Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout019 15STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the } 2015 Quimper Wildlife Corridor (QWC) Addition } 19 -15 project as Authorized by and in Accordance with } RESOLUTION NO. Jefferson County Code Section 3.08.030(7) to } Provide a System of Public Open Spaces } WHEREAS, conservation futures tax levy collections, authorized under RCW 84.34.230 are an important means of retaining community character and accomplishing the open space policies and objectives of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan that encourage the coordinated acquisition of key open space lands for long -term protection; and WHEREAS, Jefferson County is authorized by RCW 84.34.210 and 84.34.220 to acquire open space land, agricultural and timber lands as defined in RCW 84.34.220; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee has reviewed project applications for 2015 and made its funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Jefferson County Code Chapter 3.08; and WHEREAS, under the provisions of the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program, the Jefferson Land Trust, as project sponsor, requests funding towards the fee simple acquisition of five parcels of forested land in Sec. 33 T. 31N, R. 1 W with Assessor's Parcel Numbers 951901105 (subject parcel), 951901102, 951901401, 951902102, and 951903404 (match parcels); and WHEREAS, the County retains enough developable land to accommodate the 2015 Quimper Wildlife Corridor Addition project as well as the housing and employment growth that it is expected to receive, thus satisfying the requirements of Chapter 449, Laws of 2005; and WHEREAS, Jefferson County considers it in the best public interest to contribute financially to this open space project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that: Jefferson County hereby dedicates up to $12,626 in conservation futures funds in the 2015 funding cycle for acquisition expenses contingent on a matching contribution of fifty percent (50 %) of the total project cost. Resolution No. 19 -15 re: Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the 2015 Quimper Wildlife Corridor Addition project 2. Jefferson County hereby dedicates up to $2,000 in conservation futures funds to reimburse for operations and maintenance expenses incurred within ten years of the signing of this resolution contingent on a matching contribution of no less than the amount of conservation futures funds requested. 3. This dedication of funding may be nullified if a submittal for reimbursement, accompanied by documentation of matching funds sufficient to complete the acquisition, is not received from the sponsor within three years of the signing of this resolution. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ay of UnC/ 2015 in Port Townsend, Washington. SEAIL�� a o ;•, •y JEFFERSON OUNTY . ` .� BOARD O O IS ONERS Davidulliv , C air Phil Johnson,, /7 CCC.UYCF `Member Vt, �Q Deputy Clerk of the Board Kathlee�er, Member I 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet `�SON °�, 2015 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program ` Property Acquisition and /or �9S G Operations and Maintenance Project Application Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer "N /A "for questions that don't apply to the project. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question. Contact program staff at 379 -4498 or tpokornyCa co.iefferson. wa.us with questions. Background and Eligibility Information 1. Project Title: 2015 QWC Addition 2a. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $12,626 b. Conservation Futures O &M Request: $2,000 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $14,626 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. X Warranty Deed _ Easement _ Other (Please describe below.) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? City of Port Townsend 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: City of Port Townsend Contact: Steve Gross Title: City Attorney Address: 250 Madison Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 379 -5048 Fax: (360) 344 -4619 Email: sgross @cityofpt.us 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Executive Director Address: 1033 Lawrence St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 379 -9501, ext. 101 Email: sspaeth @saveland.org Fax: (360) 379 -9897 1 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on February 17, 2015. 7. Site Location Street Address or Description of Location: Nine lots located in Port Townsend, Fowler's Park Addition. Lots are located adjacent to lands owned by the City of Port Townsend in the Winona Basin and Winona - Tibbals connector areas. Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Travel west on Hastings Ave. Turn right onto Cook Ave. Park at Cook Ave and Elmira. Proceed on foot east along the 39th St trail, then left on the Garnet St trail. Properties are to west. Section: 33 Township: 31 N Range: 1 W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): To be acquired (current owner: Cynthia Hovind (formerly Roberson) - 951901105; To be used as match (current owner: JLT) — 951901102, 951901401, 951902102,951903404 Please differentiate current and proposed ownership of each APN and indicate if the parcel is to be acquired with CF funds or used as match. Parcel # 951903404 is being donated as match for our O &M request of $2,000. 8. EXISTING CONDITIONS New Site: No Number of Parcels: 5 Addition to Existing Site: Yes Acres to Be Acquired: Approximately 1 .1 1 acre Total Project Acreage (if different): Approximately 100 acres Current Zoning: R -I(SF) up to 4 d.u. per acre (Min. 10,000 sq. ft lot) Existing Structures/Facilities: None Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: None Current Use: Wildlife habitat and mature forest Waterfront (name of body of water): None Shoreline (linear feet): None Owner Tidelands /Shorelands: N/A 9. Current Property Owner X is _is not a willing seller. 2 I 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 10. In 1000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, overarching goal, and three top objectives. Include information about the physical characteristics of the site that is proposed for acquisition with Conservation Futures 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 relates to the larger project, 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. The City of Port Townsend, Jefferson Land Trust and Jefferson County have been working with the community since 1996 to protect a ribbon of green across the Quimper Peninsula, connecting a series of wetlands, forests and floodplains that provide habitat for over 200 bird species, amphibians and mammals. The Quimper Wildlife Corridor provides diverse habitat for wildlife, including habitat for several Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - designated species of concern. Most of this area of the City was platted into 50 x 100 lots in the 1880's and development pressure is high. More than 110 acres have been permanently protected in the Wildlife Corridor, nearly completing the backbone of highest - priority habitat. Purchase of additional acreage in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor will protect high quality habitat and further the efforts to connect protected lands within the corridor with other important habitat areas that extend from the City into Jefferson County and across the Quimper Peninsula. More particularly, the proposed acquisition lands are identified as a Tier -II high conservation priority in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor Management Plan developed by the Land Trust in 2005 and adopted by the City of Port Townsend in 2008. The properties proposed for acquisition are identified as Tier I- or Tier -11 high - priority habitats. The properties are densely forested with a mature conifer - dominated over -story. Understory vegetation is diverse this close to the Winona wetlands, and includes sword fern, salal, Nootka rose, willow, sedge, and more that provides wildlife cover and forage. Topography of these sites are relatively level to gently sloped. Land provided by Jefferson Land Trust as match buffers the Winona wetlands, Willamette street trail, and a large block of City of Port Townsend - protected properties. Properties contributed as match will be monitored by Jefferson Land Trust in perpetuity. The property owned by Jefferson Land Trust to be donated as match to O &M funding is located in the Winona - Levinksi connector, and buffers a number of Tier -11 properties already protected by the City of Port Townsend. The terrain is gently sloped, well- buffered from trails or other development impacts, and extensively used by wildlife. The mature Douglas -fir overstory and diverse shrub layer provides habitat for deer, Douglas squirrel, pileated woodpecker and more. Shrub species include baldhip rose, evergreen 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet huckleberry, salal, sword fern, and oceanspray. This property has been monitored by Jefferson Land Trust for over 3 years and will continue to be monitored by Jefferson Land Trust when transferred to City of Port Townsend- ownership and permanent protection. The three top objectives for this project are: 1) Acquire high priority property from the willing seller 2) Utilize adjacent donated parcels as match 3) Permanently protect the properties as wild open space in partnership between the City of Port Townsend and JILT Milestones: • Update landowner on project progress in spring 2015 • Initiate Letter of Opinion in summer 2015 • Acquire property in fall 2015 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 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. a. Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired: $24,150 (includes land donated as acquisition match and O &M match) b. Total Estimated Acquisition - related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $3,426 c. Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $2,000 (cash) d. Total Project Cost: $29,576 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): Basis of acquisition estimate: Verbal agreement with property owner of parcel # 951901105 to sell at current assessed value of $9,200. Land provided by Jefferson Land Trust as match will be valued at current assessed value of $5,750 for parcel #951901102 and $1,150 for parcel #951902102. Land match parcel #951901401 is valued at an estimated $5,750 based on similar nearby properties, but a value will be better determined by a Letter of Opinion by a qualified appraiser prior to completion of this project. Other acquisition - related costs: Jefferson Land Trust has extensive experience securing appraisals, title insurance, landowner negotiations and closing costs in this area that serve as a basis for current cost estimates. 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Operations and Maintenance: The Quimper Wildlife Corridor is becoming increasingly popular with recreational users. This increase in use requires increased stewardship response to noxious weed pressures, trash accumulation, and inappropriate development of trails in sensitive habitats. Estimates are based on 8.6 hr x $50 /hr for 10 years ($4,300) to perform annual monitoring, report- writing and document storage, and to coordinate volunteer site maintenance to manage noxious weeds, trash, or other stewardship needs. Land provided by Jefferson Land Trust as match will be valued at the current assessed value of $2,300 for parcel #951903404. Project related costs and O &M Timeline Est. Cost Land to be purchased Fall 2015 $9,200 Land to be donated as match (JLT) for acquisition Fall 2015 $12,650 Letter of Opinion Summer 2015 500 Title insurance and closing costs, taxes, etc Fall 2015 1,662 Project Management, Admin and legal fees Fall 2015 1,264 O &M Ongoing 2,000 Land to be donated as match (JLT) for O &M Fall 2015 2,300 Scored w r Ia. Sponsor or other organizations X will will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation and maintenance activities. b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. c. Matching Fund Estimate Conservation Futures Funds Requested Matching Funds/Resources* Total Project Acquisition Cost Acquisition O &M % $12,626 $2,000 49.45% $12,650 $2,300 50.55% $25,276 $4300 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. d. Source of matching funds /resources Land Match - Acquisition Amount of Contribution contribution approved? $12,650 Yes If not, Contribution If not, when? available now? when? Yes 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Land Match — O &M $2,300 _ Yes Yes NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on -going maintenance or stewardship ( "in- kind" contributions) are not eligible as a match. 2 a. Sponsoring agency X is _is not prepared to provide long -term stewardship (maintenance, up -keep, etc.) for the proposed project site. b. Describe any existing programs or future plans for stewardship of the property, including the nature and extent of the commitment of resources to carry out the stewardship plan. The nature of the JLT mission, as well as the source of the acquisition funds on certain properties within the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, permanently affects the way in which the land may be used. JLT fulfills its permanent conservation obligation on JLT- and publicly - owned properties in several ways, including thorough record keeping, communication with neighbors, on- the - ground stewardship, and regular site visits. JLT will perform a site inspection of all JLT -owned properties and to City- and County - owned properties secured with CFF funding sponsored by JLT no less than annually and in some cases quarterly. Monitoring of JLT- and publicly -owned parcels specifically documents any changes that have occurred since the acquisition, or since any previous monitoring visit. These monitoring visits will result in a written monitoring report, with photographs and written descriptions documenting any changes. The written reports will be reviewed by the Conservation Projects Committee chair to help determine if activity on the property is consistent with the protection of the conservation values of the property. Monitoring will be conducted regularly also to ensure site objectives are being achieved. The following types of monitoring will be conducted at this site: Annual Site Monitoring. This monitoring includes inspecting boundaries and management zones /habitat nodes to ensure trespass is not occurring on properties and /or any other inappropriate uses of the site are occurring. Annual Local Land Use Change Monitoring. This will help to identify any potential direct or indirect impacts to the integrity of the site, including hydrologic function. This monitoring will occur through incidental observations during annual monitoring or other site activities within the vicinity of the site. Wildlife Monitoring. Wildlife monitoring will generally be conducted incidentally while on site. This effort will involve recording wildlife observations, tracks or other sign in monitoring reports. In order to determine species composition and utilization of habitat, other non- invasive methods may be employed, such as wildlife cameras, which can be helpful in detecting use by more reclusive or nocturnal species. Other tools could include scat or hair analysis or species specific surveys. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency's previous or on -going stewardship experience. 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Jefferson Land Trust has been conducting annual monitoring of JLT- and publicly -owned conservation properties since the mid -1990s to ensure that conservation values, including undisturbed wildlife habitat, are maintained over time. b. Has the sponsor and/or applicant of this project been involved in other projects previously approved for Conservation Futures funding? No, neither the sponsor nor applicant has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. X Yes, the sponsor and/or applicant for this project has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. Please provide details: Jefferson Land Trust has sponsored numerous applications that have received Conservation Futures funds. These projects include: Sunfield Farm, 2003; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, 2004; East Tarboo Creek Conservation Project, 2005; Tamanowas Rock Phase 1, 2006; the Winona Buffer Project, 2006; Glendale Farm, 2007, and Finnriver Farm, 2008, Quimper Wildlife Corridor and Brown Dairy 2009, Tamanowas Rock and Salmon Creek, 2010; Chimacum Creek Carleson 2011; Quimper Wildlife Corridor 2011; L. Brown Trust 2012; Boulton Family Farms 2012; Short Family Farm 2013; Quimper Wildlife Corridor 2013; Quimper Wildlife Corridor and Snow Creek Irvin and Jenks, 2014. 4 a. Property X can _cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources. b. Necessary commitments and agreements _are _are not in place. c. All parties X are _are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition. If "not" to any of the above, please explain below. 5. The proposed acquisition X is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or community conservation effort. Please describe below, including the site's importance to the plan. Please reference the website of the plan if available or include the plan with this application. X complements an adopted open space or conservation plan, but is not specifically identified. Please describe below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan. is a stand -alone project. The properties identified as Tier I and Tier II for acquisition were indicated in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor Management Plan that was adopted by the City of Port Townsend on May 19, 2008, Ordinance 2967. This management plan is available at the City's website, h ttp://www. ci tvof Pt. u s /dsd /plan n i n a. asp. The entire Quimper Wildlife Corridor lies in the area recognized in Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan map as Parks, Recreation Areas, Conservation Easements and Areas for Future Cooperative Preservation Efforts. It is also recognized in the City of Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan, and the Parks and Open Space Plan. The Land Trust, the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, state agencies, the local Audubon and Native Plant Society Chapter, and US Fish & Wildlife have been partnering on the project since the mid 1990's. These parcels have been identified in the acquisition priorities of the 7 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Scare Sheet since the beginning due to the wetland, floodplain, buffer and upland forest values, In addition, Jefferson Land Trust's Conservation Plan for Jefferson County, prepared with the input of many community members, specifically identifies the Quimper Wildlife Corridor. The plan is located on the JLT website at www.saveland.org. 6. Conservation Opportunity or Threat: a. The proposed acquisition site X does _does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which would otherwise be lost or threatened. b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique qualities about the site. We are currently working with a willing seller of a Tier II priority property. We have also secured high- habitat value land to use as match to best leverage CFF dollars. 7. The proposed acquisition: X_ provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species. X_ provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route. 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. t The QWC provides critical habitat in an area of looming urban development and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, from the humble rough- skinned newt and Calypso orchid to nearly 200 bird species and numerous small and large mammals. Protection Island, located just offshore of the western end of the corridor, is a National Wildlife Refuge and home to nearly seventy percent of the seabirds that nest and breed in all of Puget Sound. Washington Department of Wildlife and the local Audubon Society have identified several state priority species in the QWC that are sensitive, threatened or listed. These include: Bald eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Wood duck, Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Band - Tailed Pigeon, Merlin, Olive Sided Flycatcher, black tailed deer, and bobcat. The corridor will allow these species and others the safety of cover to move between wetlands, forest ecosystems, and marine shoreline environments. S a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural use of the proposed acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is acquired with Conservation Futures funds. None planned. ' See, for example, http: / /www.dnr.wa.gov /researchscience/ tonics /naturalheritage /pages /amp nh aspxx httl2: / /www.wdfw.wa.gov /conservation/ hsp /list/ http: / /wwwl.dnr.wa. oe v /nhp /refdesk/plants.html http: / /wwwl.dnr.wa.gov /nhp /refdesk/pubs /wa ecological systems.pdf 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet b. Describe any participation by the current property owner in any other agricultural land conservation programs, including the program and nature of the involvement. Not applicable 9. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a X local area X broad county area including the area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served. Protection of the wetland, buffer and floodplain habitats of the QWC provides particular benefits to local residents in that it provides storm -water filtration and floodplain retention. In general, however, protection of the QWC habitats provides benefits not only to residents of Port Townsend and surrounding county areas, but also to the many visitors to our area. The corridor is used extensively for passive recreation by the community and visitors who enjoy walking the trails, bike riding and horseback riding. The wetlands and forests of the corridor provide education opportunities for users of all ages, and have been field classrooms a wide range of people as described below. Field trips in the corridor are highlighted in continuing education courses offered to realtors from across the region, who visit this place to better understand wetland ecology. Bike trails in the corridor have been identified in a national mountain bike magazine. Locally, Jefferson Land Trust has conducted numerous tours to various parts of the corridor over the last 10 years as part of our ongoing community outreach efforts. The project is bound to receive additional recognition as the Port Townsend area continues to grow. 10. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that exist for providing 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. The QWC is increasingly utilized by numerous schools and community groups for educational purposes, including by school groups of all ages from the Port Townsend School District, the Swan School, CedarRoot Folk School, JLT Natural History Society, Native Plant Society walks, Master Gardener training, and Audubon walks and annual Christmas bird counts, plus countless others. Dozens of residents have participated in naturalist -led walks conducted by Jefferson Land Trust. Community members volunteer annually to help with stewardship activities in the corridor. Currently, Land Trust volunteers are creating interpretive displays that will provide visitors to the corridor an understanding of the function of the corridor, as well directing people away from the more sensitive habitat areas. Volunteers contributed approximately 50 hours last year alone on projects to assess habitat health and needs, remove trash, manage noxious weeds, and monitor JLT- and City -owned properties alike to ensure that conservation values are maintained over time. 11. The proposed acquisition _ includes historic or culturally significant resources and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program. 2 The words "education' and "interpretation' are interpreted broadly by the CF 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. 0 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources. is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical or cultural resources. Not applicable 12a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned silvicultural use of the proposed acquisition. Please cite or provide documentation of existing or planned silvicultural activities including forest management plan(s) or forest ecosystem restoration. None planned. b. Describe any participation by current property owner in silviculture conservation programs, including the program and nature of the involvement. Not applicable. Verification 13. Sponsors of applications that are approved for funding by the Board of County Commissioners are required to submit a brief progress report by October 30 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 progress report must address any changes in the project focus or purpose, progress in obtaining matching funding, and stewardship and maintenance. Sponsors receiving O &M funds will also submit an annual report for each year that O &M funds are expended. The Committee will use the information to develop a project "report card" that will be submitted annually to the Board of County Commissioners. If this application is approved for funding, I understand the sponsor is required to submit progress reports for three years and for any year in which O &M funds are expended. Initials Date February 27, 2015 14. If, three years after the date funding is approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the applicants have not obtained the required matching funds, the Committee may request the Board of County Commissioners to nullify their approval of funds, and may require the project to re- apply. If this application is approved for funding, I understand that we may be required to re- submit the application if the project sponsor does not obtain the necessary matching funding within three years. Initials_ Date February 27, 2015 10 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet �FF4511N 2015 Jefferson County K Conservation Futures Program 9s�o� Score Sheet Please note: if none of the answers provided describe the project, answer "N /A" or 11011. ADJUSTED CRITERIA 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) a. Leverages significantly = 3 points b. Leverages moderately = 2 points c. Meets requirement = 1 point 2. To what degree does the project sponsor commit to provide long -term stewardship for the proposed project? X 10 = a. Stewardship plan with guaranteed long -term stewardship = 5 points b. Stewardship plan with guaranteed short-term stewardship = 3 points c. Stewardship plan, no guarantee = 1 point 3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long -term stewardship of a similar project? X 1 = a. Highly demonstrated = 5 points b. Moderately demonstrated = 3 points c. Slightly demonstrated = 1 point d. Effectiveness not demonstrated = 0 points 4. To what degree is the acquisition feasible? X 8 = a. Highly feasible = 5 points b. Moderately feasible = 3 points c. Slightly feasible = 1 point 5. To what degree is the project part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or identified in a community conservation effort? X 7 = Sliding scale: 1 -5 points 11 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? X 6 = Sliding scale: 1 -5 points To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna? (Points awarded in part based on level of documentation.) a. State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species = 0-3 points X 4 = b. Variety of native flora & fauna = 0 -3 points X 4 = c. Provides wildlife corridor or migration route = 0 -3 points X 4 = 8. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use? a. Likely will maintain active agricultural use = 0-3 points X 4 = b. Participates in other conservation programs = 0 -3 points X 4 = c. Preserves rural cultural heritage = 0 -3 points X 4 = 9. To what degree does the project serve a significant benefit area? X 4 = Sliding scale: 1 -5 points 10. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource? X 4 = a. Public access, with planned or educational /interpretive displays and materials, events or activities = 5 points b. Limited public access, available space for signage and educational materials = 3 points c. Remote location = 1 point d. No opportunity = 0 points 11. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources°? X 3 = a. Project is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program = 3 points b. Project is recognized locally as having historic or cultural resources = 2 points c. Project is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site = 1 point d. None of the above = 0 points 12. To what degree does the project preserve forestland for silvicultural use? a. Likely will maintain active forestland for silvicultural use = 0-3 points X 4= . b. Land is enrolled in public and/or private programs which certify long -term sustainable silviculture: " 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. 12 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Certified = 3 point Uncertified = 0 points X I= c. Participates in other conservation or restoration programs = 0-3 points X 4= 13 Photo. Photo. 2 2015 QWC Additions CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS ILLUSTRATIONS - 2015 Tibbals connector habitat node. Iona - Garnet St trail. Photo. parcel. ipll�nerg•�a a U ,, QQrk + < it M'l 1'•\i � " it «. RS' ` 1 Ago sK Port wnsen 2015 Proposed Acquisition i Land Match i Jefferson Land Trust Nature Preserve JLT Conservation Easement K Other Conservation Land - F 0 111 025 0.5 1 2015 Quimper Wildlife Corridor Addition Miles For informational purposes only. All Site Location Map data represented are from varying sources and approximate. Map created in Feb, 2015 N y k ,,3 —— — —— - - - s AM a - iIN i - -- ■ ® - - -- - - - - - -- N '' L';aNY !012015 iW nc 4r;;1c•!uei a:'stlgo-:'. ;nnn. p.. I quwnlp5.; c11 (I 188 unread) - cynthialhovind - Yahoo MW Ans'�erI Screen Flickr ?Ai Landowner Information Name of landowner; CynthiaHovind Mailing Address P.O. Max 1905 Bandon, E -Mail Address: cynthialhoviodgyaboac Phoue:541.347 -4093 Property Address or Location: Port Town: Addition L (Landowner or Organization) is the legal this [application, 2.1 am aware that the project is being prop 0 3. If the grant is successfullyawarded, l will negotiations. Search Mail Search web •� More .. veople Feb 16 at BA6 AM your property and are now thinking the the Ieflenon County consarvation Futures for the Quimpn Wildlge Corridor so our Bon deadlum Is March Z and we will need pion. in electronic or a paper copy (to Sarah J prefer. I'd be happy to mail you a paper ntoad 4. My signature does not represent authori/� rap vnpv Signature � n ,,[ '_ 1 Project Sponsor Information Project Name: QUhnper Wildlife Corrido Project Applicant Contact Information: jedl'enan Land Trost Sarah Spaeth, 9xecotive Director Mailing Address: 1033 Lawrence Street I Phone: 360.379.9501 E -Mail Address: aspaethpsaveland.orL Tribal (3B) Wen w—A, rn " Smad vlews Unread Starred people Social Travel shopping plmw > aecenr t 3 Ito �VSpenWmd R'',;:;.i d MMaz won Hkkr w J •4ru.,Jrott1- !~6736625 I 1I1 Regular Agenda 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www .JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org July 15, 2015 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Philip Morley, County Administrator FROM: Tami Pokorny, Environmental Health Specialist II DATE: June 22, 2015 SUBJECT: Agenda Request: Public Hearing and Possible Decision Regarding Applications for Conservation Futures Funding in 2015 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: On June 1, the BoCC approved a Public Hearing Notice for the Conservation Futures Program project applications received in 2015. The notice was published in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader on June 3 and June 10, 2015. Staff requests that the BOCC hold a public hearing on June 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM. The Conservation Futures Program (JCC 3.08) requires a duly noticed public hearing to be held as part of the public process of allocating conservation futures funding to worthy projects that protect public open spaces. Chair Lorna Smith would like to present the funding recommendations of the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee at the start of the hearing. After the hearing, the BoCC may decide which project(s) to fund and consider passing resolutions to include a factual finding as to whether each project would reduce the county's capacity to accommodate growth. ANALYSIS /STRATEGIC GOALS: The four applications for conservation futures funding are: 1. 2015 QWC Addition, $14,626 towards the fee simple acquisition, and operation and maintenance, of five platted parcels within the Quimper Wildlife Corridor totaling 1.11 acres of vacant land near Winona Wetland. The operations and maintenance request is $2,000 of the total amount for annual monitoring and stewardship. Jefferson Land Trust is the project sponsor. The City of Port Townsend is the project applicant. 2. Bishop Dairy Preservation, $56,225 towards the acquisition of a conservation easement on 264 acres that comprise a historic farm and dairy. Jefferson Land Trust is the project sponsor. Gerald and Delores Bishop are the project applicant. 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 3. Lower Big Quilcene River Riparian Protection, $31,440 towards the fee simple purchase of one parcel of vacant land totaling 14.16 acres along the lower Big Quilcene River. The operations and maintenance request is $5,925 of the total amount for annual monitoring, weed removal, replanting and stewardship. Jefferson Land Trust is the project sponsor. 4. Midori Farm, $94,626 towards the acquisition of a conservation easement on 29 acres of prime soils for agriculture with pockets of mature forest. The operations and maintenance request is $1,820 of the total amount for annual monitoring of the conservation easement provisions and noxious weed removal. Jefferson Land Trust is the project sponsor. Applicant is Marko Colby and Hanako Myers. At its April 29, 2015 meeting, the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee voted unanimously that all four projects are worthy of funding at the full requested amounts. The total request for funding equals $196,917. Up to $203,000 is available to award from the Conservation Futures Fund in this cycle. This briefing packet contains: • Four conservation futures project applications and the relevant sponsor information: 1). 2015 QWC Addition 2). Bishop Dairy Preservation 3). Lower Big Quilcene River Riparian Protection 4). Midori Farm 5). Sponsor Information - Jefferson Land Trust • Map of conservation futures projects 2003 -2014 • April 29, 2015 meeting minutes and project score sheets • Funding recommendations letter from CF Committee Chair Lorna Smith • Memo from Jefferson County Department of Community Development regarding the three projects located in the county. • Memo from the City of Port Townsend regarding the 2015 QWC Addition project. • Draft resolutions for each of the proposed projects with award amounts entered consistent with the funding requests. The purpose of the CF Program is to address the "general and increasing need to provide a system of public open spaces... for the health, welfare, benefit and safety of the residents of Jefferson County," and to maintain "Jefferson County as a desirable place to live, visit and locate businesses." Conservation futures tax levy collections, authorized under RCW 84.34.230 are an important means of retaining community character and accomplishing open space policies and objectives of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. The goal of the program is to preserve and protect the county's open space resources from development, and from being "negatively and permanently affected." On January 3, 2006, the BOCC approved Ordinance No. 01- 0103 -06 in response to Chapter 449 of that year which allowed up to 15% of the conservation future levy monies raised in the preceding year to be used for operations and maintenance needs. Although no O & M funds are being requested at this time, Chapter 449 also states that local governments must consider and analyze whether new CF projects would reduce capacity to accommodate planned growth. Grant agreements for approved projects between Jefferson Land Trust and the county will be developed by Environmental Health and submitted to the BoCC for approval. Community Health Environmental Health Developmental Disabilities Water Quality 360- 385 -9400 360 - 3859444 360 -385 -9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community (f) 360 -379 -4487 FISCAL IMPACT: The explicit purpose of the Conservation Futures Program is to fund acquisition projects to support a system of public open spaces. There is no impact to the General Fund for this effort. The balance for Conservation Futures Fund #308 at the end of May was $503,429.72. Funds available to 2015 projects equal $203,000. The following projects are anticipated to close in 2015 (assuming 2015 projects are approved as submitted): Snow Creek Watershed Acquisitions: $83,824 Duckabush Floodplain - Gregory Property: $2,500 Short Family Farm: $43,500 Lower Big Quilcene River Riparian: $31,440 2015 QWC Addition: $14,626 The following project is anticipated to close after 2015 (assuming 2015 projects are approved as submitted): Midori Farm: $94,626 Bishop Dairy Preservation: $56,225 A Supplemental Budget Appropriation will be necessary this year in order to proceed with approved projects, including any approved in 2015. RECOMMENDATION: Review the four project proposals brought forth by the Oversight Committee. Hold a public hearing on June 22, 2015, at 10:00 AM. Consider the written and oral testimony from the hearing and adopt any of the enclosed funding resolutions (with or without revisions) for project proposals and funding amounts that the Commissioners may wish to approve. Community Health Developmental Disabilities 360- 385 -9400 360- 385 -9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community Environmental Health Water Quality 360 -385 -9444 (f) 360 -379 -4487