Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout020 15Ge`-� i, tt 6 -dd-(5 STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the } Bishop Dairy Preservation project as Authorized } by and in Accordance with Jefferson County Code } RESOLUTION NO. 20 -15 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 acquisition of a conservation easement on eights parcels of agricultural land in Sec. 1 T. 28N, R. 1W with Assessor's Parcel Numbers 801011001, 801011002, 801011003, 801012001, 801012022, 801014001, and 821062004;and WHEREAS, the County retains enough developable land to accommodate the Bishop Dairy Preservation 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 $56,225 in conservation futures funds in the 2015 funding cycle for acquisition expenses contingent on a matching contribution of ninety -four percent (94 %) of the total project cost. Resolution No. 20 -15 re: Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the Bishop Dairy Preservation project 2. 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 A PPIVED this �qay of 2015 in Port Townsend, Washington. SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD CO MIIONERS vi Chair Davi Sulli an, Char "" ATTEST Y " Phil Johnson, Member Carolyn A ry Deputy Clerk of the Board Kathleen Kler, Member 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet CON 2015 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program I Property Acquisition and /or 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 tpokorny@coJefferson.wa.us with questions. Background and Eligibility Information 1. Project Title: Bishop Dairy Preservation 2a. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $56,225 b. Conservation Futures O &M Request: 0 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $56,225 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. Warranty Deed X Easement _ Other (Please describe below.) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Gerald and Delores Bishop with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Gerald and Delores Bishop Contact: Gerald Bishop Title: Owner Address: 2691 Egg and I Road, Chimacum, WA 98325 Phone: (360) 732 -4863 Fax: none Email: none 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 Fax: (360) 379 -9897 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Email: sspaeth @saveland.org This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on February 17, 2015, by Jefferson Land Trust Board of Directors. 7. Site Location Street Address or Description of Location: 2691 Egg and I Road, Chimacum, WA 98325 Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Going south on SR 19, turn right on Egg and I Road. The farm headquarters are on the left side of the road. Section: 01 Township: T28N Range: 1W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): 801011001, 801011002, 801011003, 801012001, 801012022, 801014001,821062004 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. All parcels will be owned by Gerald and Delores Bishop with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust. None of the parcels will be used as match. 8. EXISTING CONDITIONS New Site: Yes X No Number of Parcels: 8 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No X Acres to Be Acquired: 264.06 acres Total Project Acreage (if different): same - 264.06 Current Zoning: The zoning of the property is a mixture of Rural Residential 1:20, Agricultural Production Land 1:20, and Commercial Forestland 1:80. Existing Structures/Facilities: The farm has a historic barn that is currently used for hay and equipment storage, a milking parlor, loafing shed, two lay -down barns and bull pen, shop, corrals, fenced pastures and other infrastructure. The historic farmhouse was built in 1910 by the grandfather of the current owner of the dairy, and is located in the area proposed for the conservation easement. Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: No easements or restrictions on the parcels identified for this application, however, the Bishops previously sold a conservation easement to JLT on the coho spawning habitat area of Chimacum Creek, which is not included in the farmland easement area being proposed here. Current Use: Operating organic dairy farm Waterfront (name of body of water): N/A 2 I , 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Shoreline (linear feet): There are approximately 5000 bank feet of salmon- bearing Chimacum Creek flowing through the property. Owner Tidelands /Shorelands: N/A 9. Current Property Owner X is _is not a willing seller. ' .: E- � a; 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 that 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. Jefferson Land Trust (JLT) will use this grant to purchase a conservation easement on the historic Bishop Dairy, located south of Chimacum in Jefferson County. Acquisition of a conservation easement will help preserve the prime soils, habitat and scenic character of the last operating dairy in Jefferson County; reduce future development and make it affordable for future generations. Conservation values include 198 acres of pasture and grazing land consisting of prime soils, 36 acres of working forest on the west side of the property, nearly a mile of bank feet of riparian habitat for spawning coho, migrating cutthroat and steelhead, and agricultural infrastructure and two homesites. Trumpeter swans, raptors and other wildlife utilize the farm. The highly visible, scenic vistas from Beaver Valley Road and Egg and I Road define the rural character of this area, and preservation of the strategically located farm will greatly enhance the viability of our agricultural community. JLT has worked closely with the County and Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative partners to support our agricultural land protection, economy and culture, and preservation of the Bishop Dairy is a top priority. Current zoning allows up to 7 additional residences, and farms nearly are being subdivided for residential use. The conservation easement will allow current and future residential uses in the existing farm - sites, and prohibit additional development and subdivision. Bishop Dairy had been in the family for 5 generations, has a long history of dairy farming since the 1890's, and is one the first to be USDA certified organic. Gerald Bishop is nearing retirement and is very keen on preserving his family property, as well as securing 2015 Consenulion Futures Application and Score Sheet some retirement income through sale of the conservation easement. The Bishop Dairy is also near an 850 acre forestland parcel that Jefferson Land Trust and project partners are currently working to preserve for sustainable forestry, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. The project builds on JLT's ag land preservation efforts that have already conserved nearly 600 acres in the Chimacum area. Over - arching Goal: Permanent protection of the agricultural values of Bishop Dairy through a conservation easement is the over - arching goal and desire of Mr. Bishop. The conservation easement will provide him peace of mind that he is leaving a legacy for future generations of farmers. Jefferson Land Trust seeks grant support in the amount of $56,225 from the Conservation Futures Fund Program. This amount is -17% of the estimated project cost for the easement value, land acquisition related costs and O &M. Jefferson Land Trust already applied to the State Farmland Preservation Program in 2014, and expects to receive 50% of the total project funding from this grant in the summer of 2015. Additional grant funding from federal programs will be sought to complete the estimated funding package. Three Objectives: -Secure grant funding for the easement -Finalize easement language and boundary through survey • Provide for fencing along riparian buffer areas of Chimacum Creek. Important Milestones: Securing conservation easement funding - Summer 2015 Completion of a draft conservation easement document - Winter 2015 Completion of a survey designating the easement area and building envelopes - Winter 2015 Baseline documentation - Spring 2016 Easement purchase - Fall 2016 Fencing of riparian area - Summer 2016 Permanent stewardship, landowner relations and record keeping - Ongoing 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: $850,000 b. Total Estimated Acquisition - related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $99.950 c. Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $12,500 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet d. Total Project Cost: $962,450 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): The basis for cost estimate is based on the value of nearby conservation easement purchases made within the last several years. A full appraisal and review to grant agency requirements will be conducted before acquisition is finalized. Anticipated acquisition related costs include; appraisal and review, survey, baseline documentation, title insurance and closing costs, excise Acquisition related costs Timeline Est. Cost Conservation easement Fall 2016 $850,000 Appraisal and Appraisal Review Fall 2015 $10,500 Survey Winter 2015 $10,000 Baseline and Stewardship Plan Spring 2016 $12,000 Environmental Audit Spring 2016 $3,000 Title insurance and closing costs, excise tax, etc. Summer 2016 $18,000 Signs Winter 2016 $1,000 Project Management, Admin and legal fees Summer 2016 $45,450 &M Weed control and fencing Summer /fall 2016 12,500 tax and recording fees, legal costs, project management and administration. Noxious weed removal and fencing along a section of Chimacum Creek will take place in summer 2016. Scored Questions la. 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 Acquisition O &M % $56,225 0 6% 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Matching Frnds/Resources* $893,725 $12,500 94% Total Project Acquisition Cost $949,950 $12.500 100.0% * 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 Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? State WWRP $481,225 Yes No X June 2015 Yes No X Fall 2015 Federal Funding $425,000 Yes No X $ Yes No $ Yes No Yes No X Winter2015 Yes No Yes No 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. JLT will conduct stewardship, monitoring and maintenance including at least annual monitoring of the property by professional staff and trained volunteers, extensive data collection and management, help with stewardship, enhancement and restoration goals and legal defense of the conservation easements should it become necessary. JILT has a legal defense fund of nearly $550,000, and continues to build this fund with each new easement acquisition, recognizing the legal obligation and responsibility of protecting conservation values in perpetuity. In addition, JILT carries legal defense insurance through a program for conservation easements called Terrafirma, developed through the national Land Trust Alliance (the national umbrella organization for land trusts). This program covers up to $500,000 in legal enforcement costs per conservation easement that JLT holds and stewards. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency's previous or on -going stewardship experience. JLT, formed in 1989 and accredited in 2009, will hold the conservation easement on the Bishop Dairy and has been holding and stewarding conservation easements since 1991. JLT currently holds and monitors 54 conservation easements in Jefferson County, in addition to conducting monitoring and stewardship activities on the 205 acres it owns. The Hoh River Trust and Washington State Parks contract with JLT to monitor and steward over 7400 acres of land under their control. In addition JLT stewards land owned by Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend and Department of Natural Resources. JLT stewardship and monitoring protocols were developed with the guidance of the Land Trust Alliance and adherence to those protocols is one of the requirements for our national accreditation. 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 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: JLT 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; Finnriver Farm, 2008; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, 2009; Brown Dairy, 2009; Salmon Creek Ruck 2010, Quimper Wildlife Corridor 2010; Tamanowas Rock 2010; Chimacum Creek Carleson 2011; Winona Basin - Bloedel 2011; L. Brown 2012, Boulton Farm 2012; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, Short Family Farm 2013; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, 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 X are not in place. c. All parties are X are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition. If "not" to any of the above, please explain below. Jefferson Land Trust will order an appraisal and appraisal review to determine the value of the conservation easement before making an offer to the landowners. 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. 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. Bishop Dairy is indicated on the Parks, Recreation Areas, Conservation Easements and Areas for Future Cooperative Conservation Efforts map from the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. http: / /www.co.jefferson .wa.us /idms /pdfs /parks99.pdf. It has also been identified as having local and regional agricultural and habitat significance in the Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Plan. The plan is located on the JLT website, www.saveland.org. The Puget Sound Action Agenda states that protection of intact ecosystem processes, structures and functions, including the protection and conservation of freshwater resources to increase and sustain water availability for instream flow and human uses as important. It also supports specifically long term protection and stewardship of working farms, particularly in East Jefferson County in the Hood Canal Action Area (A3). http: / /www.psp.wa.gov /downloads /AA2011 /120911 /AA-draft-1 20911 -a8.pdf http: / /www.psp.wa.gov /downloads /AA2011 /120911 /AA- draft - 120911 -al - a4.pdf 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 6. Conservation Opportunity or Threat: a. The proposed acquisition site X does _does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity that 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. The Bishop Dairy property owner, a Td generation Bishop, is very keen on seeing the family dairy remain as one of the larger operating farms in Jefferson County, either as a dairy or grass fed beef operation. However, Mr. Bishop is aging, and is concerned about the future of the farm. He needs retirement funds and has several heirs, and has been seriously considering selling portions of the farm, or dividing the property for his heirs. Conservation easement funding will allow him to reduce future development potential and allow the farm to remain as one viable property. The agricultural portion of the Bishop Dairy already has two existing home - sites, though could accommodate up to an estimated seven additional residential sites given the existing grandfathered parcels and current county zoning. There is additional significant development potential in the nearby area. Easement funding will reduce the development threat and market value of the property so that it will be more affordable for future generations of agricultural producers, and will protect the farm during that generational transfer. It will also protect the valuable agricultural lands and habitat values associated with Chimacum Creek. 90% percent of the agricultural acres on the Bishop Dairy property consist of prime soils and soils of statewide significance. We have been negotiating with the Bishop Family for several years to secure the protection of the important agricultural values of the farm. The Bishop Dairy property is a current top priority for protection for Jefferson Land Trust and other local agencies and organizations. The prime soils, size, easy access to the farmland, presence of infrastructure, long family history on the land, scenic views and Chimacum Creek habitat values contribute to its importance in the local agricultural landscape, economy and culture. 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 Over 5000 bank feet of Chimacum Creek runs through the Bishop Dairy. Chimacum Creek is recognized in numerous local and regional plans as providing important migration, spawning and rearing habitat for coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. ' See, for example, http:// www. dnr. wa. gov/ researchsciencdtopics /naturalheritage /pages /amp nh.asi httv://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conser-vation/l)hsAist/ htti)://Wwwl.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/i)lants.html http:// wwwl .dnr.wa.mov /nhp /refdesk/i)ubs /wa ecological systems.pddf 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Chimacum Creek is identified in the Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Limiting Factors, Water Resource Inventory Area 17, by the WA State Conservation Commission and in the Watershed Management Plan for Quilcene-Snow Watershed (WRIA 17) by WRIA 17 Planning Unit as important spawning and rearing habitat. The Bishops previously sold a conservation easement to JLT on the prime coho salmon spawning habitat area upstream of the pastureland, in the headwaters of Chimacum Creek, which was funded by a State Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant. This protected area is not included in the farmland easement preservation effort area being proposed in this grant application. 8 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. There are no anticipated changes in use if the easement is acquired, in fact it will help insure that the Bishop Dairy continues. The Bishop Dairy has been an operating dairy since the 1890's, and is currently operated by the 3`d, 4th and 5th generations of Bishop family members. The dairy employs 5 and is the sole income stream for the dairy owners. They produce 9,000 lbs. of milk for Organic Valley every other day. b. Describe any participation by the current property owner in any other agricultural land conservation programs, including the program and nature of the involvement. As mentioned earlier, the prime salmon habitat located in the headwaters of Chimacum Creek on the Bishop Dairy property has been protected since 2001 with an easement funded through the State Salmon Recovery Funding Board. The stretch of Chimacum Creek that passes from that area through the pastureland is in moderate condition and a buffer of one side of the creek has been restored and replanted by North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC). The landowner is interested in fencing the other side. NOSC's creek restoration project will provide periodic invasives removal and plant maintenance. CREP projects have been conducted downstream on adjacent lands. 9. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a _local area X broad county area including the area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served. The Bishop Dairy is located along Beaver Valley Road, with easy road access to main arterials linking with the Seattle region. The family sells their milk directly to Organic Valley that is available in the Port Townsend Food Coop, the Chimacum Corner Store, and stores nation- wide. An Organic Valley tank truck collects milk from the Bishop Dairy every other day and takes it to a regional facility for pasteurization, homogenization, "bottling ", and distribution. Jefferson County has a thriving agricultural economy and culture. Community interest in local food and food security is strong and growing. The Port Townsend Farmers Market is the largest market west of Seattle and continues to grow and the newer Chimacum Farmers Market is contributing to the rebirth of downtown Chimacum, along with the very popular Chimacum Corner Farmstand. The Farmstand and our local Food Coop feature locally grown 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet produce, grain and fruit and are thriving community hubs. The Jefferson Land Works Collaborative and other local groups like the Quimper Grange and Chimacum Grange have made farmland preservation and support for agricultural producers top priority of their proactive work in the last several years. Community interest and support is demonstrated by the recent farmland projects that have garnered community, state and federal support, including Glendale Farm, Brown Dairy, Red Dog Farm, Finnriver Farm, SpringRain Farm, Compass Rose Farms, and the recently funded Boulton Farm project. 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.2 The Bishop Dairy has opened the farm to the Jefferson County Farm Tour participants and would be available for controlled educational programs. 11. The proposed acquisition _ includes historic or culturally significant resources and _ is registered with the National Register of Mstoric Places, or an equivalent program. X 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. The Bishop Dairy has a very long history of local and regional significance. The grandfather of the current Mr. Bishop built the farm -house in the 1910, and the dairy has been in operation since that era. 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 at this time, though the Bishops may conduct some selective harvest in remaining forested areas in the future. b. Describe any participation by current property owner in silviculture conservation programs, including the program and nature of the involvement. None 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 a 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. 10 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 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 26, 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 � S I Date February 26, 2015 11 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet �450� 2015 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program $ Score Sheet Please note: if none of the answers provided describe the project, answer "N /A" or 110 ". 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 -tern stewardship = 5 points b. Stewardship plan with guaranteed short-tern 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? 12 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet X 7 = Sliding scale: 1 -5 points 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? X 6 = Sliding scale: 1 -5 points 7. 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? 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. 13 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 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: Certified = 3 point Uncertified = 0 points X 1= c. Participates in other conservation or restoration programs = 0-3 points X 4= 14 BISHOP DAIRY PROJECT CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS ILLUSTRATIONS -2015 Bishop Dairy pasture and riparian buffer - looking southwest Bishop Dairy Infrastructure - looking east Prime agricultural soils and water rights Last dairy in Jefferson County Outstanding in their field! BISHOP DAIRY PROJECT CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS ILLUSTRATIONS - 2015 Bishop Dairy looking southeast along Egg and I Road toward Beaver Valley Road 40 .. Bishop Dairy looking southeast along Egg and I Road toward Beaver Valley Road naglocK - Bishop Dairy } t' '�. ,Scow } Protection in progress f °' Lawer0o% Bay.- " 116 ✓ P Protected Farmland J e P Other Conservation Easement . ields Jefferson Land Trust Nature Preserve ChiP' Prime farmland soils macum _ l u aauu f h Oak n _Y Bay Naylor C 1 ' r� 4 f P 19 agle ount ze t Y Mats Mats Swansonvilk Port 1 104 Be eer —V �Y s*y Bishop Dairy 0 0.5 1 Miles Site Location Map For informational purposes only. All F' data represented are from varying sources and approximate. Map created in Feb, 2015 N l r P� s ., A f t LAND TRUST r s ., A f t LAND TRUST Appendix H: Landowner Acknowledgement Form Appendix H: Landowner Acknowledgement Form Landowner Information NameofLandowner.. Gem -nAc i; Velorre.s (sfnoy Landowner Contact Information: [� Mr. ® Ms. Title: First Name: Gar cJcL ? kDaAafe5 Last Name: g �tSV0�o Contact Mailing Address: .26`i l ei Jj P—ocn A , CU t vv-a.w vv%, W a 9 S 3 Z Contact E -Mail Address: 1p tgh opda .'ry@ Q o l , oY,n Property Address or Location: 2-750 r'--On QT' 12oacQ,(�fnt✓hac ✓y, (v{Ll 9$326 1. (Landowner or Organization) is the legal owner of property described in this grant application. 2. I am aware that the project is being proposed on my property. 3. If the grant is successfully awarded, I will be contacted and asked to engage in negotiations. 4. My signature does not represent authorization of project implementation. S. If I am affiliated with the project sponsor, I will recuse myself from decisions made by the ject 5onsor to work on or purchas my property. / 1 � /t�a r Landowner Signaty a Date Project Sponsor Information Project Name: 1& Sloop lDCL r J ir- Project Applicant Contact Information: ❑ Mr. ® Ms. Title rcxe b,-a_ -Dire- ckl"�-r"�'- �/"� First Name: ajG�wL. Last Name: s �� "� Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: 5SP.e.6"f^ w"I ?04_ \ 9W ��t/�+ l wAr "Vage 10099 Manual 3, Acquisition Projects . March 1, 2014 Public Hea Regular Agenda 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www .JeffersonCouniyPublicHealih.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 I1 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. ANALYSISISTRATEGIC 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 -385 -9444 360 -385 -9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community (f) 360 - 3794487 FISCAL EUPACT: 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. REVIEWED BY: 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 (t) 360.379 -4487