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HomeMy WebLinkAbout062722as01CABS ITerscvt Publ' Hea th TO: DATE: 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org June 21, 2022 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: AGENDA REQUEST Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, County Administrator Pinky Mingo, Environmental Public Health and Water Quality Director Tami Pokorny, Natural Resources Program Coordinator June 27, 2022 Agenda Request: Presentation of Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee Funding Recommendations for 2022 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Public Health and Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (CF Committee) Chair David Seabrook request an opportunity to present the Committee's funding recommendations for 2022. ANALYSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS: The two project applications for Conservation Futures funding were received in 2022: 1. Ruck Salmon Creek 2. Quimper Trust Land Transfer The combined total request for this year is $340,000. Conservation Futures Funds available to projects in 2022 equal $360,000. At its April 26`" meeting, the CF Committee voted unanimously to recommend both projects as presented for full funding. 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." Public Health will separately request that the BoCC hold a public hearing on the applications in coming weeks. The applications themselves will be included with that briefing packet as well and Community Health Environmental Public 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 may be viewed online at httn://www.co. iefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Conservation/conservation.asn. FISCAL IlVWACT: Costs for the presentation are negligible. RECOMMENDATION: Review the two project proposals brought forth by the CF Committee, hear the Chair's presentation of the Committee's recommendations, and ask questions. REVIEWED BY: County Administrator Community Health Developmental Disabilities 360-385-9400 360-385-9401 (f) 4/"/z' Z - Always working for a safer and healthier community Environmental Public Health Water Quality 360-385-9444 (f) 360-379-4487 615 Sheridan Street �eehson Port Townsend, WA 98368 Col www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org Public Heealt To: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners From: David Seabrook, Chair Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee Date: June 21, 2022 Subject: Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee — 2022 Funding Round Recommendations Each year, as authorized in RCW 84.34 and by the direction of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (CF Committee) receives applications from the community to fund projects that will conserve open space lands within the county for future use and enjoyment by county residents. This cycle, the CF Committee received two applications for consideration, and I'm pleased to present our funding recommendations. Both projects are located outside the City of Port Townsend and sponsored by Jefferson Land Trust. One would protect 155 acres in the Salmon Creek watershed and the second would acquire three forestry parcels totaling 107 acres that are currently leased from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The total request for funding this cycle is $340,000. Of this amount, $14,125 is requested to reimburse operations and maintenance costs. We recommend unanimously that both of the projects be awarded full funding as presented. I would like to note that, at the time of project ranking, on April 26t1i, the CF Committee was made aware that Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI), sponsor of the Camp Discovery Creek Acquisition project, had secured alternative funds and would turn back their 2021 Conservation Futures award of $140,000 upon successful closing of that acquisition. The funds were returned to the Conservation Futures Fund on May 27, 2022, increasing the amount potentially available to new projects in 2022 from $220,000 to $360,000. If the additional funds from NWI hadn't been made available, the CF Committee would have recommended to fully fund the Ruck Salmon Creek project and provide the residual amount, $85,000, to the Quimper Trust Land Transfer. Committee members visited the sites on March 29t1i, and sponsors presented their projects and answered questions during our April Sth CF Committee meeting. Each member separately scored the projects on a set of 15 questions in order to assess the merits of protecting each property for open space and the likelihood of project success. The project ranking, as determined by the scores alone, was reviewed, discussed, and confirmed at the April 26th meeting. The Ruck Salmon Creek project received 82% of the total available points, and the Quimper Trust Land Transfer project received 69%. Both projects were voted "worthy of funding". 1. Ruck Salmon Creek: Received 258.4 points out of a possible 321 points (80%). Requested $135,000; recommended funding: $135,000. 2. Quimper Trust Land Transfer: Received 220.2 points (69%). Requested $205,000; recommended funding: $205,000. Thank you for your consideration of the CF Committee's recommendations for the 2022 funding cycle. If Community Health Environmental Public 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 you have questions, please contact me at pontrello@gmail.com or Tami Pokorny at tpokornygco.j efferson.wa.us. Community Health Developmental Disabilities 360-385-9400 360-385-9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community Environmental Public Health Water Quality 360-385-9444 (f) 360-379-4487 Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (CFCOC) Ranking Meeting Draft Summary April 26, 2022 by Zoom Connection * Decisions and action items are indicated in bold font. Members Present: Phil Andrus, District 2; Mary Biskup, District 1; Guy Dobyns, Vice Chair, District 3; Rob Harbour, Interest — Working Lands; Richard Jahnke, Interest — Coastal Areas; Joanne Pontrello, District 2; Ron Rempel, Interest — Wildlife Conservation Biology; Craig Schrader, Interest —Climate Change; Dave Seabrook, Chair, Interest — Food Security; Dave Wilkinson, District 1 Members Absent: Scott Brinton, Interest —Agriculture; Lorna Smith, Interest — Ecotou rism County Staff Present: Tami Pokorny, Environmental Public Health Non-members Present: Rebekah Brooks (Rebekah Brooks Contracting) Call to Order: Chair David Seabrook called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. Welcome and Introductions III. Approval of Minutes: The November 22, 2021 CFCOC Meeting minutes were accepted at the last meeting. Richard Jahnke moved to approve the May 5, 2022 CFCOC Meeting Minutes; Ron Rempel seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Committee discussed reducing the review and approval process of draft minutes to one step instead of two in the future. *Tami Pokorny will include that decision in the next CFCOC Meeting agenda. IV. Approval of Draft Agenda: The agenda was accepted by consensus as written. V. Guest Observer comments: None http://www.co.iefferson.wa.us April 26, 2022 VI. Old Business: None VII. Sub -committee Report: None VIII. New Business: A. Appearance of Fairness Forms: - --- Tami Pokorny reported that she had received forms from each of the members. No one identified any conflicts of interest to disclose. B. Review of Project Ranking Process: Tami gave an overview of the ranking process, which begins with stating whether or not each project is worthy of funding. This is based on the project earning a score of at least 70%, or an exception being made by the Committee to declare the project worthy of funding regardless of the score. At least $220,000 of funding is available as the Committee's annual allotment. An additional $140,000 may be returning to the CFCOC from The Northwest Watershed Institute; they expect to be able to fund the Camp Discovery Creek project through different means, but will confirm this after closing early next month. Tami suggested that the Committee recommend an alternate project to have in place in the event those returned funds are available. She needs to have recommendations for the funding in time for the Board of County Commissioners' (BoCC) hearing in June. Richard Jahnke suggested that the CFCOC proceed with votes on which projects are worthy of funding, rank them according to existing funding, and provide a third motion for how to move forward with the possible additional funding. The Committee agreed that it would be best to produce a clean recommendation to the BoCC that would not require the CFCOC to reconvene in the event that the funds become available. *Tami also requested any comments on the projects from Committee members, and encouraged attendance at the BoCC hearing. C. Presentation of Composite Scores: Tami presented the compilation of Committee members' score sheets. Ruck Salmon Creek ranked in first place, scoring 258.4 points at 81.6%, and the Quimper Trust Land Transfer came in second with 220.2 points at 69%. Rob Harbour moved to approve both projects as worthy of funding; Mary Biskup seconded. The group discussed the Quimper Trust Land Transfer project. The motion passed with all in favor. D. Project Ranking and Funding Recommendations for Quimper Trust Land Transfer and Ruck Salmon Creek: The Ruck Salmon Creek project request was for $135,000, and the Quimper Trust Land Transfer request was for $205,000. Guy Dobyns suggested fully funding the Ruck Salmon Creek project, and to allocate the remaining funds to Quimper Trust Land Transfer. In the case of returned funds, Quimper Trust Land Transfer could be fully funded. The group discussed the merits of the two projects, agreeing that Ruck was the most immediate need and more time was left on the Quimper lease if it could not be fully funded at this time. Richard Jahnke moved to fully fund Ruck Salmon Creek at $135,000, and to recommend that the remainder of this year's allocation of $85,000 be given to Quimper Trust Land Transfer; Rob Harbour seconded. Phil Andrus made a friendly amendment that the group discussed and Richard Jahnke accepted: If additional funds become available, the full request amount of $205,000 are to be designated to Quimper Trust Land Transfer, with any residual funds remaining with the CFCOC. The motion passed with all in favor. Tami asked for any thoughts from the Committee on the value of the projects to be *emailed to her in time for the June BoCC meeting. Phil requested that Tami distribute the composite score sheets; *Tami will send them out to the Committee and Rebekah Brooks. IX. Announcements/Administrative: A. Staff Update: Tami Pokorny will inform the group when she hears back from the County attorney on any Bylaws revisions; she hopes to have news by the end of May. She suggested that the Committee meet sooner rather than later if they anticipated making many changes, but otherwise they could wait to meet again until the fall. She announced a District 3 vacancy, and mentioned that Scott Brinton and Lorna Smith were also considering retirement from the CFCOC. Joanne Pontrello added that she knew two people who were interested in joining the Committee from Districts 1 and 3. B. Next Meeting: Dave Seabrook suggested waiting until they heard back from the County attorney on the Bylaws before scheduling the next meeting. *Tami will be in touch to arrange a Bylaw Subcommittee meeting over the summer if necessary; Subcommittee volunteers included Phil Andrus, Rob Harbour, Ron Rempel and Dave Seabrook. The next full Committee meeting was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 10/4/22 at 3:00 PM. X. Guest Observer Comments: None XI. Adjournment: Chair Dave Seabrook adjourned the meeting at 3:49 PM. Action Items: *Tami Pokorny will include a decision on the process of approving future CFCOC meeting minutes in the next meeting agenda. *Please email any thoughts on the value of the recommended projects to Tami Pokorny in time for the June BoCC meeting. *Tami will send the composite score sheet out to the Committee and Rebekah Brooks. *Tami will be in touch to arrange a Bylaw Subcommittee meeting over the summer if necessary. Meeting Summary prepared by Rebekah Brooks SON 2022 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program ti Property Acquisition Project and/or 1 0 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 QuimperTrust Land Transfer 2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $199,500 Conservation Futures O&M Request: $5,500 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $205,000 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. X Warranty Deed _ Easement _ Other (Please describe below.) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Jefferson County 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Jefferson County Contact: N/A Title: Address: Phone: O - , ext. Email: 6. Sponsor Information: (f different than applicant) Organization Name: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Director of Conservation & Strateeic Partnerships Address: 1033 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 379-9501, ext. 101 Email: sspaeth(@saveland.org Fax: O - , ext. Fax: O - , ext. This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc) on March 15, 2022. 1 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 7. Project Location Street Address or Description of Location: "Quimper West" & "Baby Quimper": North Jacob Miller Road (across from Stillpoint Lane). Port Townsend, WA "Quimper East": Elmira St (at Lanes End Lane). Port Townsend, WA Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Quimper West: From Port Townsend, head west on Hastings Ave and then turn right onto North Jacob Miller Road. Travel approximately 3/4mile to the driveway entrance (old forestry gate approx. 50 ft into driveway). Baby Quimper: From Port Townsend, head west on Hastings Ave and then turn right onto North Jacob Miller Road. Travel approximately 3/4miles -it lies about 350 feet east of the larger Quimper West property (across North Jacob Miller Rd.). Quimper East: From Port Townsend, head west on Hastings Ave and then turn right onto Cook Avenue. Travel approximately .6 miles, turn left onto Elmira St. and travel to the end of the road. The property is on the left side of the road. Section: 32 (Quimper West & Baby); Section 33 (Quimper East) Township: 31 Range: 1W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): Quimper West-101324001 & 101323004 Baby Qu imper - 999007201 Quimper East-101333002 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 are currently owned by Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), leased by Jefferson County. All the parcels will be fully transferred to Jefferson County with the help of CF funds. Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable. These State-owned properties are not assessed for tax values by Jefferson County. At the time that the lease was initiated in 2009, the fee -simple value of the properties was $1,585,000, with the remaining value after the lease payment $228,800. Given current real estate property trends, Jefferson Land Trusts expects that the value will likely have doubled over the last 13 years. 8. Existing Conditions New Site: Yes No Addition to Existing Site: Yes No Number of Parcels: Four 4 Acres to Be Acquired: 107 Total Project Acreage (if different): 138 acres in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor permanently protected to date by Jefferson County, City of Port Townsend, and Jefferson Land Trust. 2 2022 CF Application - Quimper Trust Land Transfer Current Zoning: Rural Residential 1:20; currently under DNR Managed Timberlands. Existing Structures/Facilities: None Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: 50-year lease by Jefferson County under the DNR Trust Land Transfer program. Current Use: -Leased by Jefferson County for fish and wildlife habitat, open space, or recreation uses. Waterfront (name of body of water): None Shoreline (linear feet): None Owner Tidelands/Shorelands:_N/A 9. Current Property Owner X is is not a willing seller. From the Lease between DNR and Jefferson County: "3.02 Option to Purchase the Remainder of the Fee Interest. At any time during this Lease, Lessee may request to purchase the residual value of the fee interest by submitting an offer to accept a land transfer that contains the terms and conditions of the offer..." 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 project relates to a larger conservation program (please identify), 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 sponsoring this application on behalf of Jefferson County to transfer the fee -simple ownership of three properties owned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to Jefferson County ownership. These parcels are located in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor —just outside of the Port Townsend city limits —identified as three distinct properties nearby each other. These properties are commonly referred to as "Quimper West" (78.8 acres), "Quimper East" (27.5 acres), and "Baby Quimper" (0.83 acres), 107 acres in total. In 2008, Jefferson County applied to purchase these properties from DNR through Washington State's Trust Land Transfer program. Usually, Trust Land Transfer (TLT) projects result in the fee - simple ownership by another governmental entity (such as county government); however, in 2008, the Washington State legislature instead decided to award a 50-year lease to TLT applicants, rather than fee - simple ownership. The result was that in 2009, DNR and Jefferson County entered into a 50-year lease with the option for Jefferson County to purchase the remaining value of the property at a future date before the expiration of the lease. The lease temporarily takes the three DNR properties out of School Trust management, protecting the properties from forestry management by DNR forthe duration of the lease. Related to the future acquisition by the County, Section 3.02 of the lease states, `The terms and conditions of the offer must include a deed restriction that restricts the Permitted Use of the Property to fish and wildlife 3 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer habitat, opens space, or recreation use in conformance with Washington Laws..., and require that the Premises no longer be used for any other purposes." Property Reference Mao Simultaneous to Jefferson County leasing the Quimper TLT properties, Jefferson County entered into a Stewardship Agreement with Jefferson Land Trust to support the necessary stewardship and management activities for these three properties which the Land Trust has been fulfilling for over a dozen years. Jefferson Land Trust intends to continue assisting the County in steward ing these properties; the Land Trust and the County will update this joint stewardship agreement prior to or upon acquisition. Seeing the critical value in having these 107 acres permanently protected from DNR forestry activities and from the potential for future development, Jefferson Land Trust approached Jefferson County staff and commissioners in 2020 to offer to fund raise for, and spearhead the project management of, the transfer of the Quimper TLT properties. County commissioners and staff were supportive and excited by the idea, as they had already planned to acquire the fee -simple interest sometime before the 50-year lease with DNR expired. In March of 2021, Jefferson Land Trust initiated a community fundraising campaign called the Quimper Wildlife Corridor Challenge, which aimed to raise $1.76 million dollars to protect an additional 164 acres in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, including the permanent protection of the three Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties by Jefferson County. Given the exponential rises in real estate costs in Jefferson County beginning in early 2020, the goal of raising $1.76 for the Quimper Wildlife Corridor has become insufficient for protecting 164 acres; therefore we are applying to Conservation Futures for $205,000 toward the Trust Land Transfer properties. The estimated value of the three TLT properties is difficult to predict based upon recent timber and land appraisals, and DNR will not have completed their certified appraisal until October2022; however, we have estimated $343,200 for Jefferson County to purchase the remaining value in the Quimper TLT properties. 48.8% from CF funds, and 51.2% is matched from community fundraising by Jefferson Land Trust. Three Top Objectives: 4 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 1) Jefferson Land Trust secures $205,000 in CFfunds, which completes the necessary fundraising for the remaining value and project costs in the Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties. 2) Jefferson Land Trust conducts project management on behalf of Jefferson County, including working with DNR to conduct appraisal, seek approval from state DNR board, and secure the Purchase and Sale Agreement for Jefferson County. 3) Jefferson County secures permanent ownership of the 107 acres, permanently protecting the properties for habitat, open space, and recreation; Jefferson Land Trust and Jefferson County collaboratively update thejoint stewardship plan to continue management of the 107 acres. The physical characteristics of the properties are primarily forested on nearly -level ground. The Quimper West property is approximately 79 acres of mixed -age forest that includes grand fir, cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock, madrone, with diverse hardwood and understory species. The property can be described as healthy, structurally diverse, and is on track to achieving old -growth forest characteristics such as large downed logs, standing snags, and mixed aged trees. Previous forestry management by DNR within the Quimper West property resulted in one primary logging road and some spur roads, which have now been utilized by the local community for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails for decades. Baby Quimper is a forested 0.83-acre property and is surrounded by private, residential properties and Jefferson Land Trust preserve. Current and future management of Baby Quimper is primarily to ensure that conservation values are not threatened by noxious weeds or property line encroachment. The Quimper East property is 27.5 acres and is a fairly uniform forest of dense, regenerating Douglas fir that was planted after a clearcut by DNR in 1980s. The understory is primarily salal, and this property could benefit from ecological forest management to help it in the recovery from commercial management. The planned future uses of the property will be continuing to provide habitat protection, open space and recreational opportunities through trail access (on Quimper West). The Quimper East property does not have developed trails and will benefit from ecological forestry management (described further in questions #10 and 11). This project is a priority for Jefferson Land Trust and Jefferson County as it will permanently protect 107 acres from commercial forestry activities and the potential for future residential development. The Quimper TLT properties provide habitat for wildlife, recreational trails for citizens and tourists alike, and open space that broadly benefits the county by protecting maturing forests and wetlands that sequester carbon, filter stormwater, and maintain the rural character of the Olympic Peninsula. 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: Total Estimated Acquisition -related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $409,200 Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $11,000 Total Project Cost: $420,200 5 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 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): At the time that the current lease by Jefferson County was initiated, the Washington State legislature compensated the Department of Natural Resources $985,000 for the fair -market lease value; the remaining value in the property at that time was $228,800. It has been over 12 years since that appraisal, and with rising real estate and timber costs, Jefferson Land Trust estimates the remaining value of the property may be $343,200. However, we will not know the definite value of the property until DNR conducts its own appraisal (a requirement of the TLT program). The project administration and acquisition -related costs are estimated based upon recent acquisition projects by Jefferson Land Trust. The 0&M costs are based upon the annual average amount of Land Trust staff time spent stewarding the Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties, as well as funding for signage. Quimper Trust Land Conservation Futures Match (Community Total Transfer Request FundraisingbyLand Trust) Property Acquisition $180,500 $162,700 $343,200 0&M (monitoring, $5,500 $5,500 $11,000 signage) Acquisition -related costs $19,000 $30,000 $49,000 ( appraisal, closing costs, management plan) Project Ad ministration $0 $17,000 $17,000 (staff time, attorney costs) Total $205,000 $215,200 $420,200 (48.8%) (51.2%) (100%) O & M only go to question #15: Scored Questions 1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions for acquisition from groups, agencies or individuals? 1 a. Sponsor or other organizations X will will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation and maintenance activities. I b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. 6 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer I c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M % Conservation Futures Funds Requested $199,500 $5,500 48.8% Matching Funds/Resources* $209,700 $5,500 51.2% Total Project Acquisition Cost $409,200 $11,000 100% * 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? Community Fundraising by $215,200 Yes No Yes No Jefferson Land Trust NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation ofproperty 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. To what degree does the project sponsor commit to provide long-term stewardship for the proposed project? 2 a. Sponsoring agency X is is not prepared to provide long-term stewardship (easement monitoring, maintenance, up -keep, etc.) for the proposed project. 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. As described in the Project Description above, Jefferson Land Trust and Jefferson County entered into a Stewardship Agreement for the Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties when the lease was initiated in 2009. This Stewardship Agreement ensures that the Land Trust performs annual monitoring with documentation to the County, works with volunteers to undertake necessary stewardship activities such as noxious weed control, trash removal, and more, and consults with Jefferson County staff who may assist with activities. Jefferson Land Trust and the County plan to continue this relationship after the County secures ownership, but the Stewardship Agreement will need to be updated after the lease is terminated by the purchase. Some of the acquisition -related costs in this application will go toward the renewal of the Stewardship Agreement and development of a Management Plan collaboratively between Jefferson County and Jefferson Land Trust. 3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a similar project? As described above in question 2b, Jefferson Land Trust has been stewardingthese 107 acres since 2009-- in collaboration with Jefferson County staff when their capacity allows. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency's previous or on -going stewardship experience. 7 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer As an accredited Land Trust through the national Land Trust Alliance, Jefferson Land Trust has experience successfully managing and stewarding various types of preserves. Jefferson Land Trust conducts diligence and appropriate monitoring, stewardship, and management for all fee -simple properties that we own. This includes at least annual monitoring of the protected properties by professional staff and trained volunteers, and extensive data collection and management. We have a well -developed Preserve Steward program which provides an opportunity for long-term volunteerism through quarterly monitoring of all Land Trust preserves. We have utilized these same tools for stewarding the three Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties since 2009, and we plan to assist the County in this form of stewardship after its full acquisition. 3 b. Has the project sponsor and/or applicant 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 been the successful applicant of many Conservation Futures Fund projects over the years, providing us many years of experience in working with County staff to successfully implement protection projects across multiple ecosystems of Jefferson County. 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 and Short Family Farm 2013; Quimper Wildlife Corridor and Snow Creek Irvin and Jenks, 2014; Midori Farm, 2015; QWC 2016 Addition, Tarboo Creek, Farm and Forest 2016; Serendipity Farm, Snow Creek Taylor and Tarboo Iglitzin 2017; Chimacum Forest, Marrowstone Mize, Snow Creek Mid -Reach Forest 2018; Tarboo Forest Addition 2019; Ruby Ranch 2018 & 2020; Quilcene Headwaters to Bay 2019 & 2020; Arlandia 2020; Quimper Wildlife Corridor Additions 2021; and Hannan Farm 2021. 4. To what degree is the acquisition feasible? 4 a. Property X can _cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources. 4 b. Necessary commitments and agreements X are _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. The cost of the acquisition will be determined by the appraisal conducted by DNR in 2022. Per the terms of the existing lease, the State (DNR) must conduct the appraisal for the remaining value of the property. Jefferson Land Trust staff and County Commission Heidi Eisenhower have been working with DNR staff on initiating the appraisal; the appraiser for the project was chosen by DNR staff in March 2022 and is expected to be completed by autumn 2022. 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? 8 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 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 this project's importance to the plan. Please also 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. This project area is well -supported by many partners and conservation plans. The Land Trust, the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Department of Natural Resources, the local Audubon and Native Plant Society Chapters, and US Fish & Wildlife have been partnering on the protection project of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor since the mid 1990's. Both City and County Comprehensive Plans speak to the importance of habitat corridors and trail networks and recognize the value of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor (QWC). The Nature Conservancy's 2015 Territorial Resistance evaluation shows the QWC has having beneficial 'medium to low resistance' to connectivity. The Land Use Vison in Jefferson County's 2018 Comprehensive Plan says, "Priorities protect open spaces, forests, and farmland for long-term management and conservation, while also embracing ideas that foster opportunities for increased synergy between natural and built environments." The Comp Plan's Open Space, Parks, and Recreation element supports the County's Land Use Vision "by promoting active recreation and networks of trails, bike lanes, and paths that support the economy and empower residents to make healthy choices." The County's Comprehensive Plan policies include: • "Partner to establish and conserve a sustainable system of open space corridors • Identify and conserve critical wildlife habitat, including nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration corridors within or adjacentto natural areas, open spaces, and developed urban areas. Preserve especially sensitive habitat sites that support threatened species and wildlife habitat in developed areas • Preserve and protect significant environmental features including unique wetlands, open spaces, woodlands, shorelines • Promote open space network linkages throughout the county that connect Urban Areas, Rural Centers, schools, parks, or recreation sites, and supports tourism by bicycle, horse, or foot." The Habitat chapter of the Land Trust's Conservation Plan (2008) identifies four'priority places', one of which is wildlife corridors. In that Plan, a 'habitat public awareness conservation action' is to involve the community and connect them directly with wildlife habitat, and a 'habitat climate change conservation action' is to implement critical wildlife corridor campaigns. Additionally, a Habitat Climate Change Action in the Land Trust's 2020-2024 Strategic Plan is to "Develop and implement critical wildlife corridor conservation campaigns throughout the County", and within this Action, is the Objective "Protect corridors of habitat that facilitate wildlife movement and plant regeneration", followed by the Outcome of protecting additional priority properties within the sensitive Quimper Wildlife Corridor. 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? 6 a. The proposed acquisition site X does _does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which would otherwise be lost or threatened. The Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties are only temporarily protected under lease by the County; the best way to ensure that these 107 acres will be protected for habitat, open space, and recreation is to transfer the properties completely into County ownership. Otherwise, the properties will be available for 9 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer usual DNR forestry management once the lease expires, or potentially sold to private landowners or developers if DNR decides to divest the properties in the future. 6 b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique qualities about the site. The timeline and project management for this protection project is quite complex since it involves several stakeholders. The fact that Jefferson Land Trust is close to securing the totaIf unding needed for County acquisition, that County staff and commissioners are prepared to take on the properties, and that the current DNR Board is interested in transferring their TLT-leased lands makes this timeline for acquisition in 2022-2023 a priority. Jefferson Land Trust has been made aware that at different times, other DNR Boards may not be in favor of transferring their leased properties —therefore we need to act now while we have willing landowners. 7. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the amount of CF funds requested? Yes, Jefferson Land Trust is proposing to cover 51% of the total project cost for this property that will be owned by Jefferson County, therefore providing a great value to the County. 7 a. Summarize the project's conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values. The Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties provide strong conservation values of mature, diverse forest, open space, and recreational value (pedestrian, bicycle, and horse -back). 8. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat for anadromous fish species? 8 a. X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat specific to the project and/or State or Federal (NOAA and USFWS) Candidate, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species (provide list and references). Baby Quimper buffers a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland (PHS Listed) directly to the northeast. Golden eagles are seen in QWC (PHS candidate), as well as Vaux's swift seen in QWC (listed in PHS). 8 b. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. The diverse and maturing forested features are home to a diversity of flora and fauna species, including mammals such as mountain beaver, cougar, coyote, and historic elk. The plant list is extensive but includes serviceberry, deer fern, salmonberry, red flowering currant, Indian pipe, ocean spray, black gooseberry and many others. 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 ofspecies' use.' The Quimper TLT properties are part of the larger Quimper Wildlife Corridor, which is a 3.5-mile long greenbelt of native vegetation spanning unincorporated Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend. The Quimper Wildlife Corridor's broad swath of connected forests, meadows, and wetlands are home to hundreds of species of plants, trees, animals, and birds — some seasonal and some that are year-round 10 2022 CF Application - Quimper Trust Land Transfer residents. Using the corridor, a variety of wildlife can migrate from Fort Worden State Park to McCurdy Point along Discovery Bay, and then venture onto the larger forested areas of the Quimper Peninsula. The whole QWC covers a 100-year floodp[ain and includes a large natural drainage basin that filters urban stormwater, protecting water quality in our aquifers and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where 70 percent of Puget Sound's seabird populations nest on nearby Protection Island, including listed Harlequin ducks, and endangered Tufted puffins. While not directly providing habitat for the above listed Harlequins and puffins, the Quimper TLT properties contribute to the preservation of intact habitat buffering these flyways. 8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so, please provide details. The current owner, WA Department of Natural Resources, is not participating in any conservation programs while the properties are leased to Jefferson County. 9. To what degree does the project protect habitat for anadromous fish species? 9 a. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine shorelines, stream or 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. These properties do not include marine shorelines, streams, or rivers. 10. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR forestland for silvicultural use? 10 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural or silviculture use of the proposed acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is acquired with Conservation Futures funds. Jefferson County has not finalized its decisions about how the properties will be managed after acquisition. However, the DNR Trust Land Transfer program requires that deeds be recorded at the time of transfer that will restrict how the properties can be managed. The properties can only be transferred to governmental entities for the purposes of habitat, open space, and recreation. Under these terms, agricultural uses will be prohibited and sivicultural activites will be restricted. Jefferson County will be able to manage the properties using ecological forestry tools to enhance the habitat values and health of the forested properties —which may result in revenue from the harvest —but forest harvest cannot happen with the primary purpose being revenue generation. 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 current landowner's primary purpose in owning these properties has been to fulfill the legal obligation to generate revenue for their designated beneficiaries such as schools. DNR follows Washington State's Forest Practice Rules which aim to balance commercial revenue and protection of water and soil. 10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat. The County has been working with Malloree Weinheimer of Chickadee Forestry for several years about implementing a forest management plan across all County -owned forestland; County staff currently believes that the Quimper Trust Land Transfer parcels would be managed with a similar focus of improving forest health. 11 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland? These properties are not eligible to be farmland, and they will remain as protected forestland after the transfer of ownership to Jefferson County. 11. Climate change: 11 a. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and/or mitigate climate change? The vision of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor project is to protect a continuous corridor within and adjacent to increasing urban area of Port Townsend and reducing habitat fragmentation. Anticipated climate change will continue to increase Olympic Peninsula forest's susceptibility to wildfire and diseases, but ecological forest management such as what is being implemented on County -owned properties with Chickadee Forestry can increase climate resiliency. More specifically, the forest will contribute to resiliency by aiding in water retention and percolation to recharge groundwater. The diverse habitat features and connectivity conservation values here can be expected to continue as the climate changes. Carbon storage in the forest helps offset climate impacts of human development and lifestyles. Recreational and educational conservation values will also remain even with anticipated climate change. 12. What area does the project serve? 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. The project benefits a broad county area because Quimper West provides recreational opportunities open to the public. Additionally, the multiple jurisdictions involved in the protection of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor (County, City, State, non -profits) demonstrate the broad support that the protection of these forests and wetlands have. 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. No. 13. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource? 13 a. 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.' Quimper West has already been developed as providing public access through pedestrian trail access and the installation of informative and interpretive kiosks. The kiosks were developed nearly a dozen years ago and in 2022 Jefferson Land Trust is already in the process of replacing the signage kiosks to provide more up-to-date information to community members and visitors about the flora and fauna species on site, conservation work to -date, and the history around the multi -stakeholder effort to protect these properties. Jefferson Land Trust is regularly approached by educational groups such as CedarRoot Folk School, public school districts, Natural History Society, and geology groups for access to conserved lands to conduct their mission -oriented educational programming. The Quimper Trust Land Transfer properties could be appropriate for such educational uses and would need to be solidified in an updated management plan with Jefferson County after its acquisition. 2 The words "education" and "interpretation" are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. 12 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources39 14 a. The proposed acquisition _ includes historic or culturally significant resources4 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. _ none of the above. Jefferson Land Trust has an ever -deepening partnership with the Tribes of the Olympic Peninsula, including by having conversations about Tribal citizens harvesting culturally significant species and creating protections of culturally -modified trees on protected lands. Neither DNR, Jefferson Land Trust, nor Jefferson County have had the Tribes out to these QuimperTrust Land Transfer properties for assessment of cultural resources, but Jefferson Land Trust is working to have deeper Tribal relevance in the creation of our management and stewardship plans. O & M Stand Alone Projects 15. Applications for Operation and Maintenance funding only to be scored on a scale of 1-100 based on information provided. Consider the CF Manual and the topics below, for example: 15 a. Please describe in detail, the reason O & M funds are needed, proposed O & M activities, and how they protect resources cited in the original acquisition project. Attach additional information such as up-to-date stewardship plan, maps, field reports, work plan, budget, timeline, etc., to support the application, if appropriate. O & M projects must address a compelling, immediate need. Specifically include whether the project has an up- to-date stewardship plan. If there is such a plan, is it being implemented and is the proposed O & M work specifically included in the plan? Also, describe any unforeseen or urgent threats to the resource conservation values of the site and whether the proposed O & M activities will mitigate those threats and/or prevent potential future threats. Verification 16. Sponsor commitments: 16 a. Sponsors of projects that are approved for funding by the Board of County Commissioners are required to submit a brief progress report by October 30 every year for three years after the award is approved, or three years after the acquisition funds are disbursed to the applicant, whichever is later. The progress report must address any changes in the project focus or purpose, progress in obtaining matching funding, and stewardship and maintenance. Sponsors receiving O & M funds will also submit an annual report for each year that O&M funds are expended. The Committee will use the information to develop a project "report card" that will be submitted annually to the Board of County Commissioners. 16 b. If this project 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. 5 S Initials 312 C' Date 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. 13 2022 CF Application — Quimper Trust Land Transfer 16 c. If, three years after the date funding is approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the project sponsor has 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 project 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. 5 S Initials 3/4- Date 16 d. The applicant has reviewed all project �qu it ments and all information in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. S S Initials 1 Date 16 e. The sponsor commits to providing long-term stewardship to achieve the conservation and protection goals of the project as proposed in this application or as may be modified with recommendation of the CF Committee and approval of the BoCC. Initials `3 iL !r Date 14 2022 CF Application - Quimper Trust Land Transfer }| \ E y ° Co �\A §k? \2=A �=e\f _ 0- = o = c f c / § u k E } k k < \ / § a)0).- _ c- \ LL -a E / � � _0 � � � 4-J V 0 F ro � u � � � � � .= CY Fn : ' f y , 5 . + f ����� � �3}�'*7"i - mow.. - _•. � -,.. i�i �� - ��'• .•E , p - w, 3, r iL Ski Y p- i�4Ali SI sYRow. jzg _ :Y L.� 17 Y,. 264 �}.. �� ' �. ��'�>�� __. �.`���. a ''►'°' a� 1 "f� i yj io tV P 4, 0 00" 0 V� 44 Quimper East- wet forest conditions on east side of property LAND IT RUS"h March 2, 2021 Bob Winslow, Trust Land Transfer Project Manager Washington Department of Natural Resources Olympia, WA 98504 Dear Mr. Winslow - Jefferson County and Jefferson Land Trust are following up on our earlier conversations about the possibility of Jefferson County acquiring the remainder fee interest in the three DNR TLT properties shown below that are currently under 50-year renewable leases to our County. We would like to initiate this process as outlined in section 3.02 of the leases, and we understand that the next step is for the State to obtain appraisals of the remainder fee interest for each of the properties. Jefferson Land Trust is prepared to pay, in advance, the cost of those appraisals if you can let us know what that cost will be. Once we have the appraised values, the County, Jefferson Land Trust and community will be in a position to assemble the necessary funding to submit an offer reflecting the fair market value at the time of the appraisal. Thank you. Since yours, P flip Morl ministrator 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend, WA 98368 SCs1C4—' Sarah Spaeth, Jefferson Land Trust Director of Conservation and Strategic Partnerships 1033 Lawrence St., Port Townsend, WA 98368 cc: Brock Millern, Conservation, Recreation, and Transactions Division Dave Gordon Name Acres +/- Lease Term Fee Ownership TLT Lease Value at time Value paid by of lease legislature Quimper 81 acres 50 years; ends in $1,155,000 $985,000 Peninsula 2059 West Quimper 28 acres 50 years; ends in $430,000 $371,200 Peninsula East 2059 Thorndyke 50 acres 50 years; ends in $681,000 $619,000 2059 JetPerson Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) non profit, tax-exempt private corporation. ww�$ON C0G� 2022 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program ti Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application SFI I N G`S� 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 Ruck Salmon Creek 2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $126,375 Conservation Futures O&M Request: $8,625 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $135,000 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. X Warranty Deed _ Easement _ Other (Please describe below) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Jefferson Land Trust 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Director of Conservation & Strateeic Partnerships Address: 1033 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 379-9501, ext. 101 Email: sspaeth(@saveland.org 6. Sponsor Information: (f different than applicant) Organization Name: Contact: Fax: O - , ext. Title: Address: Phone: O - ext. Fax: O - ext. Email: This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc) on March 15, 2022. 1 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 7. Project Location Street Address or Description of Location: 922 W Uncas Rd. Port Townsend, WA 98368 Driving Directions from Port Townsend: From Port Townsend, travel south on State Route 20 toward Discovery Bay. The project area is located near the junction of Hwy 101 and State Route 20, at the head of Discovery Bay. From the Discovery Bay store, turn South off of 101 onto West Uncas Road and follow to 922 W. Uncas Road. This is the driveway to the Reseck residence and the physical access onto the Ruck property. Section: 27 Township: 29 N Range: 2W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): 902272000 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. 902272000 current ownership is private; proposed ownership is fee -simple acquisition by Jefferson Land Trust using Conservation Futures, WA State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and WA State WWRP Riparian Habitat fu nds. Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable. 902272000: $328,674 8. Existing Conditions New Site: Yes No Addition to Existing Site: Yes Total Project Acreage (if different): Number of Parcels: 1 Acres to Be Acquired: 155.3 Current Zoning: CF-80 (Commercial Forestry 1:80) Existing Structures/Facilities: Vacant land except for Bonneville Power Administration utility corridor through a section of the eastern side of the parcel (approximately 200 feet wide by 2,350ft long). Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: Easements for transmission of electrical utility lines, currently operated by Bonneville Power Administration. Current Use: Designated Forest Land by Jefferson County Assessor Waterfront (name of body ofwater): Salmon Creek and 6 tributaries to Salmon Creek Shoreline (linear feet): 1.1 miles of Salmon Creek (rive mile 1.4-2.4) and 0.68 miles of tributaries to Salmon Creek Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: Frank Ruck (landowner) 9. Current Property Owner X is is not a willing seller. 2 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 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 project relates to a larger conservation program (please identify), 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 applying for Conservation Futures funds to acquire the fee -simple interest in the 155-acre Ruck property. The Ruck property is made up of one parcel that is a rectangle about 1 mile long and a quarter mile wide, sloping east from the foothills of the Olympic mountains, with Salmon Creek running the long way through the middle of the property from west to east in a ravine that averages 100- 150 feet deep at a 42 degree slope. Six tributaries to Salmon Creek enter the property from the north, south and west. This property hosts spawning grounds for listed and threatened summerchum, coho, and winter steelhead, as well as habitat used byfall chum and cutthroattrout, and otherwildlife. The acquisition of this property by Jefferson Land Trustwill permanently protect approximately48 acres of riparian habitatand 108 acres of upland forest habitat, allow for restoration enhancement in the near -term and long-term, and allow for spawningsurvey access to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Salmon and Snow Creek Estuary is the most intact of its type on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is the unquestioned stronghold of the ESA listed Strait of Juan De Fuca summerchum salmon. Acquiringthe Ruck property continues the successful protection and restoration efforts conducted by Chumsortium partners (North Olympic Salmon Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson County Conservation District, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Jefferson County, the Marine Resources Committee, Hood Canal Coordinating Council, and others) that has been focused on the Salmon and Snow Creek watersheds since 2001. Local expert partners focused on salmon recovery agree that protecting highly functioning habitat, such as the Ruck Property, in the Salmon Creek watershed is priority for supportingsummer chum core subpopulations. The Ruck project aims to protect and restore a parcel that was identified through previous protection efforts by Chumsortium partners. The Ruck Salmon Creek project has two main goals. The first is to the protect the property against the increasing threats of residential conversion in the area and of inappropriate forestry uses on the property — which would negatively impact the functioning riparian habitat that is used by spawning threatened summer chum. The second goal is, following acquisition Jefferson Land Trust will begin riparian buffer habitat restoration on the six tributaries leading to the mainstem of Salmon Creek. The property was clearcut (outside of the riparian buffer) in the early 1990s. The current forest composition is a mix between red alder -dominant forest with an understory of dense salmonberry, and alder -dominant with Douglas fir planting understory. Consulting foresters believe that the property needs "major disturbance" to be able to get on the path toward mature, diverse forest characteristics necessary for climate resiliency and wildlife habitat. This disturbance will be performed for the purpose of habitat restoration by creating patch -cuts in the forest to plant a more successful diversity of conifer tree species. The mainstem of Salmon Creek currently has a 250ft wide buffer with mature conifer and hardwood species and healthy level of downed woody debris in the creek. The tributaries currently only have a 25ft 3 2022 CF Program Application FINAL wide buffer that needs to be improved and restored. Jefferson Land Trust plans to expand this buffer to 125ft by spring 2024. There are no buildings on the property. Adjacent land includes a 63-acre property to the east that is permanently protected by a conservation easement with Jefferson Land Trust, and commercial timberland currently operated by Rayonier to the north, west, and south. A large power transmission line easement operated by Bonneville Power Administration runs in a cleared swath about 250' wide through a portion of the property on the east. The 155-acre Ruck property contains approximately 1 mile of mainstem of Salmon Creek located from about river mile 1.4 to 2.5, as well as over 3,500 feet of tributary riparian habitat. The localized issue of this project is an increasing threat of residential conversion in this area, and the property's threat of inappropriate forestry uses which threaten the highly functioning salmonid habitat. Six tributaries travel through the upland forest down to the mainstem of Salmon Creek. The property was clear-cut in the early 1990s (excluding the minimal 125-foot buffer on either side of the mainstem of Salmon Creek). Given the property's varied and steep slopes (42°) leading to the creek, these commercial forestry activities undoubtedly affected the sediment load of Salmon Creek for many years. The property is currently zoned as commercial forestry, and with the current landowner's desire to sell, the threat of extensive commercial forestry and potential conversion to residential development is high. The project offers the protection of the entire anadromous reach including riparian, steep slope, and forested buffers. The anticipated results of this project are permanent protection of one mile of highly functioning Salmon Creek habitat that directly affects the natal estuary of Salmon and Snow Creeks. The project also offers the opportunity for full habitat restoration of the surrounding forest buffers into mature, diverse forest which recharges ground water, protects the creek from erosion and increased sediment loads, slows down runoff during high precipitation events, and ultimately benefits habitat, agricultural and human infrastructure downstream. After acquisition, Jefferson Land Trust will manage the property as a Nature Preserve and will conduct ecological thinning of dense alder and Douglas fir, followed by plantings of more diverse conifer species. This forest managementwill help jumpstartthe necessary transition to a mature forestthat is more structurally and compositionally diverse, thus becoming more climate resistant and resilient. Retired DNR Region 6 Manager Mike Cronin was helpful in recommendingthe specific restoration and management strategies that are referenced in this application. Additionally, WDFW staff are excited at the prospect of Jefferson Land Trust owning the property because they have been denied access for spawning surveys for the last several years by the current landowners. Conservation Funds are not being requested for the restoration -related costs, but this restoration component is part of the full project that Jefferson Land Trust is working to accomplish on the Ruck property by the end of 2024. Objectives: 1) Jefferson Land Trust conducts a fair -market appraisal and secures and Purchase and Sale Agreement with Frank Ruck, current landowner. 2) Jeffersron Land Trust acquires the fee -simple interest in the 155-acre Ruck parcel which has 1 mile Salmon Creek, a stretch that provides habitat for threatened summer chum and other salmonid species by summer 2023. 3) After acquisition with help from CF funds, the Land Trust will replant and restore the 16.5 acres of tributary buffers (expand buffers from 25ft up to 125 feet) by spring 2024. In 10 years we will conduct an ecological forest thinning operation in the upland forests to increase forest health and generate enough revenue to fund necessary restoration on the previously commercially -managed forest. 11 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 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: Total Estimated Acquisition -related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $711,440 Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $17,250 Total Project Cost: $728,690 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): Jefferson Land Trust spoke with a land appraiser who is familiar with the Ruck property from appraising in 2010. Preliminary discussions in 2022 with this appraiser helped us create an estimate of the current fair - market value of acquiring the property. The project administration and acquisition -related costs are estimated based upon recent acquisition projects by Jefferson Land Trust. Ruck Salmon Creek Conservation Futures Match (Salmon Recovery Total Request Funding Board and WWRP Riparian Habitat) Property Acquisition $110,000 $490,000 $600,000 0&M (signage, $8,625 $8,625 $17,250 monitoring) Acquisition -related costs $16,375 $33,125 $49,500 (environmental assessment, appraisal, closing costs, cultural resources, stewardship plan) Project Administration $0 $30,000 $30,000 (staff time, attorney costs) Total $135,000 $561,750 $696,750 (19.4%) (80.6%) (100%) O & M only go to question #15: Scored Questions 5 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions for acquisition from groups, agencies or individuals? 1 a. Sponsor or other organizations X will will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation and maintenance activities. I b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. Protection and restoration of this 1 mile of Salmon Creek and tributaries directly augment the over 20 years of acquisition and restoration work that has already been conducted by partners who are part of the Chumsortium in this watershed. These acquisition and restoration projects continue at the head of Discovery Bay with several priority acquisitions of nearshore properties. As a result of the collaborative efforts conducted over the last 20 years, most of Salmon Creek downstream from this property is protected with Jefferson Land Trust conservation easements and WDFW ownership. The Land Trust anticipates a large portion of grant funding for the project from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant and Riparian Habitat Program - both state grant sources. 1 c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M % Conservation Futures Funds Requested $126,375 $8,625 19.4% Matching Funds/Resources* $553,125 $8,625 80.6% Total Project Acquisition Cost $679,500 $17,250 100% * 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 funds/resources contribution approved? Salmon Recovery Funding Board $330,357 Yes No WWRP Riparian Habitat $300,000 Yes No If not, Contribution If not, when? available now? when? Yes No Ea 2022 Yes No Ea 2022 NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation ofproperty 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. To what degree does the project sponsor commit to provide long-term stewardship for the proposed project? 2 a. Sponsoring agency X is is not prepared to provide long-term stewardship (easement monitoring, maintenance, up -keep, etc.) for the proposed project. Jefferson Land Trust is prepared to provide long-term stewardship for the Ruck project based upon our established, professional stewardship program. Currently, Jefferson Land Trust has five staff members that work in our stewardship department, implementing the monitoring and stewardship activities described in 6 2022 CF Program Application FINAL more detail in question 3. We currently steward over 17,000 acres in Jefferson County, including over 390 acres in the Salmon and Snow Creek watershed specifically. 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. In addition to regular, professional monitoring program described in question 3a, our long-term management goals for the Ruck property will include maintaining and enhancing the structural and species diversity of the forest, and maintaining natural hydrology used by many salmonid species. We anticipate achieving these goals through both short/mid-term restoration efforts as well as long-term maintenance. Short-term restoration obligations will include alderthinningalongtributary buffers, followed by introduction of conifer plantings, and 3-5 year maintenance of plantings to ensure access to light and successful establishment. Mid-term restoration will include more extensive forest restoration in the form of harvesting alder once it is commercially viable, to release understory Doug fir and/or replant the newly -sunlit understory with a mixed conifers. Long-term maintenance will include management of noxious weeds, facilitating appropriate public access, monitoring forest and stream conditions, and additional actions including the creation of snag and downed logs where beneficial to accelerate complex forest structure and habitat niches. 3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a similar project? Jefferson Land Trust has managed many acquisition projects since its inception in 1989. We have been awarded numerous Conservation Futures grants and other public grants for acquisition of important salmon habitat, working lands and open space. We have demonstrated effective and dependable long- term stewardship on salmon habitat nature preserves such as Snow Creek Forest, Duckabush Riparian Forest, Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve, and Chimacum Creek Nature Preserve. We actively manage and conduct restoration forestry and stewardship activities on properties we own including our Bulis Forest Preserve and Valley View Forest Preserve. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency's previous or on -going stewardship experience. As an accredited Land Trust through the national Land Trust Alliance, Jefferson Land Trust has experience successfully managing and stewarding various types of preserves. Jefferson Land Trust conducts diligent and appropriate monitoring, stewardship, and management for all fee -simple properties that we own. This includes quarterly monitoring of the properties by professional staff and trained volunteers, extensive data collection and management, and legal defense of the conservation values should it become necessary. We have a Preserve Steward program which provides an opportunity for long-term volunteerism through quarterly monitoring of all Land Trust preserves. We will utilize these same tools to provide long-term stewardship for the Ruck property after acquisition. 3 b. Has the project sponsor and/or applicant 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: 7 2022 CF Program Application FINAL Jefferson Land Trust has been the successful applicant of many Conservation Futures Fund projects over the years, providing us many years of experience in working with County staff to successfully implement protection projects across multiple ecosystems of Jefferson County. 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 and Short Family Farm 2013; Quimper Wildlife Corridor and Snow Creek Irvin and Jenks, 2014; Midori Farm, 2015; QWC 2016 Addition, Tarboo Creek, Farm and Forest 2016; Serendipity Farm, Snow Creek Taylor and Tarboo Iglitzin 2017; Chimacum Forest, Marrowstone Mize, Snow Creek Mid -Reach Forest 2018; Tarboo Forest Addition 2019; Ruby Ranch 2018 & 2020; Quilcene Headwaters to Bay 2019 & 2020; Arlandia 2020; Quimper Wildlife Corridor Additions 2021; and Hannan Farm 2021. 4. To what degree is the acquisition feasible? 4 a. Property X can _cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources. 4 b. Necessary commitments and agreements X are _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. The cost of the acquisition will be agreed upon by Jefferson Land Trust and Frank Ruck (current landowner) after the appraisal report is provided by a certified appraisal company. Jefferson Land Trust will hire this appraiser after we have been awarded grant funds and know that we can proceed with the p roj ect. 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? 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 this project's importance to the plan. Please also reference the website of the plan if available or include the plan with this application. A portion of Salmon Creek habitat on the Ruck property is designated as `Priority Aquatic' and `Conservancy' under Washington State's Shoreline Master Plan (below) 8 2022 CF Program Application FINAL Ruck is also identified by the Land Trust's Conservation Plan (https://www.saveland.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/06/2010_JLT_ConservationP[an_LoRes.pdf) both as having high priority habitat and as an area with recreation and tourism value. 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. Additionally, the Hood Canal Coordinating Council's 2022 Salmon Recovery Program Priorities and Immediate Needs names the protection of highly functioning habitat in the Salmon Creek watershed as a priority - of which the Ruck property is a prime example. The Chumsortium partners (described in the Project Description above) identified the Ruck property as a priority for protection beginning in 2001, and we finally have a landowner who is interested in the selling the property for permanent protection to Jefferson Land Trust. 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? 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. The landowner contacted Jefferson land Trust to see if we were interested in acquiring the property, as he has plans to put it on the market sometime in the next year or so. He is interested in seeing the conservation values preserved forever, though also is eager to dispose of the property. This is a rare opportunity to acquire such a significant stretch of Salmon Creek and will allow for better management for habitat and monitoring of the health of the salmonid species utilizing the creek. 7. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the amount of CF funds requested? 9 2022 CF Program Application FINAL Yes, Jefferson Land Trust is only requesting 16.5% of the total project cost from Conservation Futures, which means that the value of the project is much greater than the amount of funds requested from the County. However, $135,000 is still a significant and important value to the project and therefore necessary for the success of this protection and enhancement project. 7 a. Summarize the project's conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values. The project's conservation values are summarized as protecting highly functioning spawning habitat for threatened summer chum populations, and habitat for coho, and winter steelhead, fall chum and cutthroat trout; improvingthe riparian bufferfunction by enhancing and expandingthe buffers from 25ft wide to 125ft wide with diverse conifer species; and in the future expandingthe restoration project to the upland forest which will recharge ground water, protect the creek from erosion and increased sediment loads, slow down runoff during high precipitation events and contribute to carbon sequestration. The Conservation Futures funds requested supports these values by contributing to the value of the fee -simple acquisition of the property. Jefferson Land Trust has found that fee -title ownership of a property is the best way to guarantee a landowner's long-term interest and protection in salmon habitat and restoration. As a conservation non-profit, our mission includes the perpetual protection of fish habitat and forestland, even more so than a private conservation easement landowner. Jefferson Land Trust's ownership of this property is the best way to ensure that this 1 mile of Salmon Creek and its tributaries are enhanced and managed to benefit all salmonids in this watershed. 8. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat for anadromous fish species? 8 a. X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat specific to the project and/or State or Federal (NOAA and USFWS) Candidate, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species (provide list and references). In addition to the anadromous fish species present on site, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)'s Priority Habitat Species (PHS) lists the Ruck property as Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland, and as a potential site for Northern Spotted Owl territory. 8 b. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. The property provides a habitat corridor stretching from foothills of the Olympic mountains down to the low-lying valley at the head of Discovery Bay for other wildlife species. Black bear, cougar, deer and coyote are some of the species that have been documented on the property. 8 c. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route. The property is adjacent to a 63-acre property protected with a habitat conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust. Nearly all properties downstream of this site along Salmon Creek are either protected by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), or Jefferson Land Trust (see watershed map in application attachments). 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 Described above. 10 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so, please provide details. The current landowner does not participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat, which will change once Jefferson Land Trust assumes ownership. 9. To what degree does the project protect habitat for anadromous fish species? 9 a. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine shorelines, stream or 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. The Ruck property provides stream and riparian buffer habitat. This property provides critical habitat for spawning threatened summer chum, spawning wintersteelhead, spawning and adult coho, and adult fall chum. Available spawning habitat for summer chum (such as the Ruck property) must be protected to ensure sub -population persistence, survival, and productivity. This project will protect habitat that has documented use by the salmonid species listed above. Fish Distribution rme, Chum Streams Documented Spawning Documented Rearing Documented Presence Documented -Artificial, Spawning Documented -Artificial, Rearing Documented -Artificial, Presence H+ Transported Spawning H+ Transported Rearing H+ Transported Presence Presumed Presence Potential: Blocked Gradient Accessible Documented Histadc Presence WDFW Priority Habitat Species ma ping tool Fish Distribution Fall Chum Streams Documented Spawning Documented Rearing Documented Presence - Documented -Artificial, Spanning ••- Documented-Artificaal, Rearing --- Documented -Artificial, Presence H+ Transported Spawning H+ Transporled Rearing t+F Transported Presence — Presumed Presence — Potential Blocked Gradient Accessitrfe Documented Historic Presence II 2022 CF Program Application FINAL WDFW Priority Habitat Species ma ping tool 10. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR forestland for silvicultural use? 10 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural or silviculture 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 current landowner of the Ruck property has been managing the property for continued commercial forestry after it was clearcut in the 1990s. As described above, once Jefferson Land Trust secures ownership of the property, the silvicultural management of the property will be primarily focused on the riparian and upland restoration needs. In about a decade, we will perform commercial thinning on the property which will generate enough revenue to fund the restoration costs (tree planting and maintenance) needed throughout 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 current landowner does not participate in extra management practices that preserve soil, water quality, or watershed function —this will change once Jefferson Land Trust assumes ownership. 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 Ruck property by Jefferson Land Trust will significantly enhance the watershed function, water quality, and wildlife habitat of this parcel. While the Washington State Forest Practices Rules are helpful in an attempt to balance the needs of both industry and of conservation on commercial forestry lands, Jefferson Land Trust and Chumsortium project partners believe that these practices are not sufficient on the Ruck property due to its multiple tributaries, its steep slopes (42 degrees), depth of slopes (100-150 ft) and sensitive habitat for salmonid species. Broader tributary buffers with more conifers will ensure adequate shade and help reduce the potential for sediment loads in important spawning habitat. 10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland? This project preserves and enhances forestland, as described above. This site is not appropriate for farmland activities due to its current forested condition, steep slopes, and critical salmonid habitat functions. 11. Climate change: 11 a. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and/or mitigate climate change? This project aims to protect 155-acres of land and stream classified by The Nature Conservancy as having Far Above Average Resilience to climate change. Additionally, the restoration of riparian buffers after acquisition and the subsequent upland forest improvements in the 2030s will follow forest management practices that are proven to enhance climate resistance and resilience, such as increasing tree species diversity; having a multi -aged forest; creating structural diversity from the forest ground to the canopy; and creating snags and downed woody debris that sequester both carbon and water. This project will permanently protect a one -mile stretch of Salmon Creek, 1/4 of which is documented spawning grounds for the endangered summer chum. Reinforcing protection of high -quality salmon 12 2022 CF Program Application FINAL habitat is the Hood Canal Coordinating CounciI's number one priority in 2022. Protecting high quality habitat allows for habitat and species adaptability, especially in the face of climate change. 12. What area does the project serve? 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. This project benefits the entire downstream reach of Salmon Creek. After acquisition, the anticipated results of this project are permanent protection of one mile of highly functioning Salmon Creek habitat that directly affects the natal estuary of Salmon and Snow Creeks. The project also offers the opportunity for full habitat restoration of the surrounding forest buffers into mature, diverse forest which recharges ground water, protects the creek from erosion and increased sediment loads, slows down runoff during high precipitation events, and ultimately benefits habitat, agricultural and human infrastructure downstream of this site. As previously described, Chumsortium partners (North Olympic Salmon Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson County Conservation District, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Jefferson County, the Marine Resources Committee, Hood Canal Coordinating Council, and others) have been actively involved in this watershed protection since 2001. The protection and restoration project on the Ruck property benefits all the residents and businesses downstream of the site. 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. No, this project is located in the Salmon/Snow Creeks Watershed south of Discovery Bay. 13. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource? 13 a. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that exist for providing public access, educational or interpretive displays (signage, kiosks, etc.) on the proposed site, including any plans to provide those improvements and any plans for public accessibility.' The entire property will be open to guided public access in the form of group tours or volunteer stewardship work parties led by Jefferson Land Trust. Further unguided public access will not be developed based upon public safety concerns and because it is only accessible only through an undeveloped road easement across neighboring private property. The steep slopes of the Salmon Creek ravine and the planned restoration activities create public safety concerns that encourage Jefferson Land Trust to limit the types of public access. However, the property is currently part of the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail —a 12,000-mile hiking trail from Montana to Washington —and Jefferson Land Trust plans to continue to allow this use after protection. 14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources39 14 a. The proposed acquisition _ includes historic or culturally significant resources4 and ' 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. 13 2022 CF Program Application FINAL _ 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. X none of the above. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical cultural resources. O & M Stand Alone Projects 15. Applications for Operation and Maintenance funding only to be scored on a scale of 1-100 based on information provided. Consider the CF Manual and the topics below, for example: 15 a. Please describe in detail, the reason O & M funds are needed, proposed O & M activities, and how they protect resources cited in the original acquisition project. Attach additional information such as up-to-date stewardship plan, maps, field reports, work plan, budget, timeline, etc., to support the application, if appropriate. O & M projects must address a compelling, immediate need. Specifically include whether the project has an up- to-date stewardship plan. If there is such a plan, is it being implemented and is the proposed O & M work specifically included in the plan? Also, describe any unforeseen or urgent threats to the resource conservation values of the site and whether the proposed O & M activities will mitigate those threats and/or prevent potential future threats. Verification 16. Sponsor commitments: 16 a. Sponsors of projects that are approved for funding by the Board of County Commissioners are required to submit a brief progress report by October 30 every year for three years after the award is approved, or three years after the acquisition funds are disbursed to the applicant, whichever is later. The progress report must address any changes in the project focus or purpose, progress in obtaining matching funding, and stewardship and maintenance. Sponsors receiving O & M funds will also submit an annual report for each year that O&M funds are expended. The Committee will use the information to develop a project "report card" that will be submitted annually to the Board of County Commissioners. 16 b. If this project 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. J S Initials 311-5 " Date 16 c. If, three years after the date funding is approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the project sponsor has 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 project 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. s S Initials 3 (Z s' Date 16 d. The applicant has reviewed all project re,�lZF uir ments and all information in the application is accurate to the nitials 31 best of their knowledge. S � IDate 16 e. The sponsor commits to providing long-term stewardship to achieve the conservation and protection goals of the project as proposed in this application or s may be modified with recommendation of the CF Committee and approval of the BoCC. SS Initials 31ZS" Date 14 2022 CF Program Application FINAL 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Ruck Locator 2017 Aerial Image (NAIP) For informational purposes only. All Salmon & Snow Creeks Watershed data represented are from varying sources and approximate. N Map created in JANUARY, 2022 2 k a 2 $ § -a\ _\\ 0 % =E $\0 $)/S/§f=CD 7 / w \ / D- / \ 2 _} <E ..... . § R z- IL)E >: a Ea®ƒ � M o=om z oA 2EE { / f o £ . .........\ �_#/\\ -#U__ t 7pm§¢ J: f /{�§\ \ §»)/\ \� n � � u L- =3 � � Ruck Salmon Creek Application Photos View of Salmon Creek mainstem slopes underneath BPA powerline Conservation Projects Committee walking down 42-degree slope to Salmon Creek mainstem ..� ^• - '`r ,�' r a 7' -sr� - '� r 'A S �.,� �. ems% � r_r �yF Yp•� / ` ` \; 1 -J' '';r. •,���� 'Z( j e�trg5 �—'—,�r'i �!6, r .jlll � _�. PPf�:.y �`�•v`� ,,,�xs�pw! �w'� , t� x� r -e e y s x Salmon Creek mainstem -habitat for summer chum, coho, winter steelhead ti -ae py � e°h RIF yp�-09 �4 } ON ig IAF jJVF !! i N M S• y> y f r a i Ag Pf t`u L. _ S � � �`�•. - _ /'� FP.., s�. �: i�` ear _iy� �v �w y�ya '�^: �:.. L"zs "„�R... ,_ -. _ . w . r i• 't R\7 e Landowner Acknowledgement Forml Project Applicant Information Applicant Name: Jefferson Land Trust Project Number/Name: 22-1079 Salmon Creek Contact: ❑ Mr. [9 Ms. First Name: Sarah Last Name: Spaeth Title: Director, Conservation and Strategic Partnerships Mailing Address: 1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-Mail Address: sspaeth@saveland.org Property Information Address or Location: Salmon Creek, Jefferson County County/Parcel Number 902272000 Landowner Information Landowner Name: Frank J Ruck Representative: Mr. El Ms. First Name: Frank Last Name: Ruck itle: Mailing Address: 22W410 2ND ST, GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137-350b E-Mail Address: frankruck@yahoo.com Frank J Ruck is the legal owner of property described in the grant application being submitted to the Recreation and Conservation Office by the project applicant 1. 1 am aware that the project being proposed in the grant application is on my property. 2. If a grant is successfully awarded, I will be contacted and asked to engage in negotiations. 3. My signature does not represent authorization of project implementation. 4. If 1 am affiliated with the project applicant, I will recuse myself from decisions made by the project applicant to work on or purchase my property. 5. There are are no (circle one) tenants on the property. Tenants displaced as a result of this project may be eligible for relocation assistance. Lando ner/Rep sentative Signature Date 1 "Manual 3: Acquisition Projects," Appendix H