HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchmidt Farm CFF Application Packet1
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
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.jefferson.wa.us with questions.
Background and Eligibility Information
1. Project Title:_Schmidt Farm – Phase II of Quilcene Headwaters to Bay project
2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $95,000
Conservation Futures O&M Request: $5,000
3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $100,000
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?
Paul and Mary Schmidt with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust, and a REPI
easement held by the US Department of Defense.
5. Applicant Information
Organization Name: Jefferson Land Trust
Contact: Sarah Spaeth
Title: Director, Conservation and Strategic Partnerships
Address: 1033 Lawrence Street
Phone: (360) 379-1135, ext.101 _______________________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: sspaeth@saveland.org
6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) _________________________________________________
Organization Name:___________________________________________________________________________
Contact: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____ _______________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program
Property Acquisition and/or
Operations and Maintenance Project Application
2
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
This application was approved by the sponsor’s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on January
19, 2021.
7. Site Location
Street Address or Description of Location: 255 Jakeway Rd. Quilcene 98376
Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Take Center Road south to East Quilcene Road. Head east to
Jakeway Road (just past head of Quilcene Bay). Turn left onto Jakeway Road and follow to 255
Jakeway at the end.
Section: 18
Township: 27 N
Range: 1W
Assessor’s Parcel Number(s): 701 182 005, 701 183 003
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.
Both parcels listed above are to be preserved with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land
Trust, along with a Navy REPI easement.
Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable.
701 182 005 – $581,545 current market value assessed (includes improvements), and the total current
use taxable value at $453,599
701 183 003 - $145,740 current market value, with total current use taxable value at $6,334
8. Existing Conditions
New Site: Yes No X Number of Parcels: 2
Addition to Existing Site: Yes X No Acres to Be Acquired: 67
Total Project Acreage (if different): ~195-acres (adjacent Jefferson Land Trust Preserve on Donovan
Creek + Mahan conservation easement property + Schmidt project)
Current Zoning: AP1:20
Existing Structures/Facilities: One residence, a loafing shed/shop, hay barn, silo, covered bridge
and other small outbuildings
Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: None
Current Use: Residential and agricultural uses
Waterfront (name of body of water): Jakeway Creek
Shoreline (linear feet): Approximate length - 2068 ft of Jakeway Creek
3
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: Directly adjacent to Quilcene Bay estuary and Donovan Creek riparian
habitat
9. Current Property Owner X is __is not a willing seller.
Project Description
10. In 1,000 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.
Jefferson Land Trust is seeking Conservation Futures funding in the amount of $100,000 for Phase II of
the Quilcene Headwaters to Bay project, located at the head of Quilcene Bay. The goal of the project is
to protect valuable farmland with prime soils and riparian habitat along Jakeway Creek as it flows from
the forested headwaters on the adjacent Mahan property, preserved in 2020, through the Schmidt Farm
to the Land Trust’s Lower Donovan Creek Preserve and tidal areas of Quilcene Bay (please see
attached maps for full project geography). The Schmidt property consists of mostly pastureland, is one
of the largest agricultural parcels in the Quilcene area, and the gently sloped topography and prime
agricultural soils contribute to its economic viability as a farm, making it a desirable addition to the
larger conserved acreage of both farmland and habitat at the head of Quilcene Bay. As previously
described in our 2019 and 2020 CFF applications for the Mahan property, Quilcene Bay provides rich
habitat for salmonids including federally-threatened Hood Canal summer chum salmon, Puget Sound
Chinook salmon, steelhead trout and coastal Puget Sound bull trout, as well as Strait of Georgia coho
salmon (federal species of concern), pink salmon, and cutthroat trout. The salt marshes and Quilcene
Bay also support eelgrass and dunegrass beds that provide cover and habitat for spawning forage fish,
native shellfish, crabs, beavers, river otter, harbor seals and numerous shore and water birds including
at least nine federal or state listed species. The Land Trust and other partners including the Hood
Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD), Jefferson County
and private landowners have been working on preserving and restoring upland forests, wetland,
riparian and estuarine habitat of Quilcene Bay for nearly 30 years, and this project represents a unique
chance to preserve a missing puzzle piece of prime agricultural land and habitat and expand on those
earlier efforts.
In Phase II of this Headwaters to Bay project, we have the opportunity to work with the Schmidts to
preserve their 67 acres of historic, prime farmland and Jakeway Creek habitat. The pastureland that
comprises most of the Schmidt Farm has been in agricultural use for nearly 100 years, almost
exclusively for raising dairy cows and more recently for beef cattle and hay production. In addition to
the one residence located in the NE corner of the farm, agricultural infrastructure includes one hay shed
(former dairy barn), one concrete silo, a finished barn "loafing shed" that includes shop space. The
pasture is currently set up with 6 large, fenced pastures, each of which provides limited access for
cattle to drink out of Jakeway Creek. The property is zoned Agricultural Production 1 house per 20
acres. Located within the middle of the southern Schmidt parcel, an odd inholding of 1.28 acres is
owned by another landowner, but the Schmidts (or any future landowners of the Schmidt property)
4
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
have the first right of refusal to acquire the small inholding when it comes up for sale.The Schmidts are
of retirement age and are ready to sell the farm, but prior to selling they want to ensure that the
property is permanently protected for agricultural use into the future. The sale of the conservation and
REPI easements will help keep this farmland affordable for the next landowners – a goal that the
Schmidts and the Land Trust share.
A conservation easement and Navy REPI easement will restrict further residential development by
retiring the estimated two additional development rights and will protect the pastureland for agricultural
uses and the Jakeway Creek buffer area for habitat values. According to WDFW, Jakeway Creek hosts
coho, cutthroat, waterfowl concentrations, trumpeter swans (plus fall chum and steelhead trout in
Donovan Cr.), and includes Priority Freshwater Emergent and Freshwater Forested/shrub Habitat and
a spotted owl management buffer. This project will also fill a gap in the protection of a continuous
corridor from the marine waters of Quilcene Bay to the forested uplands, a connection that enables
species movement from day to day and over time as the climate changes, thereby increasing resilience
and supporting biodiversity. The Navy contribution will provide the majority of the match for the CFF
program, but additional cash contributions may be added as match depending on the value of the
conservation and REPI easements.
To date, Jefferson Land Trust protects over 128 acres of riparian, wetland and estuarine habitat at the
head of Quilcene Bay through two conservation easements and fee ownership of two preserves. The
Schmidt Farm project adds an additional ~ 67-acres to this effort. Extensive restoration efforts have
been undertaken over the past decade on Jakeway and Donovan Creeks by Jefferson County
Conservation District (JCCD), Jefferson County, Jefferson Land Trust, and the Hood Canal Salmon
Enhancement Group (HCSEG). Subsequent to the 2007 replacement of a 5-ft. culvert (identified as a
fish barrier) under East Quilcene Road with a 70-ft. concrete bridge by both Hood Canal Salmon
Enhancement Group and Jefferson County Public Works, Jefferson Land Trust worked with project
partners on a major restoration project to restore lower Donovan Creek to its historic channel. We
replanted the riparian buffer and wetlands with thousands of native plants in 2016 and have been
managing the restoration site since. This effort, which is continuing, serves to enhance the natural
estuary conditions at the head of Quilcene Bay, which provide critical habitat for juvenile salmon and
other species discussed above.
Other adjacent lands are owned by Pope Resources, DNR and private landowners. Protection of the
Jakeway Creek tributary represents an important expansion of these investments and is being
developed in close partnership with the Conservation District.
See table below for budget spreadsheet.
Overarching Goal:
Preserve the 67-acre Schmidt property with easements that reduce development potential from three
residential rights to one; protect the prime soils for agricultural uses, preserve the Jakeway Creek
riparian habitat and water quality of Quilcene Bay, along with the scenic open space values of the
property which are highly visible from Center Rd and E. Quilcene Road. The success of this project will
help make the land more affordable for a future farmer/buyer and provide the Schmidt’s the peace of
mind that they have helped ensure the land stays available for farming and habitat values into the
future.
Objectives
1) Secure Jefferson County Conservation Futures funding for purchase of the conservation
easement – June 2021
5
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
2) Secure additional match funding through the Navy REPI program and other sources as needed
2021 -2022.
3) Draft the easements with landowner input and conduct due diligence activities 2021-2022
4) Obtain appraisal to determine value of CE and REPI easement funding as match for CFF
program. Purchase the two easements in fall 2022.
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.
Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired: $350,000
Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $50,000
Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $10,000
Total Project Cost: $410,000
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):
Quilcene Headwaters to Bay Preserve
Phase II Project related costs
Timeline Est. Cost CFF Request Match
Easement acquisition 2022 $350,000 $55,000
$295,000
Land acquisition related costs, i.e.
appraisal, survey, Baseline document,
Stewardship Plans, closing costs
Late 2021 and
2022
$35,000 $25,000 $10,000
Project management, admin and legal
fees
ongoing $15,000 $15,000
O&M ongoing $10,000 $5,000 $5,000
Total $410,000 Total: $100,000 $310,000
The estimate for the value of the easement acquisition is based on the current Jefferson County fair
market value assessment of the property, combined with our knowledge of the appraised value of
other conservation easements on local farmland recently. Similarly, Jefferson Land Trust completes
multiple acquisition projects a year which helps provide us experienced estimates for project
management and other administrative costs that will be needed for this project.
O & M only go to question #15:
Scored Questions
6
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
1 a. Sponsor or other organizations X will __will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation
and maintenance activities.
1 b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use
Conservation Futures program funds.
1 c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M %
Conservation Futures Funds Requested $95,000 $5,000 24%
Matching Funds/Resources* $305,000 $5,000 76%
Total Project Acquisition Cost $400,000 $10,000 100%
* If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match, please describe and provide documentation of value, location,
date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for
acquisition.
1 d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not,
funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when?
Navy REPI ___________ $250,000 Yes No _________ Yes No At closing
Jefferson Land Trust $60,000 Yes No _________ Yes No At closing
______________________ $_________ 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 (easement monitoring,
maintenance, up-keep, etc.) for the proposed project site.
2 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.
Protection and stewardship actions for this property are designed to protect the agricultural vitality of
the region along with the habitat needs for declining salmonid populations and estuary functions in
Quilcene Bay aligned with regional salmon recovery priorities. Jefferson Land Trust has developed a
rigorous program for stewardship and monitoring of conservation easement terms over the 32 years
since we were formed, 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. As
of 2021, Jefferson Land Trust has a legal defense fund of over $800,000 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, Jefferson Land Trust 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 Jefferson Land Trust holds and
stewards.
7
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
Our close partner, the Jeff. Co. Conservation District has worked with landowners in the Quilcene Bay
watershed to implement best management practices on agricultural land and to restore salmon riparian
and wetland habitat. They provided technical expertise, support, and on the ground oversight of
restoration activities. The Schmidt project provides a potential future partnership opportunity for the
Conservation District to conduct additional restoration and enhancement activities on Jakeway Creek,
which would reduce sediment buildup and improve salmon habitat.
3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency’s previous or on-going stewardship experience.
Over the 32 years since it was formed, Jefferson Land Trust has managed many acquisition projects
with several project partner organizations, including Jefferson County, The Trust for Public Land,
Northwest Watershed Institute, North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC), JCCD, HCSEG and others,
and we have been responsible for conducting or coordinating restoration activities in partnership with
many of those same agencies and organizations. We hold 65 conservation easements on 4,051 acres
and have helped with the preservation and stewardship of another 12,302 acres in Jefferson County.
The Land Trust also holds title to over 697 acres of preserves, including the 135-acre Bulis Forest
Preserve, portions of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, and salmon habitat on Chimacum, Salmon, Snow
and Donovan Creeks, the Big Quilcene and Duckabush Rivers. Stewardship activities are carried out
by professional staff with the assistance of volunteer Preserve Stewards. The Nature Conservancy and
Washington State Parks contract with Jefferson Land Trust to monitor and steward nearly 7,400 acres
of land under their control. In addition, Jefferson Land Trust stewards land owned by Jefferson County,
the City of Port Townsend and the Department of Natural Resources.
Jefferson Land Trust stewardship and monitoring protocols were developed with the guidance of the
national Land Trust Alliance, and adherence to those protocols is one of the requirements for our formal
land trust accreditation. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach to conservation. We engage with
partners in the “Chumsortium” to bring back vibrant salmon runs on Hood Canal, and in the Jefferson
LandWorks Collaborative to support big-picture thinking around the ongoing economic viability of local
farms and working forests. We partner with regional government, local and national agencies, Tribes,
peer organizations, and individual citizens to safeguard the places we love and that are crucial to the
health of our community, now and into the future.
3 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 worked with many willing landowners and sponsored 35 CFF applications
over the years since Jefferson County approved collection of the conservation futures property tax and
developed the program in 2003. These projects are found in almost all areas of East Jefferson County
and range from fee simple acquisition of nature preserves that are held by Jefferson Land Trust, or by
other entities such as the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County or the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe,
to permanent conservation easements held by Jefferson Land Trust on privately owned properties.
8
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
4 a. Property X can __cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources.
4 b. Necessary commitments and agreements __are X are not in place.
4 c. All parties __are X are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition.
If “not” to any of the above, please explain below.
Once CFF funding is secured, we will begin drafting the conservation easement and REPI easement
documents in partnership with the landowners. The landowners are eager to complete the preservation
effort and are in general agreement with the Land Trust on the provisions of the easement. We will
work out the details, followed by the appraisal process and survey of the building envelope. The Land
Trust will offer the Schmidts the fair market value purchase price of the higher-valued conservation
easement. We hope to close on this in late 2022.
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 Jefferson Co. Comprehensive Plan says that "It is Jefferson County’s intent to protect and foster
opportunities for the successful practice of agriculture. Land with prime agricultural soils clearly must be
preserved” and a soil productivity classification of 12 Animal Month Units puts the soils here in the
highest-ranking class. The Agricultural Production zoning of the property also reflects the County's
goals for this land.
The American Farmland Trust’s 2012 report Losing Ground: Farmland Protection in the Puget Sound
Region includes a Jefferson County Scorecard which identifies the need for additional farmland
protection and also acknowledges the important role of the Conservation Futures Fund in that effort.
A 2009 State Office of Farmland Protection Report notes “The legislature finds that the retention of
agricultural land is desirable, not only to produce food, livestock, and other agricultural products, but
also to maintain our state economy and preferable environmental conditions.” and this report also
documents decreasing farmland acreage and land prices rising with development pressure.
The Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development proposed Adaptation Strategies in their
“Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula” (2015). In this plan, they suggest
to “acquire and preserve existing vegetated, unprotected areas adjacent to river systems” and to
“designate and prioritize funding for additional land designated for agriculture”.
Jefferson Land Trust’s community-vetted Conservation Plan articulates the importance of preserving
agricultural lands with the community vision - A thriving, sustainable agricultural industry is prominent
in the local economy, culture, and landscape and is supported by a greater demand for local food.” (pg.
29, Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Plan, 2010). It also identifies "prime farmland soils and/or
proven productivity" and "proximity to population centers" as priorities for agricultural lands to be
protected.
The Conservation Plan also states the importance of healthy rivers and streams that enter into Hood
Canal – “Many salmonid species spend a large part of their early life stages in the estuaries, and water
quality conditions in Hood Canal are essential to their continued survival” (pg.14 and pg.17). It also
states that we should “integrate aquatic corridor and watershed scale conservation tactics”.
9
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
One of the most significant and unique features of this project is opportunity to protect a watershed that
directly feeds into Quilcene Bay, where clean water is critical for ecosystem health. Because of
substantial intact tidal marsh habitat, Quilcene Bay has been recognized as a priority ecosystem for
protection and restoration by many groups. It is a priority nearshore conservation area according to The
Nature Conservancy’s Willamette Valley-Puget Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment
(Floberg et al. 2004) because of its importance for conservation targets such as surf smelt (an
important forage fish) and Olympia oysters. Priority Conservation Areas are defined as areas of
biodiversity concentration that contain target species, communities and ecosystems and are considered
the highest priorities for conservation. It is also a priority zone for the recovery of threatened Hood
Canal summer chum salmon (Summer Chum Recovery Plan 2007) and Puget Sound bull trout
(USFWS Draft Recovery Plan for the Coastal-Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout
2004).
Furthermore, Quilcene Bay and the estuarine and palustrine wetlands nearby provide many habitat and
foraging values that are recognized by national and regional plans aimed at conserving shorebirds,
waterfowl and water birds.
Finally, the Schmidt property is specifically identified on Jefferson Land Trust’s Climate Resiliency
Spatial Conservation Planning maps that were recently created with resiliency data gathered and
analyzed by an independent consultant.
6. Conservation Opportunity or Threat:
6 a. The proposed acquisition site X does __does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which
would otherwise be lost or threatened.
6 b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique
qualities about the site.
Farmland in Jefferson County continues to be a desirable commodity and property values are
escalating to a point that farmer/buyers are being priced out of access to available farmland. We have a
window of opportunity to work with willing sellers to preserve and steward their 67 acres of working land
and habitat conservation values on site and help make the property more affordable for the next
landowner. This is key, as the Schmidts plan to sell the farm once the easements are in place. They
demonstrated a commitment to conservation with the sale of over 20 acres of their lower pasture to the
Land Trust in 2011 for habitat values. With sale of the easements on the 67-acre parcel, the
neighboring landowners may be in a position to acquire the property to expand agricultural production
beyond the current uses. The Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative may also play a role in linking a
farmer/buyer with the land once the easements are in place if the interested neighbors are unable to
acquire the property. With its central location and dramatic views of mountains and bay, future
subdivision and development seem highly likely if this property is not protected as development
pressure continues to grow in this scenic area accessible to the large urban areas of the Puget Sound
region.
7. Summarize the project’s conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values.
Conservation values of the Phase II Quilcene Headwaters to Bay project include an integrated
approach to protection of a continuous corridor between the marine waters of Quilcene Bay and
forested uplands, and Schmidt prime farmland acreage is a critical piece of that effort. Moreover, the
project will support reducing sedimentation of salmon and shellfish habitat and herring spawning
grounds, as well as connecting estuarine shoreline and low-lying agricultural lands with forested
uplands in the Jakeway Creek watershed. Conservation Futures Funds will contribute to the purchase
10
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
of a conservation easement that will protect this significant agricultural parcel from subdivision and
further development, allow for continued agricultural production and potential future restoration and
enhancement activities on Jakeway Creek.
Social and economic benefits include retaining prime agricultural land for local food production, and
preserving the viewshed of Quilcene and nearby East Quilcene Bay Road.
8. The proposed acquisition:
8 a. X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Threatened, Endangered
or Sensitive species.
8 b. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species.
8 c._ 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.1
According to WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Report, Jakeway Creek hosts coho and cutthroat
trout, and the project area includes WDFW Priority Freshwater Emergent and Freshwater
Forested/shrub Habitats, and spotted owl management buffer. Water quality from the property is
important to the health of Quilcene Bay and the conservation values of this tidal estuarine habitat as
indicated in #5 above.
Ecological values identified by the Land Trust include a riparian habitat corridor connecting upland
forest to Quilcene Bay through the Mahan CE (to the east) and the Land Trust's Lower Donovan Creek
Preserve (to the west and south). This property presents an important opportunity to fill in the gap of
protection that the Land Trust and other partners have been working on at the head of Quilcene Bay for
decades. Diverse species are found here including nesting wood ducks, black bear families, coho,
cutthroat trout, nesting bald eagles, and proximity to spotted owl and trumpeter swan habitats.
8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that wildlife habitat? If so, please provide
details.
In 1995, the Jakeway Creek riparian corridor was improved (in its adjusted location) by the JCCD
through a cost-share program with the landowner. Buffer plantings, a silt pond, and weirs were installed
to retard down cutting in the creek as an effort to improve water quality and the Jakeway Creek habitat
for salmonid species and other wildlife use. Jakeway Creek’s landforms, wet spots, and old illustrations
of creek placement show that the creek used to live farther south in both the Schmidt and Mahan
properties. We believe that the previous landowner, Al Jakeway, relocated the creek for agricultural
purposes many decades ago. Jakeway Creek now runs quite straight through the pastures of what was
a dairy farm in the past, and prior to the JCCD work, the water in the creek tested high for fecal
coliform.
1 See, for example, http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritage/pages/amp_nh.aspx
http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/
http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/plants.html
http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa_ecological_systems.pdf
11
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
9. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine
shorelines, stream/river corridors including meander zones, and riparian buffers). Please provide documentation
and maps that demonstrate the location, quality and extent of the existing buffer and adjoining habitat.
Approximately 2,000 feet of Jakeway Creek transects the property traveling from the NE corner of the
property to the SW corner as it feeds into Donovan Creek and the Quilcene Bay estuary. The JCCD
restoration project in 1995 included planting a 10-15 foot buffer with conifer species to provide shade
for salmonid species. The restoration efforts also included a remeander of the creek in the lower
reaches near Donovan Creek and out into the salt marsh area from the Quilcene Bridge upstream on
property that was previously owned by the Schmidts but is now in permanent protection as a Jefferson
Land Trust Preserve.
While the buffer plantings have increased shading of the creek, one section of trees has mostly died,
the Creek has become more incised in some stretches, and the silt pond is filling up. The landowners
have been frustrated with required permitting and delays to remove silt that has accumulated in the
pond and to perform other maintenance which they believe may be responsible for making it more
difficult for salmonids to get very far up Jakeway Creek in the last few years. There is the potential for
further riparian restoration in the lower stretch, most likely with a subsequent landowner.
10 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.
The Schmidt Farm is currently producing hay crops and is also used for grazing cattle. The landowners
have leased the desirable farmland to various local farmers including Keith Kisler, Martin Mills and the
Mahans, who currently hay the property and partner with Martin to graze his cattle. The soils include
Wapato silty clay loam and Casey silt loam, both classified by NRCS as Prime Farmland soils if drained
(and “if protected from flooding” for Wapato silty clay loam). The pasture is currently set up with 6 large,
fenced pastures, each of which provides limited access for cattle to drink out of Jakeway Creek. There
is a 15 gpm well for domestic and garden use.
The larger size of this property contributes to its economic viability as a farm, and this would be further
enhanced if it ends up being combined with the Mahan neighbor's 80-acre protected property. It is
anticipated that animal production will likely be the primary agricultural use in the future, but other crop
potential, such as grain and vegetable production has been considered by lessees of the property and
would likely be explored by any future farmer/owner.
As older family farms get subdivided and sold off, fewer and fewer larger agricultural properties are
available, and the 67 acres here (or ~80 acres total if joined with the farmland portion of the Mahan
property) provides more ag options for farmers. Jefferson LandWorks partners and the Washington
Farmland Trust could play a role in linking the Schmidt Farm opportunity with a potential farmer/buyer if
the Mahans are unable to purchase the property.
10 b. Describe the current owner’s record of implementing management practices that preserves and/or enhances
soil, water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat on the farm.
The JCCD and landowner restoration partnership on Jakeway Creek as described above was focused
on improving water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat. At the time that the restoration took
place the best management practices for animal husbandry was for controlled access for creek
watering. These are now several other watering options that future landowners can explore to keep
12
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
livestock out of the Creek, with technical assistance from the JCCD on current best management
practices.
10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water quality,
watershed function and wildlife habitat.
The acquisition of the conservation easement and REPI easement on the entire farm will provide
protection against any subdivision of the property and limit the number of residences to the current one
along with ADUs allowed under county code within a designated building envelope. Additionally, the
conservation easement will include impervious surface limitations designed to preserve the prime soils
and agricultural viability. The continuation of BMPs on the farm and continued protection and
enhancement of the buffers on Jakeway Creek will preserve soil, water and habitat quality. Continued
agricultural use will also reduce the likelihood of increased impermeable surfaces that often accompany
development—surfaces that increase runoff and reduce groundwater recharge.
All of this will enhance the watershed function and contribute to the larger effort to connect the
headwaters of Jakeway Creek to Quilcene Bay. Continued responsible farming will help control runoff
that could erode soils and add sediment to the Creek and be detrimental to habitat.
11 a. 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.
NA
11 b. Describe the current owner’s record of implementing management practices that preserves and /or enhances
soil, water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat.
NA
11 c. Describe how the property acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water
quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat.
NA
12 a. 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.
Preservation of the Schmidt Farm through purchase of a conservation easement and REPI easement
benefits our community on many levels. The scenic Schmidt Farm property is visually accessible from
East Quilcene and Center Roads and is a missing link in the larger efforts spearheaded by local
agencies and organizations to protect important agricultural lands in this Headwaters to Bay project.
Preservation is the first significant step, as this is one of the largest agricultural parcels containing prime
soils in the Quilcene area. Once protected and acquired by the next farmer, the project partners will
then have an opportunity to help the next landowners operate successful and viable businesses that
will contribute to the local economy and secure food systems. Partners have worked on significant
agricultural landscapes in the Center and Beaver Valleys as well as with farms on the Highway 101
corridor like the Boulton, Kawamoto, Midori and Serendipity Farms. The Jefferson LandWorks
Collaborative is a model of land conservation and rural economic development, with the threefold goal:
1) to ensure that there is affordable prime agricultural land in large enough tracts that the farmer can be
profitable and provide food security to our communities, 2), to ensure that farmers have access to the
business training, capital, and know-how to be profitable, and 3) to ensure that there are both the
13
2021 CF Program Application DRAFT http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program
consumer demand and robust markets to accommodate the farmers’ needs. Jefferson County is
fortunate in having farmers whose average age is below that of the national average, which bodes well
for our future, and this could be tied to efforts like conservation to keep farmland relatively affordable.
Quilcene Bay is recognized nationally as a critical estuary for commercial shellfish production, and
good water quality from the watersheds above is paramount for this industry. Salmonid populations also
benefit from preservation of pastureland (and potential restoration) of Jakeway Creek, and are critical
species of concern in the Hood Canal and Puget Sound regions. The REPI (Readiness and
Environmental Protection Integration) program is a national land-conservation funding source available
through the Department of Defense. The Hood Canal region is of great strategic importance to the
Department of Defense. As such, the Navy works with conservation partners to identify areas with
common interest for preservation of working forests, farmland, and high-value wildlife habitat. The
Schmidt Farm project represents an opportunity for the Navy and the Land Trust to work with willing
landowners to conserve land, thus protecting and buffering military installations and operating areas
from development.
12 b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded Projects? Areas that Conservation
Futures has not been able to support to date include Marrowstone Island, Toandos Peninsula, Dosewallips
Valley, Bolton Peninsula, and the West End.
Yes - the project is located at the top of the Bolton Peninsula.
13. 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 Schmidt Farm represents an excellent opportunity to educate the public on a variety of sustainable
land management practices in the Quilcene Bay watershed. The owners may be willing to allow access
for educational programs, supervised tours, field science surveys, and research. The conservation
easement reserves the right for the land trust to conduct such educational and scientific research with
landowner permission.
14. The proposed acquisition __ includes historic or culturally significant resources3 and
__ is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program.
X is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources.
X 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
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
QuilceneBay
DabobBay
Map created in March, 20 21
0 1 20.5
MilesSchmidt Farm Site Location ´
Schmidt Farm
Jefferson Land Trust Nature Preserve
Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Easement
Active Projects
Raods
For informational pu rposes only. All
data rep resented are from va rying
so urces an d a pproximate.
2017 Ae rial Ima ge (N AIP)
Quilcene
McInnis RdEast Quilcene RdCenter RdCascara DrJakeway RdMap created in March, 20 21
0 500 1,000250
FeetSchmidt FarmProject Boundary ´
Schmidt Farm
Jefferson Land Trust Nature Preserves
Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Easements
Creeks
Jeff. Co Tax Parcels
For informational pu rposes only. All
data rep resented are from va rying
so urces an d a pproximate.DabobRoadQuilcene Bay
7011820 05
7011830 03
Mahan Conservation EasementCFF 2018 & 2020
JakewayCreekDo
n
ovanCreek
SCHMIDT FARM
CONSERVATION FUTURES FUNDS ILLUSTRATIONS – 2021
Silo with view of Quilcene Bay to the south
Schmidt pastures with Jakeway Creek buffer, facing NNE
Gates to partition 5 different pastures for seasonal grazing
Western pasture, mature conifer riparian buffer, facing south toward Olympics.
Haying
Silt pond built by JCCD in 1995, facing NE