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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022 15STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the } Midori Faun project As Authorized by and in } Accordance with Jefferson County Code } RESOLUTION NO. 22 -15 Section 3.08.030(7) to Provide a System of Public } Open Spaces } WHEREAS, conservation futures tax levy collections, authorized under RCW 8434.230 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 purchase of a conservation easement on four parcels of agricultural land in Sec. 14 T. 27N, R. 2W with Assessor's Parcel Numbers 932700005, 932700010, 932700087, and 932700082; and WHEREAS, the County retains enough developable land to accommodate the Midori Fann 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 $92,806 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. 22-15 re: Dedication of Conservation Futures Funds to the Bishop Dairy Preservation project i Jefferson County hereby dedicates up to $1,820 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. 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. IJD !VD ADOPTED this 22 day of :LO 2015 in Port Townsend, Washington. *J J L` t '• Carolyn Avery Deputy Clerk of the Board JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD V:aaterI SIONERS Da u , Phil Jo hnson, Member CG`�iCC� Kathleen Kler, Member 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet sov 2015 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program 4�t1 Property Acquisition and /or �gSse 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@co.iefferson.wa.us with questions. Background and Eligibility Information 1. Project Title: Midori Farm 2a. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $92,806 b. Conservation Futures O &M Request: $1,820 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $94,626 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? Marko Colby and Hanako Myers, with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Midori Farm, Marko Colby and Hanako Myers Address: 10 Old State Highway, Quilcene, WA 98376 Phone: Marko (360) 531 -4579, Hanako — (360) 531 -1312 Email: marko.colby @gmail.com 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Executive Director Address: 1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 379 -9501, ext. 101 Email: sspaeth @saveland.org Fax: (360) 379 -9897, ext. This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on February 17, 2015. 2015 Conservation futures Application and Score Shee: 7. Site Location Street Address or Description of Location: 10 Old State Highway, Quilcene, WA 98376 Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Head South on Highway 101 from the head of Discovery Bay. As you near the town of Quilcene, after you pass Wildwood Rd, look for Old State Highway on your right. Take this turn and immediately turn right again into Midori Farm driveway. Section: 14 Township: 27 North Range: 2 West Assessor's Parcel Number(s): 932 700 005, 932 700 010, 932 700 087, 932 700 082 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. 8. EXISTING CONDITIONS New Site: Yes No Addition to Existing Site: Yes No X Total Project Acreage (if different) Number of Parcels: 4 Acres to Be Acquired: 29 Current Zoning: RR 1:5, RR 1:20 Existing Structures/Facilities: Midori Farm has a new barn used for equipment storage and food processing, 5 greenhouses, harvesting equipment and irrigation systems. They plan to build a commercial kitchen and farmhouse at some point. Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: None that we are aware of. Current use: Agriculture Waterfront (name of body of water): Shoreline (linearfeet): -450 feet of Little Quilcene Irrigation Ditch Owner Tidelands /Shorelands: 9. Current Property Owner X is _is not a willing seller. WEMMUEZ 4 2 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 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 seeks funding for purchase of a conservation easement on Midori Farm, located approximately 1 mile north of downtown Quilcene, off of Scenic Highway 101. Midori Farm is approximately 29 acres, consisting of level pastureland of prime soils with some mixed mature forest pockets and upland forest of native trees and shrubs, and forested wetlands on the western side of the property that fringe on the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. Surrounding land use includes additional agricultural operations, residential uses and nearby commercial timberland. The Little Quilcene Irrigation ditch runs through the property from north to south, and enters Little Quil River, which has been the focus of restoration and preservation efforts on the part of several organizations including Jefferson Land Trust. Farmers Marko Colby and Hanako Myers have water rights to the irrigation ditch, which has a long- standing right to the Little Quilcene River. They have created a pond which provides water for agricultural uses as well as habitat for wildlife and farmers on hot summer days! Most of this area is zoned Rural Residential 1:5, and there are a number of grandfathered smaller parcels whose platting precedes zoning. Easement funding will protect the important agricultural soils and habitat values by reducing the development potential from 3 — 4 home - sites to one on Midori Farm. It will also provide critical funding for the Midori farmers, who borrowed money from local investors to get them on the land. Midori Farm is directly north and adjacent to Serendipity Farm and adjacent to Little Quilcene Farm to the north. Together this "Quilcene Farm Center" comprises approximately 100 acres of prime agricultural land and the largest hub of commercial agricultural activity in the area. Serendipity and Little Quilcene farmers are also interested in permanently preserving their farms through the sale of conservation easements. Jefferson Land Trust applied to the State Farmland Preservation Program in 2014 for grant funding to preserve all three farms. It is uncertain whether the state funding will be awarded in 2015, but the Land Trust will continue to seek matching grant sources for the easements, and this year we are focusing our efforts on Midori Farm as a start. Jefferson Land Trust seeks grant support for Midori Farm in the amount of $94,626 from the Conservation Futures Fund Program. This amount is 50% of the estimated project cost for the easement value, land acquisition related costs and O &M. Depending on the appraised value 2015 Conservation Fudures Application and Score Sheet of the conservation easement, Midori Farm landowners may sell the easement at a bargain sale in order to provide match for this application. Alternately, Jefferson Land Trust may apply to the State Farmland Preservation Program again if this year's application is not funded, or seek matching funds from other sources. The overarching goal of this project is to preserve the Midori Farm agricultural and habitat values for future generations. Purchase of the conservation easement will reduce the development potential to one homesite and provide the farmers much needed income to repay investors and continue to build the viability of the farm. The three top objectives for this project are: 1) Acquire high priority conservation easement from the willing seller 2) Utilize bargain sale or additional grant funding as match 3) Preserve the Midori Farm as the first phase of the Quilcene Farm Center protection effort. Milestones: 1. Funding from Conservation Futures Fund in 2015 2. Appraisal to determine CE value 3. Additional grant applications or bargain sale of easement, depending on CE value. 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: $150,000 b. Total Estimated Acquisition - related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $35,612 c. Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $3,640 d. Total Project Cost: $189,252 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. This was the project cost total submitted to the State Farmland Preservation program. A full appraisal to grant agency requirements will be conducted before acquisition is finalized. Anticipated acquisition related costs include; appraisal and possible review, survey, baseline documentation, title insurance and closing costs, excise tax and recording fees, legal costs, project management and administration. O &M activities include noxious weed removal and ongoing annual monitoring of the conservation easement provisions. Acquisition related costs Timeline Est. Cost Conservation easement Summer 2016 $150,000 Appraisal and Appraisal Review Fall 2015 $8,500 Survey Winter 2015 $2,000 Baseline and Stewardship Plan Spring 2016 $12,000 Title insurance and closing costs, excise tax, etc. Summer 2016 $4,000 Signs Summer 2016 100 Project Management, Admin and legal fees Summer 2016 $9,012 &M — noxious weed control & annual monitoring Pngoing $3,640 Scored Questions ?et 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 Matching Funds/Resources* Total Project Acquisition Cost Acquisition O &M % $92,806 $1,820 50% $92,806 $1,820 50 % $185.612 $3640 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 Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? Landowner bargain Sale $75.000 Yes No Yes No Fall2015 JLT cash contributions $19,626 _ Yes No Yes No Fa112015 Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No 5 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 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. JLT 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, JLT carries legal defense insurance for conservation easements through a program 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 Midori Farm, 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 269 acres it owns. The Hoh River Trust and Washington State Parks contract with JLT to monitor and steward nearly 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. b. Has the sponsor and/or applicant of this project been involved in other projects previously approved for Conservation Mures 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; M 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheei 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 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 Xare 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 be engaging an appraiser to determine the value of the conservation easement prior to making an offer to the Midori farmers. 5. The proposed acquisition _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. Xcomplements 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. The Little Quilcene River valley where Midori Farm is located has been identified as having local and regional agricultural and habitat significance in the Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Plan. The plan is located on the JILT 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/AA2011/12091 I /AA- draft - 120911- a8.pdf http://www.psp.wa.gov/downloads/AA2011/12091 1 /AA- draft - 120911- a1- a4.pdf _is a stand -alone project. 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. The Quilcene area is undergoing a resurgence and is becoming even more desirable for second homes and residences, and a neighboring property is slated for subdivision and residential development. The three farms in the Quilcene Farm Center are current priorities for protection on the part of the Land Trust and partner agencies and organizations. The Land Trust has recognized the conservation values of this farmland area for years and tried to work 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet with the previous owners of the Midori and Little Quilcene Farm properties. We are fortunate now to have willing landowners, and have been negotiating with all three current landowners for over 2 years to secure the protection of these contiguous operating farms. The prime soils, size, sub - irrigation, warmer summer micro - climate, presence of infrastructure, the scenic qualities, AND riparian habitat values contribute to its conservation values. Midori Farm landowners borrowed funds from private local lenders, and are very eager to reduce their payments and have funding to build a home and re- invest in the farm infrastructure. They are willing to sell the conservation easement at a bargain sale rate in order to provide the match necessary for the Conservation Futures Fund Program. 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. _ 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. i Salmon species utilize the Quilcene Farm Center, including coho and cutthroat trout. WDFW Priority Habitat and Species information identifies Midori Farm as a potential habitat for spotted owl and priority Palustrine Habitat. ( http : / /wdfw.wa.ciov /conservation/r)hs /maps data/) Other species seen include many native birds, and small mammals, as well as coyotes, deer, cougar, bobcats, and bear. 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. Midori Farmers have been in business since 2008, and moved their farming operation to the Quilcene property from a five -acre parcel in Port Townsend several years ago. The soils and microclimate on the 29 -acre Quilcene property are very well suited to agricultural production. They use the farm property for the three components of their business which include a plant starts nursery; organic vegetable production for sale and for their value added sauerkraut and kimchee products. They sell their kimchi and kraut at local farmers markets, regional specialty food stores, food coops and restaurants, and have a thriving local and regional demand for their organic vegetables and plant starts. Intensive multi species animal grazing (cow, sheep and chickens) helps insure farm fertility and sustainable production. They plan to modestly increase vegetable production to meet the growing demand for value -added products and fresh market vegetables with a focus on growing heat - loving vegetables suited to the warmer micro - climate of the Quilcene valley. They are also exploring crops that can be cultivated in the forested areas of the farm. I See, for example, http:// www.dnr.wa.gov /researchscience/ topics /naturalheritage /nases/amp nh aspxx htti)://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ http: / /wwwl.dnr.wa, og v /nhp /refdesk/i)lants.html http: / /wwwl.dnr.wa, o? v /nhp /refdesk/pubs /wa ecological systems.pddf 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet Midori farmers have built a barn in the area proposed for the reserved farm -site, and currently have 5 hoop houses for vegetable production. The barn serves as a storage space for equipment and animal feed, as well as a place to process seed, and eventually it will house an on -site food processing kitchen when funding becomes available, thus allowing an increase in production and sales of value -added farm products (sauerkraut and kimchi). They hope to build a permanent home at some point, and easement funding would help that reach that goal, as well as permanently preserve the agricultural values of the land. b. Describe any participation by the current property owner in any other agricultural land conservation programs, including the program and nature of the involvement. None at this time. 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 farms that make up the Quilcene Farm Center are all recognized farms in the agricultural community of Jefferson County and contribute significantly to the agricultural economy through their thriving businesses and employment of approximately 14 farmers, interns and seasonal workers. Local residents and those in the broader Seattle region benefit from having access to the fresh organic products from Midori Farm and the surrounding farms. The naturally irrigated prime soils, scenic qualities and easy access have made this area appealing to the newer generation of farmers trying to make their way in Jefferson County. Because of its conservation values and the history of the current farmers, the Quilcene Farm Center preservation effort is also one of the top priorities of the LandWorks Collaborative (LWC). The LWC is a unique partnership with the focus of keeping working lands working in our county - on not only protecting the important farmland and forest land and keeping it affordable for successive generations, but supporting the producers so that they are successful through business planning, reinvestment in farm infrastructure and through strengthening consumer demand and markets for locally grown food. Jefferson Land Trust received letters of support for our State Farmland Preservation Program application for Quilcene Farm Center from Jefferson County, WSU, JCCD, and The Food Coop. The Quilcene Irrigation Ditch runs through the east side of the Midori and Little Quil Farms and feeds into the Little Quilcene River. Streams and wetlands on Serendipity Farm feed into the Big Quilcene River. These well managed organic farms are doing their part to ensure excellent water quality downstream in the largest oyster producing region in the state. The drainage infrastructure within this ancient alluvial floodplain area helps control flooding. The nearby Quilcene Rivers and head of Quilcene Bay have undergone extensive protection and restoration efforts by Federal, State, Jefferson County and local entities, including land protection by Jefferson County and the Land Trust. 2015 Conservation Finures Application and Score Sheet 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. Midori Farm is dedicated to providing and expanding education opportunities and demonstrations on the farm in concert with other partners in the agricultural community. They currently provide education to farm interns through the WSU FIELD Program. Midori Farm has regularly participated in the Jefferson County annual Farm Tour. If the easement is secured, the farm will also likely be one of many properties included in property tours coordinated by Jefferson Land Trust. Its location on a major Olympic Peninsula Scenic Byway and tourist route provides opportunities for both retail sales at a farm stand, and demonstration of sustainable farming practices to both tourists and residents. 11. The proposed acquisition _ includes historic or culturally significant resources and 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. NA If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical or cultural resources. 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. Midori Farm landowners have no current plans for silvicultural uses, but may selectively harvest from their forestland at some point 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 2 The words "education' and "interpretation" are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. s 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 Scare 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 dCCoes not obtain the necessary matching funding within O three years. Initials - Date February 26, 2015 11 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet C44�4gON ` 2015 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program qs >o� Score Sheet Please note: if none of the answers provided describe the project, answer "NIA" or "011. ADJUSTED CRITERIA SCORE X WEIGHT = SCORE 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 = I 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 = I 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 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? X 6 = 12 2015 Conservation Futures Application and Score Sheet 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 49 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: Certified = 3 point 4 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 Uncertified = 0 points X I= c. Participates in other conservation or restoration programs = 0 -3 points X 4= 14 MIDORI FARM PROJECT CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS ILLUSTRATIONS - 2015 Looking southeast from irrigation pond toward Midori Barn Looking south across the potato fields Vegetable starts in hoop house Prime agricultural soils - Midori Farm , Protected Farmland :•; , Jefferson Land Trust Nature Preserve 104 Other Conservation Easement K Other Conservation Land Prime farmland soils r : <A ..... �." Park n ^" Leland .., v � eY n 1, + i ae A Nip J;*r. ; Qullcene Qui`iL�Ye t Sports Park Qwlcene Esst at^'d A� Gemp9itunq I Duchene W Bay Park rk S' 4 .. .aet lndlan et Y Creep, , .. i Ole Qailcene Midori Farm ° °s Miles Site Location Ma Map For For informational purposes only. All represented are from varying j sources and approximate. Map created in Feb, 2015 N Appendix N: Landowner Acknowledgement Form Appendix H: Landowner Acknowledgement Form Landowner Information Name of Landowner 'A0A?JC8N 4 }'i-RZ(Vl'�:0v1R1'f Landowner Contact Information: lJ 0—fAr. ❑ Ms. Title: First Name: M&rkv �� Last Name: C.Dlb� f� Contact Mailing Address: Ip okd STAID `iwY �Qt�;�cPnP L j1t 983 TG G Contact E -Mail Address: .ca"n , Property Address or Location: to old S{olie ) "J Qw It po'A9v3 tG 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. 5. If I am affiliated with the project sponsor, I will recuse myself from decisions made by the project sponsor to work on or purchase my property. 3 r La er Sign tur Date Project Sponsor Information Project Name: Pk- 4ka'"Q- ^` CA t � Project Applicant Contact I i ormation: 4vr_4- i1'scm Lc J T ass i- ❑r Mr. Ms. Title c� First Name: GW'b4_ Last Name: c� ca-1'11 Mailing Address: E -Mail Address: SS 1 WJ , L) f- 10-6-5 I M rs-' a- A 18 �& o o 7 rTri� rO:ssW✓t�iLn..G�l w P ae 1 �I Manual 3, Acquisition Projects. March 1, 2014 ii�! 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- 385 -9444 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. 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 (f) 360- 379 -4487