or the value of other open space lands linked to the project.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 30. For an application and more information, contact Tami Pokorny at 360-379-4498 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us.

2017 PROJECTS

Last year, county commissioners approved the use of the Conservation Futures fund for the completion of three projects: the acquisition of conservation easements to maintain open space and agricultural values on the 45-acre Serendipity Farm in the Little Quilcene River watershed and the 53-acre Iglitzin Farm in the Tarboo Creek watershed; the third project acquired and protects 2.5-acres of forested and riparian land along lower Snow Creek to benefit fish and wildlife.

The annual project application process is overseen by the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee. Each spring, this committee evaluates project applications for their public benefit and makes recommendations to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, which, after a public hearing, decides which projects merit funding.

Meetings of the committee are open to the public.

The Conservation Futures Program and its fund are governed by Section 3.08 of the Jefferson County Code. The program was created in 2002 to help ensure that the county retains adequate wildlife habitat, working farms and forests, scenic areas, and culturally and historically significant open space lands in the county – all for the health, benefit and welfare of citizens. The fund is generated by the county’s smallest property tax levy.

Presentations about the program and past projects are available throughout the year by making a request to Jefferson County Public Health’s Environmental Health Department.