HomeMy WebLinkAbout260601_Sexton - Drainage District Projects in Chimacum Creek Watershed on Glendal FarmChimacum Drainage District
<chimacumdrainagedistrict@gmail.com>
Drainage District Projects in Chimacum Creek Watershed on
Glendal Farm
Seth Sexton <sethsexton@gmail.com>Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 12:08 PM
To: chimacumdrainagedistrict@gmail.com, Sierra Young <syoung@jeffersoncd.org>, Glendale farm
<theglendalefarm@gmail.com>, jeroma sexton <jeromasexton@gmail.com>, Soma Peterson
<aworldcitizen@gmail.com>
Dear Chimacum Drainage District Board,
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is Seth Sexton, Trustee and Operations Director for Glendale Farm, a conserved
180-acre agricultural property in the Chimacum Valley of Jefferson County. I am writing to
request consideration and coordination through the Chimacum Drainage District and Jefferson
County Conservation District for an urgent drainage improvement and agricultural land
reclamation project along Chimacum Creek.
Glendale Farm stewards approximately 10 acres of land adjacent to and encompassing a
stretch of Chimacum Creek that has experienced recurring flooding conditions that are
adversely affecting agricultural productivity, field access, drainage function, and long-term land
stewardship objectives. These conditions have been exacerbated by invasive reed canarygrass
infestations, accumulated woody debris, channel obstructions, and beaver activity that have
reduced conveyance capacity and contributed to prolonged inundation of agricultural lands.
Consistent with the Drainage District's mission to support productive agriculture and in
accordance with the permitting pathways established through Jefferson County Conservation
District, Glendale Farm proposes a comprehensive drainage maintenance and restoration
project to be conducted between July 1 and August 1 during the approved in-water work
window.
The proposed project includes:
• Mechanical and manual removal of invasive reed canarygrass within permitted areas of
Chimacum Creek
• Beaver dam modification and maintenance in accordance with WDFW Permit #2025-06-
258+01 and all applicable permit requirements
• Removal of snags, woody debris, and channel obstructions affecting drainage and agricultural
access
• Establishment and maintenance of riparian access points for ongoing stewardship and
monitoring
• Construction and maintenance of low-impact maintenance trails to facilitate future drainage
district and landowner access
• Restoration of drainage function through the approximately 10-acre creek corridor stewarded
by Glendale Farm
• Agricultural land reclamation activities necessary to restore productive use of flood-impacted
fields
This project represents an immediate need to address ongoing flooding impacts to agricultural
lands and infrastructure. Timely implementation will help restore drainage capacity, improve
access for future maintenance, reduce flood-related losses, and support the long-term viability
of agricultural operations within the Chimacum Valley.
The property owner and operator would like to complete the work using owner-provided labor,
materials, trucks, brush-clearing equipment, and backhoe services under a cost-share
agreement administered through JCCD and the Chimacum Drainage District.
Based on the reimbursement guidance provided by JCCD and the applicable FSA equipment
rate schedule, the estimated project budget is as follows:
| Item | Estimated Hours | Rate | Estimated Cost |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | --------------------------- | ----------------------------
--- |
| Owner Labor | 150 hrs | $25/hr | $3,750 |
| Backhoe Use | 30 hrs | FSA Equipment Rate | Estimated per approved schedule |
| Truck and Equipment Use | Included in project operations | FSA Equipment Rate | Estimated
per approved schedule |
| Materials, Fuel, and Consumables | Actual Cost | Receipt-Based Reimbursement | To be
documented |
Estimated labor reimbursement request: $3,750 plus approved equipment reimbursement of
$1,750 and additional documented project expenses in accordance with JCCD cost-share
requirements totaling $5,500
Glendale Farm is prepared to work closely with JCCD staff to complete all required
documentation, including WDFW Property Owner Consent Forms, JCCD HPA Compliance
Agreements, permit notifications, project photographs, and any additional materials necessary
for project review and approval. We understand that no work will commence until written
authorization is received and all permit requirements have been satisfied.
We respectfully request consideration of this project for cost-share funding and Drainage
District support. We believe this effort aligns directly with the objectives of the recently
reactivated Chimacum Drainage District by improving drainage conditions, reclaiming
productive agricultural land, and establishing long-term stewardship access for future
maintenance activities.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate the partnership between the
Chimacum Drainage District and Jefferson County Conservation District and look forward to
working collaboratively to improve drainage conditions and agricultural resilience within the
Chimacum watershed.
Warm regards,
Seth Sexton
Trustee & Operations Director
Glendale Farm
Chimacum Valley, Washington
sethsexton@gmail.com
www.glendalefarm.org