HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Resolution re Amending Conservation Futures fundsConsent Agenda
615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
O`www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org
Public HeePcuA
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator
FROM: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager, Environmental Public Health
Tami Pokorny,Natural Resources Program Coordinator
DATE: A4!%{rat 9, 2-0 2(IP
SUBJECT: Amendment to Resolution No. 83-1215-25R: In the Matter of Establishing
a Conservation Futures Fund Program Application Period, Setting an
Estimated Amount of Conservation Futures Fund Available, and
Approving Program Materials for Use in the 2026 Conservation Futures
Fund Cycle for the purpose of correcting estimates of funds available in
2026.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Health requests BoCC approval of an amendment to Resolution No. 83-1215-25R for the
purpose of correcting estimates of funds available to Conservation Futures Fund projects in
2026.
ANALYSIS:
On December 15, 2025, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners approved
Resolution No. 83-1215-25R, in the matter of setting an estimated amount of Conservation
Futures Fund available. The resolution estimates $254,000 in total funds available for new
projects in 2026 and states that, of this amount, $38,000 is available to operations and
maintenance activities. In January of 2026, Health conducted a budget reconciliation that
identified an increased amount of available funds. A resolution amendment is necessary to reflect
the actual amount of funding available to projects in 2026: $420,000 in total,with up to $42,817
of this available for operations and maintenance activities(15%of revenue collected in 2025).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Conservation Futures program is funded by the Conservation Futures Fund tax levy; There
is no impact to the County's General Fund.
Community Health Environmental Health
Developmental Disabilities Water Quality
360-385-9400 360-385-9444
360-385-9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community f) 360-379-4487
RECOMMENDATION:
JCPH Management recommends BoCC signature on an amendment to Resolution No. 83-1215-
25R to correct estimates of funds available to Conservation Futures Fund projects in 2026.
REVIEWED BY
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator
Community Health
Developmental Disabilities
360-385-9400
Date
360-385-9401 (fl Always working for a safer and healthier community
Environmental Health
Water Quality
360-385-9444
(I)360-379-4487
3/6/26
STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
Amending Resolution No.83-1215-25R: In the
Matter of Establishing a Conservation RESOLUTION NO.
Futures Fund Program Application Period,
Setting an Estimated Amount of Conservation
Futures Fund Available, and Approving
Program Materials for Use in the 2026
Conservation Futures Fund Cycle
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2025, the Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners approved Resolution No. 83-1215-25R, which estimates the total funds available
to Conservation Futures Fund projects in 2026 at $254,000 of which up to $38,000 may be used
to reimburse operations and maintenance activities; and
WHEREAS, in January of 2026, a budget reconciliation determined that these estimates
were too low. The new estimate of total funds available to Conservation Futures projects in 2026
is $420,000; and
WHEREAS, the portion of this amount available to operations and maintenance activities
as authorized by JCC 3.08.030(7) is recalculated to be $42,817.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of County
Commissioners hereby adopts the above "Whereas" clauses as Findings of Fact.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to amend Resolution No. 83-1215-25R to
revise the estimate of Conservation Futures funds available to new projects in 2026 and to revise
the estimate for the portion of this amount which may be used to reimburse operations and
maintenance activities.
In 2026, the estimate of funds available for new acquisitions shall be $420,000, with up to
42,817.15 available for operations and maintenance.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this
resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be
affected.
Section 4. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This resolution is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-1 1-800(19).
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon
approval and adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.
ADOPTED and APPROVED this day of 2026.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair, District 3
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member, District l
Heidi Eisenhour, Member, District 2
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board
Philip C. Hunsucker, Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
2 of 2
Approved by Resolution 83-1215-25R on 15 December 2025
Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund Program Manual
2026 Funding Cycle
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Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund Program Manual
2026 Funding Cycle
Mission of the Conservation Futures Fund Program
The mission of the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund program is to provide a system of public open
spaces, those open spaces being necessary for the health, welfare, benefit and safety of the residents of Jefferson
County and the maintenance of Jefferson County as a desirable place to live, visit and locate businesses.
Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) Membership (as of November 2025)
Tom Backman: Citizen, District 3
Carol Bernthal: Citizen, District 1
Laurie de Koch: Citizen, District 3
Tom Ehrlichman: Citizen, District 2
Rob Harbour: Interest – Working Lands
Cheryl Lowe: Interest – Habitat Values
Ryan McMackin: Interest – Wetlands
Joanne Pontrello: Citizen, District 2
Ron Rempel: Interest – Wildlife Conservation Biology
Robert Simmons: Interest – Watersheds
David Wilkinson: Citizen, District 1
Vacant: Interest
Vacant: Interest
Table of Contents
Overview……………………………………………………………………….…………......3
Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC)…….…………..…….4
Project Selection………………………….…………….…………………………………......4
Preapplication…………………………………………………………………………………5
Information Sources………………………………….………………………………….…....5
Reimbursement ………………………………………………………………………….…...5
Compliance with All Laws……………………………………………………………….......6
Record Retention/Public Records and Meetings Acts……………………………………….6
Acquisition Projects……………………………………………………………………….....6
Combination Acquisition/O&M Projects…………………………………………………….9
Operation and Maintenance (O&M)………..…………………………………….…….…….9
Required Site Visit……………………..……………………………………………………11
Required Meetings…………………….…...………………………………………………..12
Annual Reports…………………………………………………….………………………...12
Additional Reporting……………………………………………………………...…………12
Project Changes……………………………………………………………………………...12
Program Suggestions…………………..………………………………………………….....13
Project Agreement Template…………………..………………………….……APPENDIX A
Map of Approved Projects…………….………………………………………..APPENDIX B
Annual Report Form Template…………………………………………………APPENDIX C
Definitions………………………………………………………………………APPENDIX D
Draft 2026 Program Calendar …...………………………………………..…….APPENDIX E
Jefferson County Code Criteria Crosswalk……………………………………..APPENDIX F
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1. Overview
Jefferson County welcomes your application to the Conservation Futures Fund Program (CFF Program). Please
do not hesitate to contact the program coordinator at Jefferson County Public Health with questions at Ph: 360-
385-9444 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us. The Conservation Futures Fund Program website address is
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program.
In July 2002, the county commissioners approved the Conservation Futures Ordinance, Jefferson County Code
Section 3.08, in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 84.34. The ordinance
establishes goals for the county’s Conservation Futures Fund Program and an allocation process for the
conservation futures tax levy.
The purpose of the CFF Program is to acquire open space lands, including green spaces, greenbelts, fish and
wildlife habitat, trail rights-of-ways, agricultural land and forest land (as those terms are defined in Ch. 84.34
RCW). Projects may include fee-simple acquisition or acquisition of any lesser interest or development right with
respect to real property as well as operation and maintenance (O & M) activities. O & M projects must be linked
to a past, or proposed, CFF-funded acquisition.
A minimum 50% match is required for all project types. Match must be in the form of cash, land trades, the value
of land to be traded, or other open spaces linked to the property under application. Lands valued primarily for
their open space, wildlife habitat, agriculture and forest values and their associated non-monetized ecosystem
service values are all eligible. The project sponsor must sign a grant agreement with the county (see Appendix
A). County code (JCC 03.08.030(10)) requires that property titles or easements be held by public entities or others
as defined in RCW 84.34.210. Government entities may choose to share title of a property with a non-profit
nature conservancy corporation or association. Public open spaces must be available on the same conditions to all
residents of the county for the benefit of Jefferson County residents and visitors. Applicants for projects may
include the County, municipalities, park districts, state or federal agencies, private non-profit corporations or
associations, and private individuals.
Project applicants must be represented by a local sponsoring organization based in Jefferson County. Potential
sponsors include local governments, special purpose districts and non-profit corporations. A list of potential
sponsors is available by contacting program staff. A project sponsor is responsible for the content and submission
of the application, organizing and hosting a site visit, making a project presentation to the CFFCOC, the
stewardship plan and its implementation, and all County contracting, reporting, and reimbursement requirements.
Available funding is announced early in the calendar year and applications are provided by Jefferson County
Public Health. Conservation Futures Fund monies can be the collateral, revenue stream or security for long-term
financing (typically bonds) in a manner consistent with law. Public workshop(s) may be held prior to the start of
the funding round and are available by request throughout the year. The program coordinator is always available
to answer questions from sponsors, applicants, and interested parties.
For each funding cycle, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reviews and adopts the Conservation
Futures Fund Program Application, Score Sheet and Manual. Appendix F of this Manual displays a crosswalk that
illustrates possible connections between JCC Conservation Futures Program Criteria and questions in the
Application and Score Sheet. It also displays the maximum scores by question and JCC Criteria.
This funding cycle, applications will be due March 20, 2026 and sponsors host site visits and present projects to
the CFFCOC in mid-March. Information about the application period is posted on the program website,
announced in local newspapers and via email, and available by contacting the program coordinator. In April, the
CFFCOC meets to rank projects, determine recommended funding levels, and compose its overall
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recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The BoCC typically makes award determinations in
July. Approved project funds are not generally available to project sponsors until August or later. At least every
other year, the BoCC reviews the priorities of the CFF Program and the project ranking process. All meetings of
the CFFCOC are open to the public. Citizens are encouraged to attend.
2. Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee
Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) membership is intended to reflect a broad
spectrum of interests and expertise. It includes at least two individuals from each commissioner district and at
least nine citizens in total. Anyone interested in applying for a seat on the committee is encouraged to contact the
Board of County Commissioners Office (jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us) and/or the program coordinator at Public
Health.
3. Project Selection
The CFFCOC scores and ranks project applications according to criteria designed to reflect the priorities
expressed in the Jefferson County Code Section 03.08.040. This evaluation process has five (5) distinct phases as
follows:
1. Final written project application: Each CFFCOC member independently reads and assesses each
application and prepares any necessary clarification questions.
2. Site visits: Each member must attend the project site visits (or view a video of the site visit).
Questions may be posed by committee members and answered during this site visit or they may be
held until the project presentations meeting.
3. Oral presentation of the project: Each sponsor and CFFCOC member attend this meeting during
which the project sponsor(s) present their project(s) and answer questions posed by the committee
members. Following the oral presentations, a deadline will be established for CFFCOC members to
submit additional questions to applicants (via county staff). After this set deadline for additional
questions, a second deadline will be established for the receipt of all answers from applicants. After
this second deadline, no further additional information may be requested, received or considered by
the committee.
4. Submission of project score sheets: Each CFFCOC member submits to the program coordinator a
Score Sheet for each project consisting of questions that ask how well, in the committee member’s
judgement, an applicant meets the criteria for approval and funding. The committee member assigns a
numerical “score” (within a range predetermined by the CFFCOC) for each of the questions which is
weighted by a predetermined multiplier. Individual scores for each project are compiled by the
program coordinator. Compiled scores are emailed to CFFCOC members as soon as possible ahead of
the meeting to rank projects.
5. During the meeting to rank projects, CFFCOC members have an opportunity to ask questions of each
other about scoring choices and interpretations of specific questions and may adjust their scores as
desired. Afterwards, a committee composite score for each project application is obtained by taking
the average of the individualscores. If a project application’s composite score is 70% of the total
possible numerical value for a project score or greater, the project is considered automatically eligible
for funding. Projects scoring below 70% of the total possible numerical value for a project score are
not considered for funding unless compelling reasons for funding arise in the final evaluation phase.
6. Ranking and recommendation for funding of project applications: Each project application judged
eligible in phase #5 is discussed, bringing into focus information garnered from phases 1 through 5
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and in light of current funds available to the cycle. All project applications are compared and a final
ranking and funding recommendation is determined for each of the project applications and submitted
to the Board of County Commissioners in a memo from the CFFCOC chair or vice chair. The
CFFCOC must provide detailed justification to the Commissioners for any and all changes from the
numerical ranked order.
4. Preapplication
Applicants are required to submit their draft application (Preapplication) by the preapplication deadline. Doing so
allows the CFFCOC to ask more informed questions at the site visit. The applicant is free to revise the application
up until the final application deadline.
5. Information Sources
The CFF Program is administered by the BoCC with assistance from Public Health. Please note that the
information contained in this manual does not supersede the statutes governing the Jefferson County Conservation
Futures Fund and Program, and should be read in conjunction with them.
Relevant sections of law are found in Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 84.34 (RCW 84.34) and the
Jefferson County Code (JCC 03.08).
To access RCW 84.34 online, visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw.The Jefferson County Code is available online at
http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty.
Contact the program coordinator at ph: 360-385-9444 or email tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us.
6. Reimbursement
All grants are funded by the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund tax levy. After a public hearing is held,
one or more project award resolutions may be passed by the Board of County Commissioners, usually in June or
July. Project agreement(s) (Appendix A) between the County and the project sponsor are then developed to
include the full scope of work as described in the original or updated application. A final draft grant deed of
conservation easement or fee simple deed shall serve as an attachment to the agreement along with the project
application and that year’s program manual.
Except in the case of escrow payments, sponsors must expend their own funds on eligible and allowable
expenditures prior to requesting reimbursement. With sufficient lead time, an approved settlement statement, the
qualifying property appraisal, and the required documentation of the matching contribution, CFF funds may be
made available to the title company shortly before closing for direct costs of property acquisition. Please discuss
dates for closings with the program coordinator to help ensure that grant funds are ready and available when
needed. Normally, at least thirty days are needed between the request for funding and delivery of a reimbursement
check.
The project sponsor will commit to providing a matching contribution consistent with the project application, and
no less than the amount of Conservation Futures funds awarded to the project, before Conservation Futures tax
funds are reimbursed to that sponsor. This contribution may consist of:
cash;
land trades if the valuation of the land to be traded is established by a valuation arising from an appraisal
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generated by a Washington State Certified Licensed Appraiser (Member of the Appraisal Institute MAI);
the cash value of the land to be traded, excluding Jefferson County conservation futures contributions; or
other open spaces acquired within the previous two years that are situated either directly adjacent to or
could, in the sole discretion of the county, be directly linked to the property under application.
cost of appraisal, title insurance, closing costs, and other miscellaneous fees (See JCC 3.08.030(5).)
Deeds and conservation easement documents must be recorded by the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office within
30 days of closing.
If matching funds are not secured within three years, the project may be required to re-apply.
Language pre-approved by Jefferson County is required to be included in conservation easement documents and
deeds in order to ensure adequate protections for project and match properties, and the public interest, in
perpetuity. See Appendix A, Section 5 for required language.
7. Compliance with All Laws
Project sponsors shall comply fully with the project agreement, grant program policies, County policies and all
applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, regulations and permits.
8. Record Retention/Public Records and Meetings Acts
The project sponsor shall retain all books, records, documents, data and other materials relevant to the agreement
for a minimum of ten (10) years after the completion of the project. Documents related to the expenditure of CFF
funds, such as purchase and sale agreements, settlement documents, invoices, e-mails, expert reports and/or
appraisals, are Public Records subject to disclosure in accordance with the Public Records Act, Ch. 42.56 RCW,
if requested by a citizen or entity. All meetings, site visit imagery, and activities of the CFFCOC are subject to the
Open Public Meetings Act, Ch. 42.30 RCW and Public Records Act, Ch. 42.56 RCW. The public is always
invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the CFFCOC and CFF-related BoCC sessions. At least two observer
comment periods are included in each agenda.
9. Acquisition Projects
Project applications for the acquisition of property must meet the following threshold criteria in order to be
considered for funding. Each application will receive an initial screening to make sure that it is in compliance.
Applicants are encouraged to submit pertinent materials and documents, as appropriate, in addition to those items
required. Multi-year acquisition projects are permitted but require additional justification.
Project Eligibility
Proposed acquisitions must have a willing seller.
The property, or property right, must be eligible for purchase as defined by state law, RCW
84. 34.210 (i.e. “…protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of, or
otherwise conserve, selected open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timber
land…”).
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Conservation Futures funds cannot be used to acquire property, or a property right, that will
be used for active recreation purposes (including but not limited to sports fields, playgrounds,
recreation centers, swimming beaches or pools, motorized boat launches).
Conservation Futures funds cannot be used for passive development of a site. For the
purposes of this application, passive improvements include, but are not limited to, trails,
interpretive centers, viewpoints, picnic areas, access, restrooms, landscaping and parking.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants include the County, municipalities, Park Districts, State or federal agencies,
private non-profit corporations or associations, and private individuals.
Sponsor Eligibility
All applicants must have a local sponsor. Eligible sponsors include the County, municipalities, park
districts, or private non-profit corporations based in Jefferson County. A current, but not necessarily
comprehensive, list of eligible local sponsors may be requested from program staff.
Eligible Capital Project Expenditures: (See also JCC 3.080.030(7))
Capital project expenditures or match may include:
Costs of acquiring real property, including interests in real property
Cost of related relocation of eligible occupants (includes administration)
Cost of appraisal
Cost of appraisal review
Cost of title insurance
Closing costs
Pro rata real estate taxes
Recording fees
Compensating tax
Hazardous waste substances reports
Directly related staff and administrative costs, including development of the Stewardship Plan
These are limited to 5% of the total cost of the project.)
Related legal costs excluding the cost of preparing an application for Conservation Futures funds
Baseline documentation
Boundary surveys
Cultural resources review (survey, excavation, on-site monitoring and data recovery)
Conservation Futures tax levy funds may not be used to acquire any real property or interest in real
property therein through the exercise of the power of eminent domain.
Stewardship Plan
Prior to reimbursement, sponsors must provide a draft Stewardship Plan that describes how the
property, or property right, will be maintained over time. Costs for Stewardship Plans are eligible for
operations and maintenance reimbursement as “Special Reports,” or as acquisition-related
reimbursement under “directly related staff and administrative costs” (limited to 5% of the total cost
of the project).
Title Report and Title Insurance
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Please make county staff aware of issues that could affect the title report and provide updates as they
are generated. A title report and title insurance are to be issued in conjunction with the property
transaction.
Appraisals
Successful applicants must provide an independent appraisal (standard, narrative or M.A.I.) from a
Washington State Certified Licensed Appraiser if the estimate of value exceeds the assessed value at
the time that reimbursement is requested. In no case shall CFF funds dispersed exceed the grant
amount awarded by the BoCC. No appraisal is required for properties assessed at $20,000 or less.
The appraisal must:
be no more than 1 year old. A Supplemental Update by the original appraiser may be
required, at the discretion of the county, if the appraisal is more than six months old.
include a current Title Report provided at the time of the most current appraisal or
update.
if timber, mineral or aquatic resources are to be included as value to the appraisal, then
the appraisal shall include a separate timber, mineral or aquatic resources evaluation of
value,
or
an opinion of value from a qualified representative of the real estate industry or recent
valuation from the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office may be used when the total
assessed value does not exceed $20,000.
Review Appraisals
No appraisal review is required of the sponsor by the CFF program. However, the CFFCOC and/or
the county may choose to select an appraisal for independent review for any reason.
Project Implementation
At the time of purchase or the signing of a “purchase and sale agreement”, the appraisal must be no
more than one year old unless an extended period is requested and approved by the county, up to a
total of 18 months.
Application and Attachment Requirements for Acquisition Projects
All materials must be submitted electronically as one or more PDF files to
tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us:
Proof of Willing Seller: A “Willing Seller” letter confirming that the current owner of the
property proposed for acquisition is willing to sell.
Estimate of Value: A county assessment, certified appraisal of value, and/or an estimate
of value from the project sponsor.
Site Location Map: On a Jefferson County base map, or on a map of the sponsoring
agency’s jurisdictional boundaries, clearly identify the location of the proposed
acquisition.
Critical Areas Map: On a quarter section map(s) or other map(s) of sufficiently large
scale, identify the location/boundaries of any and all designated Critical Areas on the
proposed acquisition
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Project Boundary Map: On a quarter-section map or other map of sufficiently large scale,
identify the boundaries of the proposed project.
Color Images: Provide six (6) different views of the property proposed for acquisition.
The images should show vegetation, terrain, waterfront, man-made features, access roads,
wetlands, unique characteristics, etc. Please include captions and an aerial view, if
available.
Development Plan or Narrative: Provide a schematic or master plan map of the project
site showing proposed uses and improvements, if applicable.
In addition, if the application sponsor is a private non-profit organization, attachments
must also include:
Proof of 501(c)(3) Status
Current Budget
Board Roster
Organization Chart or Staff Roster
Most Recent Financial Statements (audited if possible)
Copy of minutes or resolution documenting official action to submit application for
proposed acquisition. If more than one project is submitted from the same sponsor, the
minutes or resolution should indicate the project priority and how it was determined.
10. Combination Acquisition/O & M Projects
Projects that involve acquisition and O & M expenses are allowed and require that complete application
information be submitted for both the acquisition and the O & M elements of the project. This requirement
extends to projects that propose to use O & M expenses as match. Using O & M expenses as match will delay
reimbursement for acquisition costs if match cannot be satisfied otherwise.
11. Operations and Maintenance Projects (combination and standalone)
Statement of Priority with regard to standalone O & M projects
Due to the urgent need to protect farm, forest, habitat, and other open space lands, the current priority
of the Conservation Futures Fund program is to fund high quality acquisition projects. Operations and
Maintenance funding for previously-completed acquisition projects may also be approved, when
funding is available.
Availability of Funds for O & M
Only projects that are acquired using Conservation Futures funds are eligible for O & M funding.
Requests for O & M funding should not exceed the available O & M award limit (consult with
program staff). Approved disbursements for operation and maintenance of interests in real property
purchased with Conservation Futures tax levy monies shall not in any particular year be greater than
fifteen percent (15%) of the Conservation Futures tax levy monies raised in the preceding year (JCC
3.08.030(7)).
Limitations on O & M
Operations and Maintenance funding may only be used for property or property rights to be acquired,
or previously acquired, with Conservation Futures funds. Conservation Futures tax levy funds
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appropriated for O & M shall not supplant or replace any existing funding for maintenance and
operation of parks and recreational lands.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants for O & M funds include the County, municipalities, Park Districts, State or
federal agencies, private non-profit corporations or associations, and private individuals.
Sponsor Eligibility
All O & M funds applicants must have a local sponsor. Eligible sponsors include the County,
municipalities, Park Districts, or private non-profit corporations based in Jefferson County.
Eligible Operations & Maintenance Expenditures – with acquisition request or standalone for past
projects – Total O & M awards are limited to 15% of the revenue to the Conservation Futures Fund in the previous year.
Operations & Maintenance expenditures or match may include, but are not limited to:
Cultural resources review (survey, excavation, on-site monitoring and data recovery)
Demolition
Fencing (if needed for public safety or resource protection)
Noxious weed control
Signage
Special site-specific reports (e.g. Stewardship Plans or reports)
Wetland identification and/or delineation
Requirements for O & M Funds Application
All requested materials must accompany the application upon submission. If an item is irrelevant to
the project at hand, please explain why this is so.
Narrative description of how the requested funds will support specific O & M activities;
what problems or stewardship needs will be addressed by the use of O & M funds; how
the proposed O & M activities will help implement the current Stewardship Plan for the
site; probable phasing of O & M activities; and other information that will help describe
the need for and scope of the O & M project.
Simple budget describing how requested O & M funds will be used and the source of
matching funds.
Site Location Map: On a Jefferson County base map, or on a map of the sponsoring
agency’s jurisdictional boundaries, clearly identify the location of the proposed O & M
activities.
Project Boundary Map: On a Quarter-section map or other map of sufficiently large scale,
identify the boundaries of the proposed O & M project.
Color Images: Provide images of portions of the property proposed for O & M activities.
Please include captions, if available.
Plan, map, or aerial photo of the project site showing proposed areas of maintenance or
improvements, if applicable.
Copy of minutes or resolution documenting official action of project sponsor to submit
application for O & M project funding. If more than one project is submitted from the
same sponsor, the minutes or resolution should indicate the project priority and how it
was determined.
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Documentation of Match
A match contribution that equals the percentage of the project promised in the O & M project
application (no less than 50%) must be documented with each invoice. Match guidelines are identical
for acquisition and O & M proposals. In-kind labor cannot be used as match. An expenditure
summary that provides the following information must accompany requests for reimbursement:
1) Date the payment was made, with legible receipts.
2) The vendor and/or employee to whom the payment was made.
3) A description of what was purchased or what work and/or services were performed; provide a
description of what service or work was performed for the payroll costs or by the sub-
contractor.
4) Detailed staff timesheets
Invoicing
Invoices must include all standard invoice elements and be accompanied at the time of submission by
clear backup, with key amounts circled, as well as a table showing how the funding has been spent
and matched. Since O & M invoicing can extend over a ten-year period, please show a running tally
of expended and available CF award funds. Each invoice must include at least 50% match, unless
match is “banked” in advance with County approval. At the time of the final invoice, the matching
contribution is expected to align with the total anticipated match percentage as shown in the project
agreement.
Annual Reporting
Any project sponsor receiving O & M funds is required to submit a report each year by December 31
until those funds are expended. The reports become public domain and are shared with the CFFCOC.
Application and Attachment Requirements for O&M Projects
To apply for O & M funding for a project previously purchased using CFF Funds, use the standard
application form. In question #1, refer to the original project title and year that the project was
approved followed by “O & M Request Only”. If you feel that a question is irrelevant to the project at
hand, please answer “N/A”.
12. Required Site Visit
Project sponsors are asked to host the CFFCOC on project site visit(s) and, beforehand, to obtain written
permission from the landowner for a County employee to take photographs and make an unrestricted video
recording of the project area. These materials are used to inform any CFFCOC members not in attendance at the
site visit(s) due to health considerations or other needs. The images and videos will be kept on file and
discoverable under the Open Public Records Act. If necessary, due to health and safety or other considerations,
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the project sponsor may arrange for one or two County employees to record the video in the absence of any
CFFCOC members. Site visit presentations should be primarily led by the project sponsor.
13. Required Meetings
The CFFCOC will meet to hear project presentations. The sponsor should attend the meeting in person, if
possible, and make a presentation that begins with an introductory project description and ideally is organized
according to the sequence of scored questions. CFFCOC members are required to participate in both the project
presentation and ranking meetings as well as the site visit (or view the site visit video) in order to be eligible to
vote on funding recommendations.
14. Annual Reports
Sponsors are required to submit an annual report by December 31st every year from the date of award until three
years after the CF funds are disbursed. Sponsors receiving O & M funds will also submit an annual report for each
year that O & M funds are expended. An annual report template is included with this manual and will be provided
to the project sponsor electronically.
15. Additional Reporting
Five years after the final requisite annual report is submitted, sponsors should provide an update on their
stewardship and monitoring of the project. At any point subsequent to this, the CFFCOC or program staff may
also inquire as to project status.
16. Project Changes
Project sponsors are expected to implement funded projects as described in their application to the CFFCOC.
However, occasional changes may be necessary. This section describes the process by which a project sponsor
can initiate a request for a change to a previously-approved or -funded project. A change occurs whenever the
language contained in the application to the Conservation Futures Fund no longer accurately or fully describes the
project.
A proposed project change typically requires that the CFFCOC first develop a recommendation for the BoCC to
consider.
Project change requests shall be submitted as follows:
1. Send a “request for changes”, addressed to the CFFCOC and Board of County Commissioners,
in an email to the program coordinator describing the desired change(s) and need for it/them in
as much detail as possible. Also, characterize the level of urgency for addressing the possible
change. If at all possible, provide this information at least two weeks ahead of the next
scheduled full CFFCOC meeting for possible inclusion on the draft agenda.
2. Reflect the proposed change(s) in a Microsoft Word version of the original Conservation
Futures Fund application, and the County/Sponsor resolution or agreement (as applicable),
using Track Changes. Label new attachments with the current date. Attach the document(s) to
the email described above.
3. When the change request is included on an agenda, the sponsor should make every effort to
attend that meeting in person or by phone/internet.
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4. If the need for change is urgent, the Chair may call a special, ad hoc, meeting. However, such a
meeting requires that a quorum of CFFCOC members is available to approve any
recommendation to the BoCC.
5. The following change requests are considered particularly significant, and always require
CFFCOC review and recommendation to the BoCC:
a. Parcel substitution or removal
b. Increase in funding amount
c. Reduction in percentage match
d. Loss of conservation value
e. Change in funding category (acquisition and/or O & M)
The CFFCOC shall:
1. Review the request for change and ask questions of the project sponsor, as needed.
2. Engage in discussion about the proposed change.
3. Formulate and vote, consistent with the bylaws, on a motion to accomplish one or more of the
following:
a. Draft a statement to recommend the change for approval by the BoCC in its current
form.
b. Ask the project sponsor to revise and resubmit the change request for a future meeting.
c. Reject the change and submit a statement to the BoCC to accompany the request.
Staff shall:
1. Work with the project sponsor and CFFCOC chair to refine or clarify the change request
ahead of its presentation at the next CFFCOC meeting, as needed.
2. Forward the change request and CFFCOC recommendations to the BoCC for final
determination at a regularly scheduled meeting.
3. Work with the CFFCOC, and sub-committee(s) as applicable, to learn from the change and
determine if related updates to program materials are needed.
17. Program Suggestions
Suggestions for program improvements are always welcome and may be provided to the CFFCOC by letter or
email via the program coordinator at the contact information provided herein. Every CFFCOC meeting also
includes at least two public comment periods. Meeting agendas are posted on the program website.
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APPENDIX A
GRANT AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FOR FEE SIMPLE ACQUISITIONS
INFORMATIONAL ONLY)
Please Note: Contact program coordinator to request the template for conservation easements.
JEFFERSON COUNTY CONSERVATION FUTURES PROGRAM
PROJECT GRANT AGREEMENT
Project Sponsor: [SPONSOR (UBI Number: xxx xxx xxx)]
Project Title: [PROJECT]
Contract Number: [xxxxxxx]
Approval: [Resolution No.]
1. Parties to this Agreement
This Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Project Grant Agreement (this Agreement) is entered into
between Jefferson County (County), PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, Washington 98368 and [NAME] (Sponsor),
ADDRESS].
2. Purpose of this Agreement
This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions by which a grant is made through the Jefferson County
Conservation Futures Fund, Chapter 3.08 of the Jefferson County Code (JCC), as approved by Resolution No.
NUMBER].
3. Grant Administration
The grant is administered by Jefferson County Public Health Department on behalf of the project Sponsor.
4. Description of Project
The subject project is described in the Scope of Work (Appendix A).
5. Project Requirements
SPONSOR] shall implement a Conservation Futures Program project to acquire in fee simple title [NUMBER] via
DEED TYPE] deed of the parcels of land known in the records of the Jefferson County Assessor as APN#(s)
NUMBERS] (the Property), and as described in the [YEAR] Conservation Futures Fund project application for
PROJECT NAME] (Exhibit B) and [YEAR] Conservation Futures Fund Program Manual (Exhibit C), and as
authorized by Resolution [NUMBER] (Exhibit D). The [DEED TYPE] deed shall [INSERT PURPOSE], as
described in the project application. Language must be included in the [DEED TYPE] deed to protect the County’s
interests and the Project’s conservation values, including, at a minimum, the following:
Grantee’s costs of acquiring the Property were provided in part by grant funding from the
Jefferson County Conservation Futures property tax authorized by Washington law. Grantee
hereby agrees to be bound by Jefferson County Code (JCC) 3.08.030(9), the uses authorized
under RCW 84.34.230, including the obligation to ensure the long-term conservation of the
Property in accordance with the terms and conditions of the statutory warranty deed, and to
obtain the consent of Jefferson County prior to any conveyance of any interest acquired hereby.
Consistent with JCC 3.08.030(9), the Property shall not be converted to a different use unless
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and only if other equivalent lands or interest in lands within Jefferson County are received by
Grantee in exchange.
6. Period of Performance
The Project reimbursement period for acquisition expenses shall begin on [DATE] and end on [DATE], unless
proof of match is provided prior to this date. Work performed consistent with this Agreement during its term, but
prior to the adoption of this Agreement, is hereby ratified.
7. Annual Reporting Required.
Annual reporting by the Sponsor to the County is required every year on or before December 31st until three years
after the acquisition funds are dispersed and in each year O & M funds are used.
8. Project Funding
The total grant award provided by the Conservation Futures Fund for the Project shall not exceed [AMOUNT
AWARDED]. The Conservation Futures Fund shall not pay any amount beyond that approved in this Agreement
for funding of the Project. The Sponsor shall be responsible for providing matching funds as described in their
Project Application, no less than fifty (50%) percent of the total Project cost and all Project costs in excess of
xxxxxx. The contribution by the Sponsor toward work on the Project shall be as indicated below. The contribution
by the Conservation Futures Fund toward work on the Project is described below.
Acquisition O & M Totals % Match
PROJECT
NAME] –
Conservation
Futures
AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] %[AMOUNT]
Estimated Project
Sponsor
Contribution
AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] %[AMOUNT]
Estimated Total
Project Cost
AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] $[AMOUNT] %[AMOUNT]
9. Unexpended Project Allocations
Should unexpected Project allocations, including (but not limited to) project completion at less than the estimated
cost or (alternatively) the abandonment of the Project occur, then the Sponsor shall notify the County within 30
days.
10. Modification of this Agreement
All rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement are subject to this Agreement and its attachments. Except
as provided in this Agreement, no alteration of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be effective
unless provided in writing. All such alterations, except those concerning the period of performance, must be signed
by both parties. Period of performance extensions need only be signed by Jefferson Board of County
Commissioners.
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11. Indemnification
a. For its comparative liability, each party agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the other party, its
officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers (and their marital communities), harmless from
and against any claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to court costs,
attorney’s fees and alternative dispute resolution costs, for any personal injury, for any bodily
injury, sickness, disease or death and for any damage to or destruction of any property (including
the loss of use resulting therefrom) which are alleged or proven to be caused by an act or omission,
negligent or otherwise, of its officers, officials, employees, agents or volunteers (and their marital
communities).
b. A party shall not be required to indemnify, defend, or hold the other party or its officers, officials,
employees, agents and volunteers (and their marital communities) harmless if the claim, damage,
loss or expense for personal injury, for any bodily injury, sickness, disease or death or for any
damage to or destruction of any property (including the loss of use resulting therefrom) is caused
by the sole act or omission of the other party or its officers, officials, employees, agents or
volunteers.
c. If any concurrent act occurs or omission of the parties and their officers, officials, employees,
agents and volunteers, negligent or otherwise, these indemnity provisions shall be valid and
enforceable only for the comparative liability of each party and its officers, officials, employees,
agents or volunteers.
d. The parties agree to maintain a consolidated defense to claims made against them and to reserve all
indemnity claims against each other until after liability to the claimant and damages are adjudicated.
If any claim is resolved by voluntary settlement and the parties cannot agree upon apportionment
of damages and defense costs, they shall submit apportionment to binding arbitration.
e. The indemnification obligations of the parties shall not be limited by the Washington State
Industrial Insurance Act, Title 51 RCW, or by application of any other workmen’s compensation
act, disability benefit act or other employee benefit act. Each party expressly waives any immunity
afforded by such acts to the extent required by a party’s obligations to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the other party, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers (and their marital
communities). A party’s waiver of immunity does not extend to claims made by its own employees
directly against that party as employer. The indemnity provisions of this section are a material
inducement to enter into this Agreement and have been mutually negotiated. This section shall
survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
12. Insurance
Prior to commencing work, the Contractor shall obtain at its own cost and expense the following insurance
coverage specified below and shall keep such coverage in force during the terms of the Agreement.
a. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance providing bodily injury and property damage
liability coverage for all owned and non-owned vehicles assigned to or used in the performance
of the work for a combined single limit of not less than $500,000 each occurrence with the
County named as an additional insured in connection with the Contractor’s performance of this
Agreement. This insurance shall indicate on the certificate of insurance the following coverage:
a) Owned automobiles; (b) Hired automobiles; and, (3) Non-owned automobiles.
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b. Commercial General Liability Insurance in an amount not less than a single limit of one million
dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and an aggregate of not less than two (2) times the
occurrence amount ($2,000,000.00 minimum) for bodily injury, including death and property
damage, unless a greater amount is specified in the contract specifications. The insurance
coverage shall contain no limitations on the scope of the protection provided and include the
following minimum coverage:
i. Broad Form Property Damage, with no employee exclusion;
ii. Personal Injury Liability, including extended bodily injury;
iii. Broad Form Contractual/Commercial Liability – including coverage for products and
completed operations;
iv. Premises – Operations Liability (M&C);
v. Independent Contractors and subcontractors;
vi. Blanket Contractual Liability.
c. Professional Liability Insurance. The Contractor shall maintain professional liability insurance
against legal liability arising out of activity related to the performance of this Agreement, on a
form acceptable to Jefferson County Risk Management in the amounts of not less than
1,000,000 Each Claim and $2,000,000 Aggregate. The professional liability insurance policy
should be on an “occurrence” form. If the professional liability policy is “claims made,” then an
extended reporting periods coverage (tail coverage) shall be purchased for three (3) years after the
end of this Agreement, at the Contractor’s sole expense. The Contractor agrees the Contractor’s
insurance obligation to provide professional liability insurance shall survive the completion or
termination of this Agreement for a minimum period of three (3) years.
d. The County shall be named as an “additional named insured” under all insurance policies
required by this Agreement, except Professional Liability Insurance when not allowed by the
insurer.
e. Such insurance coverage shall be evidenced by one of the following methods: (a) Certificate of
Insurance; or, (b) Self-insurance through an irrevocable Letter of Credit from a qualified financial
institution.
f. The Contractor shall furnish the County with properly executed certificates of insurance that, at a
minimum, shall include: (a) The limits of coverage; (b) The project name to which it applies; (c)
The certificate holder as Jefferson County, Washington and its elected officials, officers, and
employees with the address of Jefferson County Public Health 615 Sheridan Street, Port
Townsend, WA 98368, and, (d) A statement that the insurance policy shall not be canceled or
allowed to expire except on thirty (30) days prior written notice to the County. If the proof of
insurance or certificate indicating the County is an “additional insured” to a policy obtained by
the Contractor refers to an endorsement (by number or name) but does not provide the full text of
that endorsement, then it shall be the obligation of the Contractor to obtain the full text of that
endorsement and forward that full text to the County. Certificates of coverage as required by this
section shall be delivered to the County within fifteen (15) days of execution of this Agreement.
g. Failure of the Contractor to take out or maintain any required insurance shall not relieve the
Contractor from any liability under the Agreement, nor shall the insurance requirements be
construed to conflict with or otherwise limit the obligations concerning indemnification of the
County.
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h. The Contractor’s insurers shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against the County
including its employees and other agents and agencies), it being the intention of the parties that
the insurance policies, with the exception of Professional Liability Insurance, so affected shall
protect both parties and be primary coverage for all losses covered by the above described
insurance.
i. Insurance companies issuing the policy or policies shall have no recourse against the County
including its employees and other agents and agencies) for payment of any premiums or for
assessments under any form of policy.
j. All deductibles in the above described insurance policies shall be assumed by and be at the sole
risk of the Contractor.
k. Any deductibles or self-insured retention shall be declared to and approved by the County prior to
the approval of this Agreement by the County. At the option of the County, the insurer shall
reduce or eliminate deductibles or self-insured retention, or the Contractor shall procure a bond
guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense
expenses.
l. Insurance companies issuing the Contractor’s insurance policy or policies shall have no recourse
against the County (including its employees and other agents and agencies) for payment of any
premiums or for assessments under any form of insurance policy.
m. Any judgments for which the County may be liable, in excess of insured amounts required by this
Agreement, or any portion thereof, may be withheld from payment due, or to become due, to the
Contractor until the Contractor shall furnish additional security covering such judgment as may
be determined by the County.
n. Any coverage for third party liability claims provided to the County by a “Risk Pool” created
pursuant to Ch. 48.62 RCW shall be non-contributory with respect to any policy of insurance the
Contractor must provide in order to comply with this Agreement.
o. The County may, upon the Contractor’s failure to comply with all provisions of this Agreement
relating to insurance, withhold payment or compensation that would otherwise be due to the
Contractor.
p. The Contractor’s liability insurance provisions shall be primary and noncontributory with respect
to any insurance or self-insurance programs covering the County, its elected and appointed
officers, officials, employees, and agents.
q. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the insurance policies shall not affect coverage
provided to the County, its officers, officials, employees, or agents.
r. The Contractor’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or
suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
s. The Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insured under its insurance policies or shall
furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All insurance provisions
for subcontractors shall be subject to all the requirements stated herein.
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t. The insurance limits mandated for any insurance coverage required by this Agreement are not
intended to be an indication of exposure nor are they limitations on indemnification.
u. The Contractor shall maintain all required insurance policies in force from the time services
commence until services are completed. Certificates, insurance policies, and endorsements
expiring before completion of services shall be promptly replaced. All the insurance policies
required by this Agreement shall provide that thirty (30) days prior to cancellation, suspension,
reduction or material change in the policy, notice of same shall be given to the Jefferson County
Public Health Contracts Manager by registered mail, return receipt requested.
v. The Contractor shall place insurance with insurers licensed to do business in the State of
Washington and having A.M. Best Company ratings of no less than A-, with the exception that
excess and umbrella coverage used to meet the requirements for limits of liability or gaps in
coverage need not be placed with insurers or re-insurers licensed in the State of Washington.
w. The County reserves the right to request additional insurance on an individual basis for extra
hazardous contracts and specific service agreements.
13. Workers Compensation (Industrial Insurance)
a. If and only if the Contractor employs any person(s) in the status of employee or employees
separate from or in addition to any equity owners, sole proprietor, partners, owners or
shareholders of the Contractor, the Contractor shall maintain workers compensation insurance at
its own expense, as required by Title 51 RCW, for the term of this Agreement and shall provide
evidence of coverage to Jefferson County Public Health, upon request.
b. Workers compensation insurance covering all employees with limits meeting all applicable state
and federal laws. This coverage shall include Employer’s Liability with limits meeting all
applicable state and federal laws.
c. This coverage shall extend to any subcontractor that does not have their own worker’s
compensation and employer’s liability insurance.
d. The Contractor expressly waives by mutual negotiation all immunity and limitations on liability,
with respect to the County, under any industrial insurance act, disability benefit act, or other
employee benefit act of any jurisdiction that would otherwise be applicable in the case of such
claim.
e. If the County incurs any costs to enforce the provisions of this subsection, all cost and fees shall
be recoverable from the Contractor.
14. Independent Contractor
The Sponsor is an independent contractor with respect to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement. The
Sponsor is not as an agent, an employee or a servant of the County. Nothing in this Agreement shall be considered
to create the relationship of employer and employee between the parties. The Sponsor specifically has the right to
direct and control Contractor’s own activities and over all of its subcontractors, employees, agents and
representatives in providing the agreed services in accordance with the specifications set out in this Agreement.
Neither Sponsor nor any employee of Sponsor shall be entitled to any benefits accorded County employees by virtue
of the services provided under this Agreement. The County shall not be responsible for withholding or otherwise
deducting federal income tax or social security or for contributing to the state industrial insurance program,
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otherwise assuming the duties of an employer with respect to Sponsor, or any employee of Sponsor. The Sponsor
agrees to file all necessary governmental documents, including appropriate tax returns, reflecting income status as
an independent contractor for services rendered to the County under this Agreement.
15. No Assignment
The Sponsor shall not sublet or assign any of the services covered by this Agreement without the express written
consent of the County or its authorized representative. Assignment does not include printing or other customary
reimbursable expenses that may be provided in an agreement.
16. Ownership and Use of Documents
All documents, drawings, specifications and other materials produced by the Sponsor in connection with the
services rendered under this Agreement shall be the property of the Sponsor whether the project for which they are
made is executed or not. The County shall be permitted to retain copies, including reproducible copies, of drawings
and specifications for information, reference, and use in connection with the Sponsor’s endeavors.
17. Compliance with Applicable Statutes, Rules, and Jefferson County Policies
This Agreement is governed by, and the Sponsor shall comply with, all applicable state and federal laws and
regulations, including RCW 84.34.210, and published agency policies, which are incorporated into this Agreement
by this reference as if fully set forth.
18. No Harassment of Discrimination
Any form of harassment, discrimination, or improper fraternization with any County employee is strictly prohibited.
The Sponsor shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual
orientation, or the presence of any physical or sensory disability in the selection and retention of employees or
procurement of materials or supplies.
19. Sponsor’s Accounting Books and Records
The Sponsor shall maintain complete financial records relating to this Agreement and the services rendered
including all books, records, documents, receipts, invoices, and all other evidence of accounting procedures and
practices which sufficiently and properly reflect all direct and indirect cost of any nature expended in the
performance of this Agreement. The Sponsor’s records and accounts pertaining to this Agreement are to be kept
available for inspection by the Office of the State Auditor, federal auditors, the Jefferson County Auditor, and any
persons duly authorized by the County shall have full access and the right to examine any of these materials during
this period for a period of ten (10) years after the date of the final payment to Sponsor. If any litigation, claim or
audit is started before the expiration of the six (6) year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims,
or audit findings involving the records have been resolved. Copies shall be made available upon request. Records
and other documents, in any medium, furnished by one party to this Agreement to the other party, will remain the
property of the furnishing party, unless otherwise agreed.
20. Licensing, Accreditation and Registration
The Sponsor shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal licensing, accreditation, permitting, and
registration requirement/standards necessary for the performance of this Agreement.
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21. Disputes
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, when a bona fide dispute arises between Jefferson County and the
Sponsor and it cannot be resolved, either party may request a dispute hearing with a mediator agreed upon by the
parties, or if agreement cannot be made, the mediator shall be selected by the Jefferson County Superior Court.
Either party’s request for a dispute hearing must be in writing and clearly state:
a. the disputed issue(s);
b. the relative positions of the parties; and,
c. the Sponsor’s name, address and agency contact number.
Requests for dispute hearings must be mailed to the Project Manager, Jefferson County Environmental Public
Health Department, 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend, WA 98368, within fifteen (15) days after either party
received notice of the disputed issue(s). The parties agree that this dispute process shall precede any action in a
judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal. The parties shall split evenly the cost of mediation or whatever form of dispute
resolution is used. The parties shall bear their own costs and attorney’s fees in any dispute.
The venue for any legal action shall be solely in the appropriate state court in Jefferson County, Washington, subject
to the venue provisions for actions against counties in RCW 36.01.050.
Each party to this Agreement shall be responsible for their own dispute and litigation costs, including attorney’s
fees.
22. Termination for Funding
Jefferson County may unilaterally terminate this Agreement in the event funding from state, federal, or other sources
are withdrawn, reduced, or limited in any way after the effective date of this Agreement.
23. Termination for Convenience
The County reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by giving ten (10) days written notice to the
Sponsor.
24. Assignment
The Sponsor shall not sublet or assign any interest in this Agreement, and shall not transfer any interest in this
Agreement without the express written consent of the County.
25. No Waiver
Waiver by any party of any provision of this Agreement or any time limitation provided for in this Agreement shall
not constitute a waiver of any other provision.
No consent by either party to, or waiver of, a breach by either party, whether express or implied, shall constitute a
consent to, waiver of, or excuse of any other, different, or subsequent breach by either party.
No term or provision of this Agreement shall be considered waived by either party, and no breach excused by either
party, unless such waiver or consent is in writing signed on behalf of the party against whom the waiver is asserted.
Failure of a party to declare any breach or default immediately upon the occurrence thereof, or delay in taking any
action in connection with, shall not waive such breach or default.
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26. County Does Not Assume Additional Duties
The County does not assume any obligation or duty, except as required by federal or state law, to determine if
Sponsor is complying with all applicable statutes, rules, codes ordinances or permits.
27. Agreement Representatives
All written communications sent to the Sponsor under this Agreement shall be addressed and delivered to:
Sponsor Contact Conservation Futures Fund Program Contact
Tami Pokorny
Jefferson County Environmental Public Health –
Conservation Futures Fund
615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360) 385-9444
tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us
These addresses shall be effective until receipt by one party from the other of a written notice of any change.
28. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, along with all attachments, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other understandings,
oral or otherwise, regarding this Agreement shall exist or bind any of the parties.
29. Severability
Provided it does not result in a material change in the terms of this Agreement, if any provision of this Agreement
or the application of this Agreement to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any
extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application this Agreement shall not be affected and shall be
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
30. Survival
Those provisions of this Agreement that by their sense and purpose should survive the term of this Agreement shall
survive the term of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, and for the avoidance
of doubt, the provisions that survive the term of this agreement include: (a) controlling law; (b) insurance; and, (c)
indemnification.
31. Binding on Successors, Heirs and Assigns
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties’ successors in interest, heirs and assigns.
32. No Third-party Beneficiaries
The parties do not intend, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to mean, that any provision in this
Agreement is for the benefit of any person or entity who is not a party.
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33. Signature in Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all
of which counterparts together shall constitute the same instrument which may be sufficiently evidenced by one
counterpart. Execution of this Agreement at different times and places by the parties shall not affect the validity of
this Agreement, so long as all the parties execute a counterpart of this Agreement.
34. Facsimile and Electronic Signatures
The parties agree that facsimile and electronic signatures shall have the same force and effect as original signatures.
35. Public Records Act
Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any record, including any electronic,
audio, paper or other media, is required to be kept or indexed as a public record in accordance with the Washington
Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW (as may be amended), the Sponsor agrees to maintain all records
constituting public records and to produce or assist the County in producing such records, within the time frames
and parameters set forth in state law.
The Sponsor also agrees that upon receipt of any written public record request, the Sponsor shall, within two
business days, notify the County by providing a copy of the request per the notice provisions of this Agreement.
This Agreement, once executed, shall be a “public record” subject to production to a third party if it is requested
pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act.
36. Effective Date of this Agreement
This Agreement shall be effective upon signing by all parties.
37. Controlling Law
It is understood and agreed that this Agreement is entered into in the State of Washington. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, the State of Washington and the County
of Jefferson, as if applied to transactions entered into and to be performed wholly within Jefferson County,
Washington between Jefferson County residents. No party shall argue or assert that any state law other than
Washington law applies to the governance or construction of this Agreement.
38. Order of Precedence.
If there is an inconsistency in the terms of this Agreement, or between its terms and any applicable statute or rule,
the inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (a) Applicable state statutes and
rules; (b) local laws and rules; and, (c) case law.
39. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be in default by reason of any failure in performance of this Agreement, if such failure arises out
of causes beyond a party’s control and without fault or negligence of such party, including but not limited to; (a)
acts of God; (b) terrorism or other acts of a public enemy; (c) war; or, (d) epidemics, pandemics or quarantine
restrictions.
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40. Attachments
Any attachment to this Agreement is part of this Agreement and is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
41. Representations and Warranties
The parties represent and warrant that: (a) Each person signing this Agreement is fully authorized to enter into this
Agreement on behalf of the party for whom signature is being made; (b) Each party that is a corporate entity is duly
organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of one of the states of the United States of America;
c) The making and performance of this Agreement will not violate any provision of law or of any party’s articles
of incorporation, charter, or by-laws; (d) Each corporate party has taken all necessary corporate and internal legal
actions to duly approve the making and performance of this Agreement and that no further corporate or other internal
approval is necessary; and, (e) Each party has read this Agreement in its entirety and know the contents of this
Agreement, that the terms of this Agreement are contractual and not merely recitals, and that they have signed this
Agreement, having obtained the advice of legal counsel.
DATED this ________________ day of ___________________, 20______.
SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
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JEFFERSON COUNTY WASHINGTON
Board of County Commissioners
Jefferson County, Washington
By: __________________________________
Commissioner 1]
By: __________________________________
Commissioner 2]
By: __________________________________
Commissioner 3]
SEAL:
ATTEST:
NAME], CMC
Clerk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM ONLY:
NAME] Date
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
SPONSOR]
By: ____________________________
Signature
Name: _________________________
Title: __________________________
Date: __________________________
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APPENDIX A (to the Agreement template)
Scope of Work
SPONSOR], as project sponsor (“Sponsor”), shall perform the following tasks in order to implement
the [PROJECT]:
Task 1: Secure Matching Contribution
Sponsor shall secure the necessary matching contribution as described in their Project Application, no less
than [xx percent (xx%)] of the total project cost. The match must be in an eligible form consistent with
JCC 3.08.030(5).
Deliverable 1a: Documentation of matching contribution(s) of no less than [xx%] of the total project cost.
Task 2: Acquire Fee Simple Deed
Sponsor shall acquire an approved deed form on the Property that incorporates the approved Conservation
Futures Program language in item “C” of this Agreement.
Deliverable 2a: Finalized (unexecuted) deeds shall be attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.
Deliverable 2b: Qualifying appraisal and estimated settlement statement (HUD-1).
Deliverable 2c: Recorded deed for subject parcels.
Deliverable 2d: Recorded deed(s) for match parcel(s), as applicable.
Task 3: Stewardship Plan
Sponsor shall provide a plan for stewardship.
Deliverable 3a: Electronic copy of Stewardship Plan
Task 4: Annual Reporting
Sponsor shall monitor and report on the property as described in item “D” of this Agreement and submit
required reports to the Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (through staff) in the
format provided for each year that it is required.
Deliverable 4a: Completed annual reports.
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Exhibit A
Final (unexecuted) Property Deeds
Exhibit B
202x] Conservation Futures Fund Application for [PROJECT TITLE]
Exhibit C
202x] Conservation Futures Fund Program Manual
Exhibit D
Jefferson County Resolution No. [NUMBER]
End Fee Simple Informational Template
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APPENDIX B
APPROVED PROJECTS MAP
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APPENDIX C
ANNUAL REPORT FORM TEMPLATE
Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund Program
Annual Project Reporting Form TEMPLATE
Project Title:
Project Objectives as outlined in CFF Application:
Parcel Number(s):
Total Acreage:
Month and year that CFF funding was awarded:
Amount of CFF award:
Acquisition:
O & M:
Conservation Easement
Title:
Grantor:
Grantee:
Date of Acquisition:
Purchase price:
Fee Simple Acquisition
Seller:
Buyer/Title Holder:
Date of Acquisition:
Purchase price:
Entity responsible for stewardship:
Plans or agreements pertaining to this acquisition:
O & M funds received since acquisition (list by year):
Existing and on-going activities and projects (for each O & M activity that has occurred since December 31 of the
previous year, please provide supporting documentation):
New events, activities, projects (for each O & M activity that has occurred since December 31 of the previous
year, please provide supporting documentation):
Needs and challenges to meeting Project objectives:
Demonstrated progress towards Project’s objectives:
Completed by:
Title:
Organization:
Signature Date
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APPENDIX D
DEFINITIONS
Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee” means the Jefferson County conservation futures
fund citizen oversight committee established under this chapter.
Conservation Futures Fund” means the Jefferson County conservation futures fund established under this
chapter.
Conservation futures tax levy” means that Jefferson County tax levy upon all taxable property in Jefferson
County authorized by RCW 84.34.230.
County” means Jefferson County and/or its Conservation Futures Fund citizen oversight committee.
Cultural resources” means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and
social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44
and 27.53 RCW.
Open space land” means the fee simple or any lesser interest or development right with respect to real property
including, but not limited to, conservation futures, easements, covenants or other contractual rights necessary to
protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of or conserve selected open space land, farm
and agricultural land and timber land (as those terms are defined in Chapter 84.34 RCW).
Project” means open space land, or any lesser interest or development right in specific real property, to which
Jefferson County conservation futures tax levy funds are allocated for acquisition under the procedure outlined
under this chapter. [Ord. 1-14 § 1; Ord. 6-02 § 1]
Silviculture” means the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of
forests for the production of forest products.
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APPENDIX E
DRAFT 2026 PROGRAM CALENDAR
WE February 18, 2026 4pm – 6pm Past projects review
FR February 27, 2026 Preapplications due
TU March 10, 2026 9am – 5pm Site visits rain or shine (alternatively by video)
FR March 20, 2026 by midnight Final project applications due to staff from applicants (email only)
TU March 31, 2026 2pm – 5pm Final project interviews
TU April 7, 2026 Deadline for additional questions for applicants (through staff)
TU April 14, 2026 Deadline for applicants to respond to questions (through staff)
FR April 17, 2026 (somewhat flexible deadline) Provide scores to staff
TU April 21, 2026 2pm – 5pm Score, Rank and Recommend Meeting
May/June 2026 Presentation of Recommendations to BoCC
TU October 13, 2026 3pm – 5pm Program materials review (changes for 2027)
TU November 17, 2026 3pm – 5pm Program materials approval (changes for 2027)
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APPENDIX F
JEFFERSON COUNTY CODE CRITERIA CROSSWALK
Relationship between CFF Application Questions and Program Criteria Outlined in JCC 3.08
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 MAX
Criteria 1 X X 44
Criteria 2 X X 42
Criteria 3 X X X X X 103
Criteria 4 X 15
Criteria 5 X X X 50
Criteria 6 N/A
Maximum
Points
15 15 5 20 24 30 27 15 30 20 24 20 9 254
JCC 3.08.040 Preservation criteria
Specific criteria for ranking and selection of projects are contained in a process guidance document
approved by the Jefferson County board of commissioners that shall be provided to the citizen oversight
committee annually. These criteria will be updated from time to time to reflect the priorities and needs
of the citizens of Jefferson County. Overall, the following criteria shall guide the use of conservation
futures funds:
1) Preservation of sensitive lands that have truly unique characteristics that will be permanently
damaged by potential development or resource extraction;
2) Preservation or enhancement of lands that provide a variety of habitat for flora and fauna, including
habitat that supports threatened or endangered species;
3) Preservation of lands that have significant regional or community benefit;
4) Leveraging conservation futures funds with other resources;
5) Acquisitions shall be supported by strategies to provide stewardship and long-term management of
the lands through the development and implementation of a management plan;
6) Other criteria consistent with RCW 84.34.020. [Ord. 6-02 § 4]
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Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer “N/A” for questions that don’t apply
to the project. Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question. Contact
program staff at (360) 385-9444 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions.
Background and Eligibility Information
1. Project Title_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Conservation Futures Fund acquisition request amount ($): __________________________________________
Conservation Futures Fund O&M request amount ($): _____________________________________________
3. Total Conservation Futures Fund request amount ($): _____________________________________________
4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process.
Fee-simple acquisition __ Conservation Easement __ Other (Please describe below.)
In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition?
5. Applicant Information
Name of Applicant or Organization: ______________________________________________________________
Contact: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____ _______________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) _________________________________________________
Organization Name:___________________________________________________________________________
Contact: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____ _______________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________
This application was approved by the sponsor’s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on
20___.
2026 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund Program
Property Acquisition Project and/or
Operations and Maintenance Project Application
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7. Project Location
Street Address or Description of Location:
Section:
Township:
Range:
Driving Directions from Port Townsend:
Assessor’s Parcel Number(s):__________________________________________________________________
Please differentiate current and proposed ownership of each APN and indicate if the parcel is to be acquired with
CFF funds or used as match.
Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable.
8. Existing Conditions
New CFF Project Site: Yes No ________________ Number of Parcels: _______________________
Addition to Existing CFF Project Site: Yes No ____ Acres to Be Acquired: _____________________
Total Project Acreage (if different):______________ Current Zoning: ________________________________
Existing Structures/Facilities: ___________________________________________________________________
Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use:__________________________________________
Current Use: ________________________________________________________________________________
Waterfront (name of body of water): ______________________________________________________________
Shoreline (linear feet): _________________________________________________________________________
Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: ___________________________________________________________________
9. Current Property Owner __ is __is not a willing seller.
Project Description
10. In 1,000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, and why you think preserving
this property is important. Name three top objectives for the property (other than those related to funding). Include
information about the physical characteristics of the site that is proposed for acquisition with Conservation
Futures Fund Program funds including: vegetation, topography, surrounding land use, and relationship to parks,
trails, and open space. Describe the use planned for the site, any development plans after acquisition (including
passive development), characteristics of the site which demonstrate that it is well-suited to the proposed use, and
plans for any structures currently on the site. If applicable, describe how the site project relates to a larger
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2026 CFF Program Application
conservation program (please identify), and whether the project has a plan, schedule and funding dedicated to its
completion. Please also list any important milestones for the project or critical dates, e.g. grant deadlines. List the
dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget.
11. Estimate costs below, including the estimated or appraised value of the propert(ies) or property right(s) to be
acquired, even if Conservation Futures Fund funds will only cover a portion of the total project cost. In the case of
projects involving multiple acquisitions, please break out appraisals and estimated acquisition costs by parcel.
Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired:
Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Fund Manual for eligible costs):
Total Operation and Maintenance Cost:
Total Project Cost:
Basis for Estimates (include information about how the property value(s) was determined, anticipated acquisition-
related costs, general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed, task list with itemized
budget, and anticipated schedule for completion of work):
For all O & M requests, complete question #14.
Scored Questions
1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions for acquisition from groups, agencies or
individuals?
Sponsors or other organizations are required to contribute to acquisition of the proposed site and/or operation and
maintenance activities.
1 a. Please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation
Futures Fund program funds.
1 b. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M %
Conservation Futures Funds Requested ____________ ____________ ___%
Matching Funds/Resources* ____________ ____________ ___%
Total Project Acquisition Cost ____________ ____________ 100%
If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match, please describe and provide documentation of value, location,
date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for
acquisition.
1 c. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not,
funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when?
Yes No _________ Yes No ________
Yes No _________ Yes No ________
Yes No _________ Yes No ________
Yes No _________ Yes No ________
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NOTE: Fifty-percent (50%) matching funds are required, and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects
that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right can be
considered as a matching resource. Donation of services for on-going maintenance or stewardship (“in-kind”
labor contributions) are not eligible as a match.
2. To what degree has the project sponsor identified the long-term stewardship issues for the
proposed project?
2 a. Identify any factors, threats, or stressors that could negatively affect the project’s conservation values and/or
community benefits if the property is not conserved.
2 b. Describe the management strategies that the stewardship plan will include to address these identified factors,
threats, or stressors, including any actions planned to make these negative outcomes or impacts less likely.
2 c. Describe any existing water rights, and current uses of water. Identify any conservation values currently being
protected that are dependent on these sources of water.
3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a
similar project?
3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency’s previous or on-going stewardship experience.
3 b. Has the project sponsor and/or applicant been involved in other projects previously approved for
Conservation Futures Fund funding?
No, neither the sponsor nor applicant has been involved in a project previously approved for
Conservation Futures Fund funds.
Yes, the sponsor and/or applicant for this project has been involved in a project previously approved for
Conservation Futures Fund funds. Please provide details:
4. To what degree is the project a part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource
preservation program or plan that was open to public review and comment, or identified in a
community conservation effort that provided opportunities for public input?
The proposed acquisition:
is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or
community conservation effort, that provided opportunities for public review and comment. Please describe
below, including this project’s importance to the plan. Please also reference the website of the plan if available or
include the plan with this application.
complements an adopted open space or conservation plan that was open to public review, but is not specifically
identified. Please describe below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan.
is a stand-alone project, or part of a project that was not open to public review.
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5. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened?
5 a. The proposed acquisition site __does __does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which
would otherwise be lost or threatened.
5 b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the threat, and any unique qualities about
the site.
6. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the amount of
CFF funds requested, and will both the timeframes for meeting project objectives and associated
metrics demonstrate achievement of the conservation objectives?
6 a. Summarize the project’s conservation values and how the CFF funds requested support these values.
6 b. Summarize how the project’s conservation values are related to the project’s specific objectives.
7. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat for
anadromous fish species?
7 a.____ provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat specific to the project and/or State or Federal
NOAA and USFWS) Candidate, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species (provide list and references).
7 b.____ provides habitat for native flora and fauna. Identify the documented habitat(s) and native flora or fauna
species that will be protected by the project.
7 c.____ contributes to a wildlife corridor or migration route identified by Washington Connectivity Working
Group or other peer-reviewed source.
If affirmative in any of the above, please describe and list the Priority Habitat(s) and Threatened,
Endangered, or Sensitive species below, and cite or provide documentation of species’ use.1 Peer-reviewed
citations/sources are preferred, but others may be considered if they are of substantially equal quality and
appropriately attributed.
8. To what degree does the project protect habitat for anadromous fish species?
8. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine
shorelines, stream or river corridors including meander zones, and riparian buffers). Please provide documentation
and maps that demonstrate the location, quality and extent of the existing buffer and adjoining habitat.
9. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR preserve forestland
for forest management?
1 See, for example,
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01742/wdfw01742.pdf
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/NHPlists
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_conservation_status.pdf
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9 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural use or forest management activities of the
proposed acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is
acquired with Conservation Futures funds.
9 b. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water quality,
watershed function and wildlife habitat.
9 c. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland?
10. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and mitigation of climate change, and is
the project’s scale significant in regards to increasing climate resiliency?
10. Describe how this project will increase resiliency to and mitigation of climate change. Is the project’s scale
significant in regards to increasing climate resiliency?
11. What area does the project serve?
11 a. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a __local area __broad county area including the
area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served.
11 b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CFF funded Projects? Areas that Conservation
Futures has not been able to support to date include, Toandos Peninsula, Dosewallips Valley, Bolton Peninsula,
and the West End.
12. To what degree is the applicant committing to providing educational opportunities,
interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource that does not reduce the
conservation value(s) of the project?2
12. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that the applicant will provide for public access,
educational or interpretive displays (signage, kiosks, etc.) on the proposed site, including any plans to provide
those improvements and any plans for public accessibility that will not reduce the conservation value(s) of the
project.2 Provide the time frames when each of the above will be implemented.
13. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources3?
13. The proposed acquisition
includes historic or culturally significant resources.
is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program.
is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources.
is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site.
none of the above.
2 The words “education” and “interpretation” are interpreted broadly by the CFF Committee.
3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and
social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44
and 27.53 RCW.
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2026 CFF Program Application
If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical
cultural resources and how CF funds will be used for their preservation.
All O & M Fund Requests:
14. Applications for Operation and Maintenance funding to be scored on a scale of 1-100 based on
information provided. Consider the CFF Manual and the topics below, for example:
14. Describe the reason O & M funds are needed, proposed O & M activities, and how additional O&M funds will
protect the conservation values and opportunities cited in this or a previous project application. Attach additional
information such as Stewardship Plans, maps, field reports, work plans, budgets, timelines, etc., to support the
application, if appropriate. Standalone O & M projects must address a compelling, immediate need or threat to an
approved CFF project. Describe any previously unforeseen or urgent threats to the resource conservation values
of the site and how the proposed O & M activities will mitigate those threats and/or prevent potential future
threats. A current Stewardship Plan must be attached.
Verification
15. Sponsor commitments:
Sponsors of projects that are approved for funding by the Board of County Commissioners are required to submit
an annual report by December 31 every year for three years after the award is approved, or three years after the
acquisition funds are disbursed to the applicant, whichever is later. The annual report shall address any changes in
the project focus or purpose, progress in obtaining matching funding, and stewardship, operations, and
maintenance activities. Sponsors receiving O & M funds are required to submit an annual report for each year
that O&M funds are expended.
15 a. If this project is approved for funding, I understand the sponsor is required to submit annual reports for three
years and for any subsequent year in which O & M funds are expended. ____________Initials____________Date
If, three years after the date funding is approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the project sponsor has
not obtained the required matching funds to implement the project, the CFFCOC may request the Board of
County Commissioners to nullify their approval of funds, and may require the project to re-apply.
15 b. If this project is approved for funding, I understand that the sponsor, may be required to re-submit the
application if necessary matching funding is not secured within three years._______Initials_______Date
15 c. The sponsor has reviewed all project requirements, and I certify that all of the information in the application
is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. _________Initials_______Date
15 d. I understand that the sponsor commits to providing long-term stewardship to achieve the conservation and
protection goals of the project as proposed in this application. _________Initials_______Date
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2026 CFF Project Score Sheet
Please note: if none of the answers provided describe the project, answer “N/A” or “0”.
SCORE x WEIGHT = SCORE
1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions
for acquisition from groups, agencies or individuals? ______ X 5 = _______
Points awarded based on the following
level of contribution)
Leverages significantly = 3 points
Leverages moderately = 2 points
Meets requirement = 1 point
2. To what degree has the project sponsor identified the
long-term stewardship issues for the proposed project? ______ X 5 = _______
Sliding scale: 0-3 points
3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective
long-term stewardship of a similar project? ______ X 1 = _______
Highly demonstrated = 5 points
Moderately demonstrated = 3 points
Slightly demonstrated = 1 point
Effectiveness not demonstrated = 0 points
4. To what degree is the project part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource
preservation program or plan that was open to public review and comment, or
identified in a community conservation effort that provided opportunities for public
input?
Public input opportunities and plan/program is directly related = 3-5 points
Public input but plan is general in nature, and does not specifically apply to this project =
2-4 points
Plan or program was developed without public input = 1-2 points
X 4 = _______
5. To what degree does the project conserve
opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? ______ X 6 = _______
Sliding scale: 1-4 points
6. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the
amount of CFF funds requested, and will both the timeframes for meeting project
objectives and associated metrics demonstrate achievement of the conservation
objectives? ______ X 10 = _______
Sliding scale: 0-3 points
2026 Jefferson County
Conservation Futures Fund
Project Score Sheet
Name______________________
Project_____________________
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2026 CFF Project Score Sheet
7. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat
for anadromous fish species?
Points awarded in part based on level of documentation)
a. Provides State of Washington Priority Habitat specific to the project
and/or State or Federal (NOAA and USFWS) Candidate, Endangered,
Threatened or Sensitive species = 0–3 points ______ X 3 =______
b. Provides habitat for native flora & fauna = 0–3 points ______ X 3 = ______
c. Contributes to a wildlife corridor or migration route identified by
Washington Connectivity Working Group or other peer-reviewed
source = 0–3 points ______ X 3 =______
Peer-reviewed citations/sources are preferred, but others may be considered if they are of
substantially equal quality and appropriately attributed.
8. To what degree does the project protect habitat for anadromous fish species?
Sliding scale: 0-5 points ______ X 3 = ______
9. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR forestland
for forest management?
a. Likely will maintain active agricultural or silvicultural use = 0–3 points
X 4 =________
b. Property acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water
quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat = 0–3 points ______ X 4 = _______
c. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and quality forestland? = 0-3 points
X 2 = _______
10. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and mitigation of climate change,
and is the project’s scale significant in regards to increasing climate resiliency?
Direct benefit and significant in scale = 3-4 points ______ X 5 = _______
Indirect benefits and minor impact based on scale = 0-2 points
11. To what degree does the project serve:
a. A significant benefit area? Sliding scale: 1-3 points ______ X 4 = _______
b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CFF funded projects?
Sliding scale: 0-3 points ______ X 4 =_______
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2026 CFF Project Score Sheet
12. To what degree is the applicant committing to providing educational opportunities,
interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource that does not
reduce the conservation value(s) of the project?1
X 4 = _______
Applicant has committed to providing public access, with planned or
educational/interpretive displays and materials, events or activities that will not reduce
the conservation values of the project = 5 points
Applicant has committed to providing limited public access, available space for signage
and educational materials = 3 points
Applicant has not committed to providing public access = 0 points
1 The words “education” and “interpretation” are interpreted broadly by the CFFCOC.
13. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources?
2
X 3 = _______
Project is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent
program = 3 points
Project is recognized locally as having historic or cultural resources = 2 points
Project is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site = 1 point
None of the above = 0 points
14. Applications for Operation and Maintenance funding to be scored on a scale
of 1-100 based on information provided. Consider the CFF Manual and the topics below,
for example:
Please describe in detail, the reason O & M funds are needed, proposed O & M activities, and
how they protect resources cited in the original acquisition project. Attach additional information
such as up-to-date stewardship plan, maps, field reports, work plan, budget, timeline, etc., to
support the application, if appropriate. O & M projects must address a compelling, immediate
need. Specifically include whether the project has an up-to-date stewardship plan. If there is such
a plan, is it being implemented and is the proposed O & M work specifically included in the
plan? Also, describe any unforeseen or urgent threats to the resource conservation values of the
site and whether the proposed O & M activities will mitigate those threats and/or prevent
potential future threats.
Is the proposed O & M work specifically described in the applicable stewardship plan?
Do the O & M funds address a compelling, immediate need?
Is the proposed O & M work specifically included in the stewardship plan?
Application addresses an unforeseen or urgent threat to the resource conservation values
of the site?
Proposed activity mitigates or prevents potential future threats to the resource
conservation goals of the project?
2 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious
ceremonial and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources
under chapters 27.44 and 27.53 RCW.