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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition Application 2024 Binder 1 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer “N/A” for questions that don’t apply to the project. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question. Contact program staff at 379-4498 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions. Background and Eligibility Information 1. Project Title: Tarboo Wildlife Preserve – West Slope Forest Addition 2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $150,000 Conservation Futures O&M Request: $0 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $150,000 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? Northwest Watershed Institute 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Northwest Watershed Institute Contact: Peter Bahls Title: Executive Director/Conservation Biologist Address: 3407 Eddy Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 821-9566, ext. ____ _____________________________________________ Fax: ____ ext. ____ Email: peter@nwwatershed.org 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Same Organization Name: Contact: Title: Address: Phone: . Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____ This application was approved by the sponsor’s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on March 20, 2024 2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application 2 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 7. Project Location Street Address or Description of Location: East side of Tarboo valley due east of 2151 Dabob Rd, Quilcene, Wa. Driving Directions from Port Townsend: South on Center Road, under Hwy 104, then .5 miles, left on Dabob Road to 2151 Dabob Rd, Quilcene, Wa. Section: 28 Township: 28 N Range: 1 W Assessor’s Parcel Number(s): 801-282-005 and 801-283-001 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. The parcel is to be acquired with CF funds Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable. 801-282-005 = $229,400 801-283-001 = $229,500 Total County assessed value (not including timber value) = $458,900 8. Existing Conditions New Site: Yes No __________________________ Number of Parcels: 2 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No ______________ Acres to Be Acquired: 80.8 Total Project Acreage (if different):______________ Current Zoning: 1 per 80 Existing Structures/Facilities: No Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: No Current Use: Forestry Waterfront (name of body of water): Three Tarboo Creek tributaries Shoreline (linear feet): ½ mile of Tarboo Creek tributaries Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: NA 9. Current Property Owner X is __is not a willing seller. Project Description 10. In 1,000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, overarching goal, and three top objectives. For each objective, identify the metric(s) that will be measured to determine if the objective is being achieved and the timeframe for meeting the identified metric. 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 3 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. Background, goals, and objectives Since 2002, Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI), Jefferson Land Trust, and over 40 partnering organizations have been working on a landscape scale project to protect and restore the Tarboo- Dabob Bay watershed, with over 4,000 acres conserved to date. The three main objectives of the conservation effort are to: 1) protect and restore the stream and wetland corridor, from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to Dabob Bay, 2) conserve uplands for sustainable forestry, 3) preserve lands within the Dabob Bay Natural Area. For this project, NWI proposes to acquire and permanently protect the 80-acre West Slope Forest Property (the Property), a key forest addition to NWI’s adjacent Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. The Property includes streams, wetlands, riparian habitats, a variety of forest types, and support a high diversity of native species and is important for landscape scale connectivity for large mammals. Proposed uses The Property will be owned and managed by NWI. County and USFWS conservation deed restrictions will permanently preserve the Property as part of the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. Selective timber harvest of the existing tree plantation will be permitted to restore complex older forest structure and habitat. A walking trail system for supervised public school and other tours is planned. Critical dates and urgency To avoid a Rayonier clear-cut of the Property, NWI is negotiating with Rayonier to purchase the Property by March 2025. Budget 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. JCCF Request Match to JCCF Total Cost Timeline Acquistion Rayonier Property - fee simple 150,000 650,000 800,000 Mar-25 Acquisition Related Costs:15,000 15,000 Sep-24 to Mar-2025 Project management and administration 10,000 10,000 Sep-24 to Mar-2025 Total Project Costs 150,000 675,000 825,000 Percent match to JCCF 82% 4 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired: $800,000 Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $25,000 Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $0 Total Project Cost: $825,000 Basis for Estimates (include information about how the property value(s) was determined, anticipated acquisition- related costs, general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed, task list with itemized budget, and anticipated schedule for completion of work): Estimate of fair market value is based on a preliminary estimate from a professional appraisal of timber and land by Chad Johnson, SH&H Appraisal, and Marty Strickland, Sound Forestry, due for completion in April, 2024. 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. 1 b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. 1 c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M % Conservation Futures Funds Requested $150,000 $0 18% Matching Funds/Resources* $675,000 $0 82% Total Project Acquisition Cost $825,000 $0 100% * 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? NCWC Grant $600,000 Yes No 2025 Yes No 2025 NWI Donations $75,000 Yes No 2025 Yes No 2025 5 2024 CF Program Application FINAL NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship (“in-kind” contributions) are not eligible as a match. 2. 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. Northwest Watershed Institute plans to steward the parcel long term as part of NWI’s Tarboo Wildlife Preserve (TWP). A Stewardship Plan, including Forest Management Plan, will be prepared for the Property. Long-term stewardship of the West Slope Forest parcel can be efficiently incorporated into NWI’s existing operations because NWI’s main base of operations is the 400-acre Tarboo Wildlife Preserve in the heart of the Tarboo valley, adjoining the proposed project. NWI already employs an experienced professional staff, including an Executive Director/Conservation Biologist, Stewardship Director/Botanist, Education and Outreach Director/Volunteer coordinator, and Field Crew that conduct annual restoration projects, monitoring, and stewardship at TWP and other conservation properties in the Tarboo watershed. NWI currently stewards nearly 800 acres in the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed, of which about 400 acres are managed for sustainable, ecologically based forestry and under Forest Stewardship Council standards. 3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a similar project? 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency’s previous or on-going stewardship experience. Northwest Watershed Institute is a nonprofit conservation organization that provides scientific, technical and on-the-ground support for watershed restoration and has been conducting habitat stewardship and restoration projects in the Tarboo watershed for over 20 years. NWI has extensive experience stewarding and managing the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve and private and state conservation properties using professional staff, experienced field crew, contractors, and volunteers. NWI forestlands are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and NWI has completed several successful ecologically-based selective timber harvests in the Tarboo forest to date. 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. 6 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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: Yes. NWI has been involved in eleven previous successful Conservation Futures funded projects in the Tarboo watershed including nine conservation easement projects proposed jointly by NWI and JLT and two fee simple projects. NWI returned funding to JCCF for the 120-acre Discovery Creek project in 2021 because additional federal funding was obtained for NWI to acquire that property. 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 __are X are not in place. 4 c. All parties __are X are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition. If “not” to any of the above, please explain below. Rayonier has expressed their interest in selling the West Slope Forest Property (letter attached) and NWI is optimistic that a purchase agreement can be finalized and the Property purchased by March of 2025. NWI has a successful track record in purchase of similar property from Rayonier: over the past 4 years NWI has purchased 3 parcels totaling 216 acres. 5. To what degree is the project a part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan that was open to public review and comment, or identified in a community conservation effort that provided opportunities for public input? The proposed acquisition X is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or community conservation effort, that is publicly available. 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. Jefferson Land Trust’s Jefferson County Conservation Plan (2010) identifies the Property as within a priority forest conservation area. https://www.saveland.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/06/2010_JLT_ConservationPlan_LoRes.pdf The Property is within the priority habitat stream corridor area of the Tarboo Creek/Dabob Bay Implementation Strategy, a Sub-Plan of JLT’s Jefferson County Conservation Plan (2010). The Property is a top priority in Northwest Watershed Institute’s Tarboo Watershed Conservation Strategy to protect and restore the stream and wildlife corridor of Tarboo Creek (Objective 1) and also fits within the Forestland protection objective (objective 3) http://www.nwwatershed.org/tarboo-watershed-conservation-strategy.html 7 2024 CF Program Application FINAL The proposed properties are within a priority terrestrial conservation area identified and mapped in the Willamette Valley- Puget Trough- -Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment (2004 Floberg et al). This priority area includes much of the Tarboo and Thorndyke watersheds. The Ecoregional plan, developed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy, is one of the primary conservation plans for Puget Sound and has received extensive public and scientific review. 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 proposed acquisition will provide a significant conservation opportunity that will be otherwise by lost in the next year. If NWI cannot purchase the Property by March 2025, Rayonier will proceed with industrial management plans including clear-cutting the property, then aerial spraying with herbicides, prior to replanting with a monoculture of Douglas fir. Over the longer term, the conservation purchase will prevent development of the property into at least two large residential lots, one on each 40-acre parcel, with scenic views of the Olympics. Although the Property is part of a much larger forestland tract owned by Rayonier, the company is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that aims to maximizing its return over time by selling forestlands for development in East Jefferson County. CF funding in 2024 is urgently needed to leverage other potential funding from private donors and other grant sources so the Property can be purchased in early 2025. 7. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the amount of CF funds requested, and will both the timeframes for meeting project objectives and associated metrics demonstrate achievement of the conservation objectives? 7 a. Summarize the project’s conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values. The project’s conservation values are extremely high relative to CF funds requested because: 1) the CF funds are a small fraction (18%) of the overall project funding, 2) a large acreage of 80 acres will be protected at a CF futures cost of only $1,875/acre. The project will preserve a critical large parcel adjoining the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, helping to protect the stream, wetland and forest conservation corridor that extends from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to Tarboo-Dabob Bay. The project will conserve 80 acres of streams, wetlands, and forest that provide wildlife habitat, tribal cultural resources, outdoor education opportunities, and help protect anadromous fish in downstream Tarboo Creek, as well as water quality and shellfish resources in Tarboo-Dabob Bay. 7b. Summarize how the project’s conservation values are related to the project’s specific objectives. 8 2024 CF Program Application FINAL The project’s conservation values of wildlife habitat and connecting corridor, aquatic habitat support, cultural resources, outdoor education, forest carbon storage and protecting biodiversity are well served by the project objectives which are to purchase the property for permanent conservation and restoration of older forest habitat, while allowing sustainable timber harvest. 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). 8 b. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. 8 c. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe and list the Priority Habitat(s) and Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species below, and cite or provide documentation of species’ use.1 Priority and Listed Species on-site Tarboo Creek tributaries Priority Riparian Habitat Western toad State Candidate and Federal Species of Concern Pileated woodpecker State Candidate Listed Species benefited downstream in adjacent Tarboo Wildlife Preserve: Puget Sound steelhead State Candidate and Federal Threatened Hood Canal coho salmon Federal Species of Concern Western Brook lamprey Federal Species of Concern Listed Species benefited downstream in Tarboo-Dabob Bay (documented rearing habitat) Hood Canal summer chum salmon State Candidate and Federal Threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon State Candidate and Federal Threatened Provides habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna The project will protect and restore riparian, wetland and forest habitats that support a high diversity of at-risk fish, bird, amphibian, and mammal species that occur in Pacific Northwest forests, including western toad, amphibians, bats, bear, cougar, blacktail deer, and neo-tropical migratory birds. The 80 acres is primarily 35-year old plantation forest, but includes a variety of forest types including mature maple groves, alder wetlands, and riparian areas along three tributaries to Tarboo Creek. Ecologically based thinning of plantation forest is proposed that will promote older forest habitat growth over time for potential use by at-risk species such as fisher and marbled murrelet. Wildlife corridor The property is a critical part of long-term effort to protect a significant wildlife corridor from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to Dabob Bay. Cougar have been using the Property as recently as early 1 See, for example, http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritage/pages/amp_nh.aspx http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/plants.html http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa_ecological_systems.pdf 9 2024 CF Program Application FINAL March 2024, migrating down the valley from the Freeman Conservation Easement property across the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve (see maps and photos). Black bear and deer move throughout the preserve and into the Property. Western toads seasonally migrate from the valley bottom wetlands to forested wetland and streams on the hillsides of the Property. A bull and cow elk were seen for the first time in 2023 at the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, suggesting the possibility of an elk herd re- establishing in the Tarboo valley after 100 years absence. The proposed project will significantly benefit landscape scale wildlife conservation. 8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so, please provide details. Yes – the proposed owner of the Property is Northwest Watershed Institute, a non-profit conservation organization with professional expertise and over 20 years of experience in protecting and restoring wildlife habitat in the Tarboo Creek-Dabob Bay watershed. NWI staff, field crew, and contractors have conducted more than 100 stream, wetland, and forest restoration projects on NWI, state, private lands. NWI stewards nearly 800 acres, of which approximately 400 acres are forestlands, some of which are managed for ecologically based forestry under FSC certification. 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 West Slope Forest Property is important for protecting adjacent downstream habitat for anadromous fish species of Tarboo Creek. The Property contains three tributaries that drain into the adjacent Tarboo Wildlife Preserve in the Tarboo valley. Protection and restoration of the stream ravines and forests on the steep slopes of the Property will help maintain summer stream flow, reduce siltation, and prevent herbicide contamination of downstream habitat for native coho salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, fall chum salmon, and steelhead that occur in Tarboo Creek and Tarboo-Dabob Bay. Listed Species benefited in adjacent downstream Tarboo Wildlife Preserve: Puget Sound steelhead State Candidate and Federal Threatened Hood Canal coho salmon Federal Species of Concern Western Brook lamprey Federal Species of Concern Listed Species benefited downstream in Tarboo-Dabob Bay (documented rearing habitat) Hood Canal summer chum salmon State Candidate and Federal Threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon State Candidate and Federal Threatened 10. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR forestland for silvicultural use? 10 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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 forest will be managed for ecologically based sustainable forestry and to restore diverse older forest habitats. NWI will prepare a Forest Management Plan that meets FSC standards and that will involve thinning the 35-year-old plantation forest to restore older forest structure, function and habitats and provide sustainable timber products. 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. Northwest Watershed Institute has been conducting forest related watershed restoration for over 20 years including road removal, tree planting, stream culvert replacement, invasive species removal, and selective timber harvest. Most of NWI’s forestlands are Forest Stewardship Council certified, which are the strongest certification standards for ecologically based forest management. The proposed management will involve use of silvicultural practices to restore older forest habitat, as well as invasive species removal. 10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat. Acquisition of the West Slope Forest Property will allow protection of the existing forest that would otherwise be clear-cut and aerial sprayed with herbicide. NWI plans to help enhance watershed function, wildlife habitat, and water quality by ecologically based thinning of the dense plantation forest, as well as removal of invasive species such as English holly. These forest management practices will help boost tree growth and help develop older, more biological diverse forest habitats and healthy soils. 10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland? This specific project involves forestland and habitat protection and does not include agriculture. However, if the definition of agriculture is broadened to include native food foraging, the Property has excellent potential for gathering of black truffles and other edible mushrooms and deer hunting. In addition, although this property does not include agricultural lands, within the context of the large conservation effort for the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed, NWI, JLT, and partners are preserving a mix of agricultural lands, forestlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. 11. Climate change: 11 a. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and/or mitigate climate change, and is the project’s scale significant in regards to increasing climate resiliency? Forests of the Pacific Northwest are among the best in the world for sequestering and storing carbon. The project proposal to protect and restore older forest habitat on 80-acres will store significant amounts of carbon. A 60-year old forest stores roughly the equivalent of 7 years of carbon emissions by the average American - per acre. The project is of significant benefit in terms of carbon storage over time. In addition, the planned thinning of the plantation forest to help it 11 2024 CF Program Application FINAL become more biologically diverse in terms of species and structure will increase its resilience to forest fires, helping to mitigate climate change impacts. 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 proposed project benefits a broad county area because it is a key part of a conservation project that extends from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to the state’s Dabob Bay Natural Area to protect and restore habitats and wildlife connectivity on a landscape scale. In particular, the project will protect a critical “gap” in the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve that will directly benefit the wildlife corridor along the Tarboo valley, salmon habitat, biodiversity and safeguard water quality in downstream Dabob Bay, which has been recognized as a state and national priority for conservation due to its diverse estuarine habitats and valuable shellfish production. 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, Toandos Peninsula, Sewali’s Valley, Bolton Peninsula, and the West End. N/A 13. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource that does not reduce the conservation value(s) of the project? 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 that will not reduce the conservation value(s) of the project.2 The Property is a key addition to the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, NWI’s base of operation for volunteer activities, restoration, and education in the community. As such, the property itself will serve as an important site for educating the public on forest protection and sustainable use. The site is easily accessible from the Preserve and NWI plans to develop a foot trail system to host workshops, tours and other public events to expand understanding and adoption of forest restoration methods. As described in the letter from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Property will also serve an important educational purpose as a place for the Tribes to pass on traditions of sustainable gathering of forest plants used for cultural purposes and ceremonies. The Properties is also available for public access by prior permission, including deer hunting, berry picking, and mushroom picking, three important recreational uses in rural areas 14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources3? 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. 2 The words “education” and “interpretation” are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. 3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44 and 27.53 RCW. 12 2024 CF Program Application FINAL X 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. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical cultural resources. Please see letter from Laura Price, Cultural Resources Director for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, that attests to the importance of this Property for preserving and restoring cultural resources. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribe, and Skokomish Tribe are signatories to the Point No Point Treaty and retain the right to hunt and gather within their Usual and Accustomed Area, including the Tarboo watershed. These Tribes continue to rely upon a diversity of intact native plant communities in the region, as they have for thousands of years, as places where they gather traditional food, medicine, and materials for use in all aspects of their cultural life, including social and religious. The project site’s forests will provide resources for tribal uses, such as cedar bark for basket weaving. If funded, the project will permanently conserve the forest while allowing sustainable harvest and gathering to maintain tribal cultural traditions. All O & M 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. N/A Figure 1. Project location within the Tarboo watershed, Jefferson County, Wa. Proposed Project Figure 2. Project in relation to the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed and protected lands (green). Figure 3. The proposed acquisition of the West Slope Forest Property (the Property) is adjacent to the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve in the Tarboo valley. Figure 4. The Property in relation to the TWP, including recent additions and adjacent conservation easements. Figure 5. Lydar showing hillslopes and stream ravines on the Property. Figure 6. Critical areas on the Property, including streams, wetlands (blue), and steep slopes(yellows). Figure 7. Aerial view north of Property adjacent to the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. Figure 8. Aerial view south of property in relation to TWP and Tarboo Bay. Figure 9. Aerial view east of Property with recent cardboard/live stake plantings in foreground. Figure 10. View of Property from NWI’s field station/base for the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. Figure 11. NWI staff and volunteers set out to plant wetlands with Property in background. Figure 12. Volunteers learning how to do live stake and cardboard plantings with Property in background. Figure 13. NWI’s forester inspects 35 year-old Douglas fir plantation. Figure 14. Plantation portions of the Property needs thinning to help restore biological diversity and older forest habitats. Figure 15. The Property also contains a diversity of forest types including older maple. Figure 16. Alder stand with Osso berry on the Property. Figure 17. The Property includes some areas of older forest including western red cedar. Figure 18. Snags and down logs on the Property provide habitat for wildlife including pileated woodpeckers and other birds, bats, amphibians, and small mammals. Figure 19. Biologists with USFWS view wetlands on the Property. Figure 20. Wetland with emerging skunk cabbage on the Property. Western toads were found in this area. Figure 21. Travel route of a young collared cougar named Sewect, visiting Tarboo watershed in March 2024 (from Panthera Project). Figure 22. Sewect spent extended time in the area including the Property (from Panthera Project). Tarboo Sewect (March 2024) Project TW Preserve Figure 23. Family of 4 cougar from game camera at nearbly Dabob Bay (one young at log). Figure 24. Bull elk recorded on game camera at Tarboo Wildlife Preserve in October 2023. The Project will improve landscape scale conservation and connectivity for wildlife. Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. 19950 7th Avenue NE, Suite Poulsbo, Washington 98370 March 13, 2024 VIA EMAIL peter@nwwatershed.org Peter Bahls, Executive Director Northwest Watershed Institute 3407 Eddy Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-821-9566www.nwwatershed.org Dear Mr. Bahls, Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. (“Rayonier”) understands that Northwest Watershed Institute (“NWI”) is seeking funding to purchase fee simple interest in Jefferson County, WA tax parcels 801282005 and 801283001. Rayonier is a willing seller of fee simple interest in the above parcel to NWI, pending agreement on terms and value. These above parcels are also shown on the attached map. This is a non-binding letter and neither Rayonier nor NWI shall incur any liability or legal obligation to the other as a result of this letter. The legal rights and obligations of each party shall then be only those which are set forth in a signed purchase and sale agreement. Sincerely, Chad McClung Senior Manager, Real Estate Operations Mobile: 936-671-0210 chad.mcclung@rayonier.com PARCEL MAP Northwest Watershed Institute BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-24 Board Members and Officers Affiliation and Term on the Board of Directors Peter Bahls President, Vice-President, Treasurer 3407 Eddy Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Peter Bahls is currently full time Executive Director and Conservation Biologist for Northwest Watershed Institute. Term – 2023-2025 Jean Ball Board Member 10221 Center Road, Quilcene, WA 98368 Jean Ball is a farmer and naturalist in Quilcene, Washington. Term – 2022-2024 Scott Calhoun Board Member 5710 59th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105 Scott Calhoun studied biology and geology in college and graduate school where he specialized in shorelines and watersheds. He owns forestland in the Tarboo watershed. Term – 2022-2024 Janis Henry Secretary 14445 SE 55th Street Bellevue, WA 98006 Janis Henry is a retired biotech patent attorney and chemist with over 30 years of experience. She is a life-long nature enthusiast and embraces adventure travel. Term – 2023-2025 Gene Jones Board Member 5860 NE Totten Road Poulsbo, WA 98370 Gene Jones is a member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and spiritual leader for four Tribes in the Olympic Peninsula region. Term – 2023-2025 Liz Hoenig Kanieski 1005 Lawrence Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Liz Hoenig Kanieski has over 25 years of experience as a field biologist, environmental educator, and environmental planner. Much of her work has focused on watershed protection, citizen engagement and water resources. Term – 2023-2025 Keith Lazelle Board Member PO Box 192 Quilcene, WA 98376 Keith Lazelle is an award-winning nature photographer who lives on Dabob Bay. His work has been used by many environmental organizations including Audubon, Hoh River Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and NWI. Term – 2022-2024 Northwest Watershed Institute STAFF ROSTER 2024 Peter Bahls, Executive Director Wesley Meyers, Stewardship Director Megan Brookens, Education and Outreach Director Robin Enge, Administrative Assistant Eva Ellis, Field Crew Jacob Baily, Field Crew Zack Hawkes, Field Crew Hanna Petersen, Field Crew Mark Tomkiewicz, Field Crew Trevor Williams, Field Crew Ashley Ross, Field Crew Hillary Kleeb, Field Crew Jul '22 - Jun 23 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Grant Revenue 4010 · Federal Funds 201,651.39 4020 · Foundation 8,448.60 4030 · State Funds 129,161.87 Total Grant Revenue 339,261.86 Contributed Income 4040 · Restricted 72,211.00 4050 · Unrestricted 52,425.62 Total Contributed Income 124,636.62 Rental/Lease Income 4165 · Olson tideland lease 4,000.00 4175 · Rental Income Reinertsen Rental 18,000.00 4182 · Rental Income - Yarr Caretaker 4,500.00 Total Rental/Lease Income 26,500.00 Consulting/Miscellaneous 4210 · Consulting Fees 5,360.73 4220 · Miscellaneous Income 118.00 Total Consulting/Miscellaneous 5,478.73 Total Income 495,877.21 Gross Profit 495,877.21 Expense Health benefits 6096 · Health insurance 36,855.21 6094 · HSA Contribution 9,750.00 Total Health benefits 46,605.21 6055 · Gifts 300.00 6041 · Paypal Fees 281.83 6010 · Advertising 50.00 6030 · Automobile Expense 6,451.71 6040 · Bank Service Charges 117.50 Insurance 6091 · Auto 1,341.50 6093 · Liability Insurance 6,114.05 Total Insurance 7,455.55 Land Acquisition 6150 · Land -38,399.87 6160 · Land-earnest money 2,500.00 Land Acquisition - Other 35,426.54 Total Land Acquisition -473.33 6210 · Miscellaneous 0.00 Payroll Expenses Gross wages 6237 · Education Director 15,168.00 6231 · Director 73,333.44 6232 · Stewardship Director 29,568.00 6233 · Project Assistant 4,459.00 6234 · Field Crew 63,983.63 Total Gross wages 186,512.07 2:04 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 Page 1 Jul '22 - Jun 23 Payroll Taxes 6246 · Paid Family and Medical Leave 34.79 6240 · Medicare 3,029.34 6241 · Social Security 12,952.85 6243 · Workers Comp 8,790.51 6245 · WA State Unemployment 2,293.88 Total Payroll Taxes 27,101.37 Payroll Expenses - Other 22,441.50 Total Payroll Expenses 236,054.94 6250 · Postage and Delivery 748.96 6260 · Printing and Reproduction 947.19 Professional Fees 6271 · Accounting 2,000.00 Total Professional Fees 2,000.00 Program Expense 6282 · Fees 10,624.81 6283 · Project subcontractors 69,373.10 6286 · Overrun 141.76 Total Program Expense 80,139.67 6290 · Rent 12,000.00 Repairs and Maintenance 6310 · Building Repairs 504.26 6320 · Computer Repairs 196.38 Total Repairs and Maintenance 700.64 Supplies 6420 · Field Supplies 33,906.16 6440 · Office Supplies 1,805.35 Total Supplies 35,711.51 Taxes 6510 · Property Taxes 3,426.04 Total Taxes 3,426.04 Telephone/Communications 6650 · Mobile phone 1,736.54 6610 · Internet Server 767.34 Total Telephone/Communications 2,503.88 Travel & Ent 6720 · Meals 471.94 Total Travel & Ent 471.94 Total Expense 435,493.24 Net Ordinary Income 60,383.97 Other Income/Expense Other Income 7010 · Interest Income 1,774.26 Total Other Income 1,774.26 Net Other Income 1,774.26 Net Income 62,158.23 2:04 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 Page 2 Jun 30, 23 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1020 · Checking - Kitsap 145,566.83 Total Checking/Savings 145,566.83 Accounts Receivable 1200 · Accounts Receivable 19,295.97 Total Accounts Receivable 19,295.97 Other Current Assets 1350 · employee retention credit recei 47,328.06 1250 · Prepaid Insurance 1,943.95 1300 · Employee advance 163.88 1499 · Undeposited Funds 50,777.08 Total Other Current Assets 100,212.97 Total Current Assets 265,075.77 Fixed Assets 1513 · Vehicle - 2001 Ford xtra Cab 8,000.00 1554 · Trailers 4,000.00 1512 · Vehicle - Ford pickup 4,150.00 1530 · Kubota Tractor 16,709.10 1590 · Accumulated Depreciation -26,992.08 Property 1555 · Capital Improvements 3,035.20 1551 · Land 1,097,135.67 1552 · Earnest money 45,000.00 Total Property 1,145,170.87 Total Fixed Assets 1,151,037.89 TOTAL ASSETS 1,416,113.66 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 2000 · Accounts Payable 7,576.28 Total Accounts Payable 7,576.28 Other Current Liabilities 2100 · Payroll Liabilities 2105 · Fica, Medicare, FWH Payable 4,356.86 2109 · WA - Paid Fam Med Leave Emp.398.31 2120 · Workers Comp Payable 3,915.65 2130 · SUTA & EAF Payable 800.52 Total 2100 · Payroll Liabilities 9,471.34 2250 · Rental Security Deposit 3,000.00 Total Other Current Liabilities 12,471.34 Total Current Liabilities 20,047.62 Total Liabilities 20,047.62 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of June 30, 2023 Page 1 Jun 30, 23 Equity 1110 · Retained Earnings 1,333,907.81 Net Income 62,158.23 Total Equity 1,396,066.04 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 1,416,113.66 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of June 30, 2023 Page 2 Current 1 - 30 31 - 60 61 - 90 > 90 TOTAL ADMIN-001 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DOEY-008 13,515.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13,515.07 YESL-003 5,780.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,780.90 TOTAL 19,295.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19,295.97 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 A/R Aging Summary As of June 30, 2023 Page 1 Jul '23 - Jun 24 Ordinary Income/Expense Income Grant Revenue 4010 · Federal Funds 2,000,000.00 4020 · Foundation 10,000.00 4030 · State Funds 40,000.00 Total Grant Revenue 2,050,000.00 Contributed Income 4040 · Restricted 150,000.00 4050 · Unrestricted 120,000.00 Total Contributed Income 270,000.00 Rental/Lease Income 4165 · Olson tideland lease 4,000.00 4175 · Rental Income Reinertsen Rental 18,000.00 4182 · Rental Income - Yarr Caretaker 4,500.00 Total Rental/Lease Income 26,500.00 Consulting/Miscellaneous 4210 · Consulting Fees 2,000.00 4220 · Miscellaneous Income 0.00 Total Consulting/Miscellaneous 2,000.00 Total Income 2,348,500.00 Gross Profit 2,348,500.00 Expense Health benefits 6096 · Health insurance 37,000.00 6094 · HSA Contribution 9,750.00 Total Health benefits 46,750.00 6055 · Gifts 300.00 6041 · Paypal Fees 400.00 6010 · Advertising 50.00 6030 · Automobile Expense 7,000.00 6040 · Bank Service Charges 200.00 Insurance 6091 · Auto 2,000.00 6093 · Liability Insurance 7,000.00 Total Insurance 9,000.00 Land Acquisition 6150 · Land 1,680,000.00 6160 · Land-earnest money 0.00 Land Acquisition - Other 0.00 Total Land Acquisition 1,680,000.00 6210 · Miscellaneous 0.00 Payroll Expenses Gross wages 6237 · Education Director 30,000.00 6231 · Director 80,000.00 6232 · Stewardship Director 40,000.00 6233 · Project Assistant 10,000.00 6234 · Field Crew 120,000.00 Total Gross wages 280,000.00 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 Page 1 Jul '23 - Jun 24 Payroll Taxes 6246 · Paid Family and Medical Leave 0.00 6240 · Medicare 4,000.00 6241 · Social Security 20,000.00 6243 · Workers Comp 15,000.00 6245 · WA State Unemployment 4,000.00 Total Payroll Taxes 43,000.00 Payroll Expenses - Other 0.00 Total Payroll Expenses 323,000.00 6250 · Postage and Delivery 1,000.00 6260 · Printing and Reproduction 1,500.00 Professional Fees 6271 · Accounting 3,500.00 Total Professional Fees 3,500.00 Program Expense 6282 · Fees 5,000.00 6283 · Project subcontractors 140,000.00 6286 · Overrun 150.00 Total Program Expense 145,150.00 6290 · Rent 12,000.00 Repairs and Maintenance 6350 · Septic Repair 10,000.00 6310 · Building Repairs 15,000.00 6320 · Computer Repairs 1,000.00 6330 · Equipment Repairs 3,000.00 Total Repairs and Maintenance 29,000.00 Supplies 6420 · Field Supplies 75,000.00 6440 · Office Supplies 3,000.00 Total Supplies 78,000.00 Taxes 6510 · Property Taxes 4,000.00 Total Taxes 4,000.00 Telephone/Communications 6650 · Mobile phone 2,000.00 6610 · Internet Server 1,000.00 Total Telephone/Communications 3,000.00 Travel & Ent 6720 · Meals 500.00 Total Travel & Ent 500.00 Utilities 6810 · Gas and Electric 600.00 Total Utilities 600.00 Total Expense 2,344,950.00 Net Ordinary Income 3,550.00 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 Page 2 Jul '23 - Jun 24 Other Income/Expense Other Income 7010 · Interest Income 7,000.00 Total Other Income 7,000.00 Net Other Income 7,000.00 Net Income 10,550.00 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 Page 3 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICEP. O. BOX 2508 CINCfNNATT, OH 4520L DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Employer ldentification Number :Date: nf 24ffi 93 -t325820 DI,N: L7 05325977 8026 NORTi{WEST WATERSHED INSTf TUTE Cont.act Person: 3407 EDDY STREE? CLINTON L FORTNER ID# 31163 PORT TOWNSEND, WA 98358-0000 Contact. Telephone Number:(877) 829-ss00 Publ j"c Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (Ai (vi) Dear Applicant; Our l-etter dated JANUARY 2002, stated you would be exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of lhe fnternal Revenue Code, and you wouLdbe treated as a public charity, ralher than as a privale foundation, duringan advance ruling period. Based on the information you submitted, lou are classified as a public charity under the Code secti-on listed in the heading of this l-etter. Since your exempt st.atus was not under consideration, you cont.inue to be classifi-ed asan organi-zation exemp! from Federal income Lax under section 50L (c) (3) of the Code. Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your organization, provides detailedinformation about your rights and responsj.bilities as an exempt organizat.ion. You may request a copy by calling lhe toll-free number for forms,(800) 829-3676. fnformation is also available on our fnEernet Web Site at www. irs .gov. ff you have general guestions aboul exempt organizations, please call ourtoll-free number shown in the heading Please keep this l-etter in your permanent records. Sincerely yours, da,Afu Lois G . #.n.tDirector, Exempt OrganizationsRulings and Agreements Letter 10s0 {DOICC)