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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBriefing re Conservation Futures Projects 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 O` www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org Public Healt JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, County Administrator FROM: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager Tami Pokorny, Natural Resources Program Coordinator DATE: June 03, 2024 SUBJECT: Briefing of Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee funding recommendations for 2024 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Public Health and Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee(CFF Committee)Chair Joanne Pontrello request an opportunity to present the Committee's funding recommendations for 2024. ANALYSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS: Three project applications for Conservation Futures funding were received in 2024: 1. Deerfoot Forest 2. Humbleberry Farm 3. Tarboo Wildlife Preserve—West Slope Forest Addition Conservation Futures funds available to projects in 2024 equal $280,000. The combined total funding request for this year is greater than the amount available, at$402,000. At its April 23`d meeting,the CFF Committee voted to recommend fully funding Tarboo Wildlife Preserve—West Slope Forest at$150,000, and awarding the remaining$130,000 to Humbleberry Farm. Deerfoot Forest was not recommended for funding. The purpose of the CFF 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." 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 Public Health will separately request that the BoCC hold a public hearing on the applications and make funding determinations in the coming weeks. The applications and other materials will be included with that briefing packet as well and may be viewed online at http://www.co iefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Conservation/conservation.asp. FISCAL IMPACT• Costs for the presentation are negligible. RECOMMENDATION: Public Health recommends that the BoCC review the three project applications brought to the CFF Committee, hear the Chair's presentation of the Committee's recommendations,and ask questions. REVIEWED BY: Mark McCauley,Coun Administrator Date 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 Jefferson County BoCC Meeting 03 JUNE 2024 Document Packet—Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) PACKET CONTENTS Document 1: Memo from CFF Committee Chair Joanne Pontrello re: funding recommendations Document 2: CFF Application—Deerfoot Forest Document 3: CFF Application—Humbleberry Farm Document 4: CFF Application—Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, West Slope Forest Addition Document 5: Sponsor responses to CFFCOC questions,Jefferson Land Trust (Deerfoot, Humbleberry) Document 6: Sponsor responses to CFFCOC questions, Northwest Watershed Institute (Tarboo) 615 Sheridan Street n Port Townsend, WA 98368 die, www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org Public Health May 15, 2024 TO: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners FROM: Joanne Pontrello, Chair Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee DATE: June 3,2024 SUBJECT: Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee—2024 funding round recommendations As the Chair of the Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee(CFF Committee), I am writing to provide you with our funding recommendations for the 2024 cycle.As authorized in RCW 84.34 and by the direction of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners,the CFF Committee receives and reviews applications from the community to fund projects that will conserve lands as open space for compatible economic uses,habitat for fish and wildlife, and enjoyment. This past March,the CFF Committee received three applications for consideration in this cycle,that are presented with this memo. Also presented are the Sponsors' responses to some clarifying questions asked by the Committee. Two projects are sponsored by Jefferson Land Trust(JLT), and one by Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI). All three are located in Jefferson County and outside of the City of Port Townsend. • Deerfoot Forest—JLT requests$88,000 in acquisition funding and$12,000 in O&M funding for a total request of$100,000 towards a conservation easement(JLT provides 53% matching funds). • Humbleberry Farm—JLT requests$140,000 in acquisition funding and$12,000 in O& M funding for a total request of$152,000 towards a conservation easement(JLT provides 82% matching funds). • Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition—NWI requests a total of$150,000 in acquisition funding toward a fee simple purchase(NWI provides 82%matching funds). This 2024 funding cycle,there are$280,000 in CFF funds available to support these projects.The total amount requested is$402,000. CFF Committee members toured the project sites on March 121'and March 29"', and Sponsors made presentations about their projects and answered initial questions during our April 2"d CFF Committee meeting.Additional questions raised by the Committee were provided to, and answered by, Sponsors through staff over email. Each Committee member separately scored the projects on a set of 14 criteria 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,was reviewed,discussed,and confirmed at the April 23'meeting. 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 The CFF Committee ranked the projects as follows: 1. Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition—253 average points(79%of total available points) 2. Humbleberry Farm—240 average points(75 %of total available points) 3. Deerfoot Forest— 196 average points(61 %of total available points) After review of the scoring data,and further discussion and evaluation,the Committee arrived at the following funding recommendations: • The Committee voted unanimously that Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition is worthy of funding. By a second vote,we unanimously recommend full funding at the requested amount of$150,000. • The Committee voted seven(7)in favor and one(1)against that Humbleberry Farm is worthy of funding. By a second vote,we unanimously recommend partial funding with the remaining $130,000 in available CFF funds with up to $12,000 of this amount to be used for O&M. • The Committee voted seven(7)in favor and one(1)against to deem Deerfoot Forest worthy of funding.No vote was held to recommend funding due to the lack of funds available. I would like to express my gratitude to the Sponsors for submitting these projects,and to the other CFF Committee members for their time and dedication in evaluating these proposals. If you have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact me at pontrello(a-)gmail.com,or Tami Pokorny at tpokorny_(a,co.jefferson.wa.us. I look forward to attending the public hearing when you consider these recommendations and will be happy to discuss them at that time as well. Thank you for your consideration of the CFF Committee's recommendations for the 2024 funding cycle. Sincerely, Joanne Pontrello Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee,Chair 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 Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Futures Citizen Advisory Committee Question Responses April 2024 Humbleberrry Farm: 1. Please explain why the matching fund total from Question id is different than the amount noted in Question 1c. Or is the difference the 0& M request? The response for id.should be consistent with 1c. and the budget table in la.The matching funds from the Navy REPI program are estimated at$345,000 and the matching funds from the State Farmland Program are estimated at$340,000.These are estimated figures because final costs are not determined until project due diligence is underway and appraisals are finalized. Deerfoot Forest: 1.What is the time period over which the puma and bear sightings were made and how many of each are documented?Were any records kept regarding sightings along Center Road on either side of the Deerfoot forest property? Jefferson Land Trust has not been tracking or recording the sightings of large mammal species crossing between the two Deerfoot Forest parcels since we began conversations with the Hubbard family in the last 6 months.The landowners have shared with us that there have been multiple sightings over the 50 years of living on site,as well as sign including cougar kill site and a bee hive destroyed by a bear. 2. Deerfoot Forest does not appear to meet the classic definition of refugium (singular) "an area of relatively unaltered climate that is inhabited by plants and animals during a period of continental climatic change (such as a glaciation) and remains as a center of relict forms from which a new dispersion and speciation may take place after climatic readjustment". How does the JLT define refugium? We should have utilized the term"refugium function" rather than "refugia"which refers to De Groot, Rudolf S., Matthew A.Wilson,and Roelof MJ Boumans.A typology for the classification, description and valuation of ecosystem functions,goods and services. Ecological economics:41, no.3 (2002): 393-408. "Refugium function- By providing living space to wild plants and animals, both for resident and transient(migratory species), natural ecosystems are essential to the maintenance of the biological and genetic diversity on earth. Natural ecosystems can thus be seen as a `storehouse'of genetic information. In this`genetic library'the information of environmental adaptations acquired over 3.5 billion years of evolution is stored in the genetic material of millions of species and sub-species.To maintain the viability of this genetic library (through evolutionary processes), maintenance of natural ecosystems as habitats for wild plants and animals is essential" 3.Since there is"no apparent surface water flow (on the property)"where is the property's hydrologic connection to Donovan and Tarboo Creeks? ("the property appears to have hydrological connections as a section of the headwaters of both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek") From the hillshade maps, provided in the application packet.These maps show, at fairly fine detail,the contours and depressions of properties and Deerfoot Forest appears to be at the headwaters of both of these creeks. 4. The proposal references the Land Resilience Study the proposal's response to questions 5 and 11. It's unclear where the Deerfoot Forest property overlaps with the Habitat& Biodiversity Conservation Opportunities areas identified in the Land Resilience Study(see maps in email to follow this one) although it does appear it is within a Working Forest Opportunity Area. Please identify where the overlap occurs and what percentage of the Deerfoot Forest property is within one of the Biodiversity Conservation Opportunity Areas. We were unaware that we were able to add additional maps to the application than the Site Location Map and the Project Boundary Map. However,the climate resiliency data has been updated in 2023 since it's original assessment in 2020q which is what the committee member has screenshots of. Here is the most up to date data from Deerfoot Forest,showing that portions of the property have Habitat& Biodiversity Terrestrial Conservation Opportunities(dark green). ArcGIS Web Map y VIIQ071.21975 PM IL re.WS e om o+s 0 0+ of o.. 5.What is JLT's working definition of wildlife corridor? Wildlife corridors are greenbelts of native vegetation,connected by permanently protected properties,with minimal human interruptions that can provide cover,transit and sources of food for multiple species of wildlife. 6.What data does the JLT propose to gather to demonstrate the Deerfoot Forest is a linkage? Our conservation easement monitoring does not typically involve quantitative data collection. Monitoring will help ensure the baseline conditions of the conservation values are sustained and/or enhanced over time. As the habitat conservation values are stewarded by the landowner,evidence of wildlife use can be documented in our annual monitoring visits, and over time that information may provide valuable insight into how local populations of resident and migratory wildlife are using it in the decades to come. Jefferson Land Trust has also been increasingly working with the Olympic Cougar Project which collars and tracks many cougars present on the Olympic Peninsula.We will be able to use their data as it is shared with us to know which of our protected properties are used by collared cougars. 7. Has the JLT utilized the mapping or evaluation tools for linkages/corridors identified by Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group (https://waconnected.org/appiying- the-sciencej to evaluate if Deerfoot Forest is a wildlife corridor and if so its importance? The Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Work Group connectivity data—amongst multiple other data sources from The Nature Conservancy,the Cascades to Cost Landscape Collaborative, and WA DNR and more—is incorporated into the analysis for Habitat& Biodiversity Terrestrial Conservation Opportunities, as shown in question #4 above. Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee Sponsor Question Responses -- NWI April 2024 TARBOO WILDLIFE PRESERVE—WEST SLOPE FOREST ADDITION 1. Would they accept funding if it included o condition requiring retention of up to 60% (orsome similar reasonable percentage)of the existing timber on the 80 acres? YES. Retention of 60%of the trees is reasonable and consistent with NWI's management and plans for thinning dense young plantation forests that typically have more than 300 trees per acre. Thisisthe same recommendation in the Forest Management Plan for plantation forests on the 120 acre South Fork Tarboo Creek property that NWI acquired last year(see attached FMP,page 21, for example). NWI's selective harvest on olderforest,such as the 60 yearold Tarboo Forest,are generally less than 20%. This 60% retention restriction could be written into the USFWS Conservation Covenant and/or County deed restriction. 2. If funding is not available this year and the property were clear-cut, would the proponent still be interestedin purchasing thepropertyforpurposes of planting a more diverseforest and owning the property long term? Once the property is completely clear-cut by Rayon ier,it will no longer be competitive for USFWS National Coastal Grant funding(due to the loss of biodiversity,carbon storage, and potential to prevent environmental damage).NWI is dependingon NCWCgrantforthe purchase,with JCCF and donor funds as the required match.NWI is negotiatingto purchase from Rayon ier by March 2025 at the latest.If NWI does not have funding lined up by then,we will lose the opportunityto purchase the property.The beauty of buyingthe property with 35 years of tree growth is that we are 35 years ahead in terms of forest restoration.In addition,the additional forest restoration using commercial thinningwill pay for itself and provide additional review forstewardship of NWI properties overthe longterm.Generally, N WI has found that the commercial thin of 35 year old stands breaks even or nets a few thousand dollars per20 acres,with olderf ore stthinning providing more.Howver,once clear-cut,the cost to own, steward,and restore the forest will not be covered bythinning. 3. What ore the specific limitations imposed by the Fish and Wildlife conservation easement funding(documentation please)? The proposed project wiI I be conserved by four Iayerof protection:A)federal Conservation Covenant (aka conservation easement),B)county deed restriction,C)ownership by a nonprofit conservation organization,and D)followinga specific stewardship plan consistent with conservation goals and to FSC certification standards,as discuss below: A) The proposed property would be protected by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Covenant recorded on the property at closing that is comparable to a Land Trust conservation easement but enforceable by both the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Washington Department of Ecology.The Covenant also requires express approval of USFWS and Ecology for any change in ownership. Foryour review,I have attached the Conservation Covenant from NWI's 2023 acquisition of 120 acres of Rayonierforestland on S.ForkTarboo Creek,a very simi larforest conservation project to the proposed project,and highlighted some relevant sections.Like a Land Trust easement,the Covenant has general restrictions as Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee Sponsor Question Responses -- NWI April 2024 well asspecific Prohibitionsand Permitted Uses.Regarding timber harvest,the S.FkTarboo property covenant includesthe following: From Section 2.Specific Prohibitions- d. Timber harvest or other removal of vegetation,except for the purpose of restoring habitat or maintaining the Property and its boundaries. From Section 3.Permitted Uses and Activities- c. Low impact, sustainable forest practices to improve forest diversity and complexity so long as those forest practices have negligible negative impact on habitat, native fish and wildlife, water quality, open space. and environmental values. Any revenues derived from such forest practices will be applied to the restoration and stewardship of preserved conservation properties in the Tarboo Creek and Dabob Bay watersheds owned by Northwest Watershed Institute or other non-profit or governinent conservation organizations. In addition,the USFWS Conservation Covenant requires that stewardship of the property be consistent with the NCWC grant proposal.Below are some excerpts from S.Fork Tarboo Creek propertygrant proposal,which are very similarto the wording proposed forthe West Slope property: Plans will include protection of the wetlands and selective ecologically-based forestry of existing 35-year old plantation forest in the uplands to help restore older, biological diverse forest h abito t. Underthe "benefits to rare habitats"section of the NCWCgrant: Mid and late successional forests are increasing rare in the lowlands of the Puget Sound region due to industrial forestry on short30-year cut rotations,as well as increasing residential development. The project offers an excellent opportunity to permanently protect and allow natural regrowth and restoration of upland forestforcontinuedgrowth of olderforest habitat over time,including forests of headwater wetlands and streams that generally do not receive protection understate forestry regulations. Underthe "fighting climate change"section of the NCWCgrant: The forest will continue to store more carbon as it grows.Planned selective forestry(variable density thinning)fortheSF site in the future will increase growth rates of this dense plantation forestand increase carbon storage. Thinning will also make the plantation forest more structurally and biologically diverse;making it more resilient to damage due to drought, wildlife and otherimpacts of climate change. B) In addition the federal deed restrictions,Jefferson County also requires that the proposed property be protected by deed restrictions recorded at closing.These deed restrictions are reviewed and approved by the county and are intendedto meet theirrequirements that the property be conserved as proposed in the grant.I have attached the deed from the"Lincoln Property"that was acquired by NWI as part of the Upper Tarboo Creek Wetlands project funded by Conservation Futures and US Fish and Wildlife.Although not property where forestry is planned,it gives an idea of the deed restrictions required by the county. Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee Sponsor Question Responses -- NWI April 2024 C) The proposed ownerof the property isa nonprofit conservation organization,ratherthan a private landowner,which gives additional assurance of long-term conservation and stewardship.NWI's primary purposeas stated in Article 1 of the bylaws is: the assessment, protection and restoration of ecologicallysignificantfish and wildlife habitats. NWI has the expertise and capacity to conduct longterm stewardship as needed and oversight from the Board of Directors. Furthermore,operating outside of NWI's legal mission,orfor profit, would be illegal. D) Finally,NWI will prepare a Forest Stewardship Plan,aka Forest Management Plan,forthe proposed property.This has the same purpose as a Land Trust"Stewardship Plan";describing the natural resources and habitats and laying out at the detailed management foreach zone consistent with the more general goals and restrictions stated in the Conservation Covenant. Weed control,forest thinning,boundary survey,and other potential uses are included in the forest stewardship plan.Stewardship Plans are not binding and can be changed with new information and changing conditions overtime.They are an excellent means of ensuring that day to day management of the property supports the overall conservation objectives.The Forest Management Plan will be likely be prepared by Northwest Natural Resources Group's lead forester in cooperation with NWI's Stewardship Director/Botanist and Executive Di rector/Aquatic Ecologistto comply with Forest Stewardship Council Certification standards, the strongest voluntary standards in the US. Attached is the Forest Management Plan forthe S. Fork Tarboo Ck property as an example.This FMP includes,under"Desired Future Conditions"Section: The long-termforestmanogementgoolfor this property istofacilitate the developmentof old growth foresthabitatcharacteristics thotprovidea wide variety of ecological benefits,including carbon sequestration while also managing to provide a sustained flow of high-quality timberproducts that will generate revenue to support ongoing ecological restoration and conservation efforts. Detailed stewardship recommendations uncle reach resource topic(wildlife,forestry,water quality..). Deer` v- fp,(P SY Soh 2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application 9SN1 NGC 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: Deerfoot Forest 2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: S88,000 Conservation Futures O&M Request: $12,000 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: S100,000 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. _Warranty Deed X Easement _Other(Please describe below.) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Hubbard Center Road LLC(Penney Hubbard)will continue to hold title,with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust and potentially a REPI easement held by the US Department of Defense. 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Director of Conservation&Strategic Partnerships Address: 1033 Lawrence St. Port Townsend,WA 98368 Phone:(360)379-9501,ext. 101 Fax: U - ,ext. Email: sspaeth saveland.org 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Contact: Title: Address: Phone: (� - ,ext. Fax: �) - ,ext. Email: 1 2024 CF Program Application FINAL This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body(e.g., board, council, etc)on February 20,2024 7. Project Location Street Address or Description of Location: 11500 Center Rd.Quilcene,WA 98376 Driving Directions from Port Townsend: From Chimacum,take Center Road south for 11.5 miles and turn right into the private driveway. Section: 5 Township: 27 N Range: 1 W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): 701052002 and 701052011 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 listed above will remain in Hubbard Center Road LLC ownership and will be preserved with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust,likely along with a Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) restrictive easement. Please list the assessed values for each property or APN,as applicable. 701052002 -$441,737 current market value assessed (includes improvements),and the total current use taxable value of$328,695(Designated Forest Land tax classification) 701052011-$77,065 current market value assessed&taxable value 8. Existing Conditions New Site: Yes X No Number of Parcels: 2 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No X Acres to Be Acquired: 36.9 Total Project Acreage(if different): Current Zoning: RR:20 and RR:S Existing Structures/Facilities: Two residences,two wells,a pump house,a small barn,woodshed,and a few additional outbuildings. Any current covenants,easements or restrictions on land use: None Current Use: Residential and designated forestland Waterfront(name of body of water): None Shoreline(linear feet): N/A Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: N/A 9. Current Property Owner X is _is not a willing seller. Project Description 2 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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 whether the project has a plan, schedule and funding dedicated to its completion.Please also list any important milestones for the project or critical dates,e.g. grant deadlines. List the dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget. Jefferson Land Trust is seeking Conservation Futures funding for the permanent protection of Hubbard Forest.This property is located in Quilcene,WA along Center Road and contains two parcels that total 36.9 acres.The landowner has lived on the property for over 50 years and has been a dedicated steward for this forested property.The Hubbard Forest property appears to be a section of the headwaters of both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek.Jefferson Land Trust and other partners such as the Northwest Watershed Institute, WA Department of Natural Resources,and Jefferson County have been working for over two decades on the protection efforts in both of these creek's watersheds,offering an important opportunity to continue with land protection efforts in these priority areas. The Deerfoot Forest conservation easement will limit future development,require single ownership of the two parcels,restrict forest management to only permit ecological enhancement activities,all with the goal of protecting the wildlife corridor provided by this diverse second growth forest.As large,rotational clearcuts have occurred on adjacent neighboring parcels, Penney Hubbard and her husband have ensured that the management of the Deerfoot Forest has allowed natural regeneration of the forest ecosystem to occur.Their management vision includes the maintenance,preservation,and enhancement of the diverse second growth forest as a"forest garden"for native plant species,wildlife,and human recreation and enjoyment. Deerfoot Forest has been naturally regenerating since its last logging operation around 1920.There are various forest zones including mature Douglas fir mixed with cedar,western hemlock,Sitka spruce,alder and maple patches,and forested wetlands.While some areas of the forest could benefit from more conifer tree presence,there is a substantial amount of downed wood and standing snags throughout the property which provide important habitat for various wildlife and sequester water and carbon on site.The property has varied topography ranging from mostly flat forestland on the south side of Center Road to south-facing sloped forestland on the parcel north of Center Road.The topography and soils of Deerfoot Forest hosts seasonal and perennial forested wetlands and while there is no apparent surface water flow,the property appears to have hydrological connections as a section of the headwaters of both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek.On the property,in addition to the two residences located in the larger northern parcel,infrastructure includes two wells,a pump house,a small barn,and other small outbuildings.Current zoning of the parcels appears to allow for one additional development right on the southern parcel that would be extinguished with the conservation easement. 3 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Deerfoot Forest's surrounding neighbor landowners include private timber companies,residential development,and Department of Natural Resources Forest Board.These surrounding land uses have resulted in the Deerfoot Forest serving as an intact wildlife corridor across the busy Center Road.The landowners and other community members have regularly sited black bears and cougars crossing Center Road between the two Hubbard parcels,presumably because of the habitat interruption and fragmentation occurring on the surrounding properties.The Deerfoot Forest has remained a wildlife and native plant refugia over the years as nearby disturbances have continued to occur. Jefferson Land Trust intends to protect this forested property with a conservation easement before the end of 2025 or early 2026,and CFF funds will provide essential funding toward this goal.In addition to CFF funds, funding from the Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration(REPI) program for the REPI easement will also likely provide a substantial amount of the funding for this project as well as a bargain sale of the conservation easement from the landowners,providing matching funds from the CFF program.The federal grant dollars and landowner match contributed to this project will reduce the amount of funding needed from the CFF program. To date,Jefferson Land Trust protects over 1,360 acres in the Tarboo Creek and Donovan Creek watersheds. These properties include forestland, riparian,and farmland properties,working with several partners including the Northwest Watershed Institute,Department of Natural Resources. Top objectives: 1. Protect the property with a conservation easement and Navy REPI restrictive easement which will reduce the development rights,protect the forest and wetland habitat,and protect the headwaters of Tarboo Creek and Donovan Creek-2026 2. After protection of the property the landowners,Jefferson Land Trust staff,and other natural resources partners will collaborate to plan and implement the best forest management practices to ensure that the property continues on its path to old-growth forest characteristics and contributes to climate resiliency. 3. Landowners,Land Trust and other partners will continue to assess the use of the property as a wildlife corridor and determine if there are additional enhancements that can contribute to that use. The overarching goal of this project is to protect the ecological values of Hubbard Forest so that the property will always remain in a maturing forested condition,protecting the water quality of the lower watersheds. 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): $202,000 Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $12,000 Total Project Cost: $214,000 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): 4 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Quilcene Headwaters to Bay Preserve Timeline Est.Total CFF Request Match Phase II Project related costs Cost Easement acquisition 2026 $170,000 $65,000 $105,000 Land acquisition related costs,i.e. 2026 $24,000 $15,000 $9,000 appraisal,survey,Baseline document, closing costs Project management,admin and legal ongoing $8,000 $8,000 $0 fees O&M ongoing $12,000 $12,000 $0 Total $214,000 $100,000 $114,000 (46.7%) (53.3%) The estimate for the value of the easement acquisition is based on the current Jefferson County fair market value assessment of the property,combined with our knowledge of the appraised value of other conservation easements on local properties recently.Similarly,Jefferson Land Trust completes multiple acquisition projects a year which helps us provide experienced estimates for project management and other administrative costs that will be needed for this project. O & M only go to question #15: Scored Questions 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 S88.000 S12,000 46.7% Matching Funds/Resources* S114,000 LO 53.3% Total Project Acquisition Cost S202,000 S12,000 100% 5 2024 CF Program Application FINAL *If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match,please describe and provide documentation of value, location, date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for acquisition. 1 d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? Navy REPI (or bargain sale) $114,000 _ Yes No Yes No $ Yes No Yes No NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship("in-kind" contributions)are not eligible as a match. 2. 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(casement monitoring, maintenance,up-keep, etc.)for the proposed project. Protection and stewardship actions for this property are designed to protect the ecological forest and wetland values of this property and the watershed that it impacts.Jefferson Land Trust has developed a rigorous program for stewardship and monitoring of conservation easement terms over the 35 years since we were formed,including at least annual on-the-ground monitoring of the property by professional staff and trained volunteers,data collection and management,help with stewardship planning,as well as legal defense of the conservation easements should it become necessary.As of 2024,Jefferson Land Trust has a legal defense fund of over$832,000 and continues to build this fund with each new easement acquisition,recognizing the legal obligation and responsibility of protecting conservation values in perpetuity.In addition,Jefferson Land Trust carries legal defense insurance for conservation easements through a program called Terrafirma, developed through the national Land Trust Alliance(the national umbrella organization for land trusts).This program covers up to$500,000 in legal enforcement costs per conservation easement that Jefferson Land Trust holds and stewards. 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 our regular easement monitoring program described above,we plan to work with the landowners on the implementation of their recently updated Forest Management Plan.The landowners have been working with WA Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation District staff to develop this forest management plan,and the Land Trust's accompanying Stewardship Plan will be a complimentary document that helps the landowners understand their rights under the conservation easement,and work hand in hand with Forest Management Plan.The Stewardship Plan is developed with the Land Trust and the landowners as an accompanying document to the conservation easement that helps all parties to understand the permitted and prohibited uses under the easement,and the management goals for the property. 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. 6 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Over the 35 years since it was formed,Jefferson Land Trust has managed many acquisition projects with several project partner organizations,including Jefferson County,The Trust for Public Land,Northwest Watershed Institute,North Olympic Salmon Coalition(NOSC),JCCD,HCSEG,the Navy and others,and we have been responsible for conducting or coordinating restoration activities in partnership with many of those same agencies and organizations. The Land Trust also holds title to over 1,027 acres of preserves and we have helped with the preservation and stewardship of another 12,844 acres in Jefferson County.We currently hold 68 conservation easements on 4,526 acres,including the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve(396 acres),Carl's Forest (156 acres),Arlandia(28 acres),and other facilitated protection projects with the Northwest Watershed Institute. Jefferson Land Trust stewardship and monitoring protocols were developed with the guidance of the national Land Trust Alliance,and adherence to those protocols is one of the requirements for our formal land trust accreditation. 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 worked with many willing landowners and has sponsored 40 CFF applications over the years since Jefferson County approved collection of the conservation futures property tax and developed the program in 2003.These projects are found in almost all areas of East Jefferson County and range from fee simple acquisition of nature preserves that are held by Jefferson Land Trust,or by other entities such as the City of Port Townsend,Jefferson County or the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe,to permanent conservation easements held by Jefferson Land Trust on privately owned properties. 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. The landowners of Deerfoot Forest are deeply committed to the permanent protection of their property. Jefferson Land Trust has not begun drafting the conservation easement or hired the appraisal report yet,but once we have secured funding from Conservation Futures,we are certain that the acquisition of this easement will be feasible.Jefferson Land Trust expects to close on this conservation easement in late 2025 or early 2026 due to our multiple other project commitments to we are currently working on. 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_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 7 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. X complements an adopted open space or conservation plan,but is not specifically identified. Please describe below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan. _is a stand-alone project. The Deerfoot Forest property is nearby the Washington DNR's designated Dabob Bay Natural Area.The Dabob Bay Natural Area was created to protect one of Washington's highest functioning coastal spit and tidal wetland systems. Deerfoot Forest and other properties within the Tarboo watershed have the opportunity to provide additional protection to these areas by protecting the water quality of tributaries feeding into Dabob Bay. Jefferson Land Trust's community-vetted 100-Year Conservation Plan articulates the importance of preserving habitat with the community vision-"Habitat is biologically diverse, interconnected,and supports viable population so keystone species."(pg. 13,Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Plan,2010).It also identifies "wildlife corridors"and "natural ecosystems"as priorities for habitat areas to be protected,which Deerfoot Forest can be characterized as. A portion of the Deerfoot Forest property is specifically identified as a Highly Resilient Terrestrial Biodiversity Area through Jefferson Land Trust's Climate Resiliency Spatial Conservation Planning. More information about the Land Resilience Study can be found in the hyperlink and in Question#11. 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 landowners of Deerfoot Forest have considered working with Jefferson Land Trust to protect their forestland for over a decade now.Up until this year the Hubbards have wanted to reserve their ability to sell off their second parcel in case they have unexpected medical costs arise. However,now that there is the opportunity to secure Conservation Futures funds for the protection of this property,we can now work with the landowners to consolidate the property,extinguish the remaining development right,and ensure that it cannot be subdivided or clearcut should the landowners need to sell the property in the future,or after their lifetimes. 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 conservation values of the property that will be protected by the conservation easement include mature, diverse forest habitat,forested wetlands,scenic qualities,and educational and scientific opportunities.The protection of this mature forest habitat will benefit the biological diversity,carbon sequestration,and groundwater recharge of the forest,as well as extend the wildlife corridor in the Tarboo and Donovan Creek watersheds that many partners have been working to protect for two decades. 7b. Summarize how the project's conservation values are related to the project's specific objectives. 8 2024 CF Program Application FINAL The objectives described in the Project Description ensure that Jefferson Land Trust is performing the appropriate steps to ensure permanent protection of the conservation values described in 7a. 8. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat for anadromous fish species? 8 a.,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.I The Deerfoot Forest property is nearby other conserved land including the conservation easements Tarboo Wildlife Preserve(396 acres),Carl's Forest(156 acres),Arlandia (28 acres),and other facilitated protection projects with the Northwest Watershed Institute.Directly to the south of Deerfoot Forest is Department of Natural Resources property in their Forest Board category for timber production,but we understand that the presence of marbled murrelets on or near their properties means that DNR may be working to incorporate these properties into their Dabob Bay Natural Area Preserve.Dabob Bay is home to Hood Canal summer chum,Pugent Sound chinook,coho,surf smelt,Pacific sand lace,Pacific Herring,Pacific geoduck,hardshell clams,commercial oyster production as well as several WDFW Priority Habitats. Protection of water quality throughout the watershed reduces the number of negative impacts that the streams and bay have to respond to such as sedimentation,erosion,pollution,and flooding. 8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat?If so,please provide details. Yes,the owners of Deerfoot Forest have been engaged in stewarding the property for 50 years with the goal of advancing of the naturally-regenerating diverse forest. Most recently the owners have been working with the DNR's Olympic Region Forest Resilience Team to develop an updated Forest Management Plan for the property. To date,management of the property has mostly included occasional planting of native conifer trees and shrubs when necessary to fill in gaps,allowing trees to become large and old and eventually become standing snags and large woody debris on the forest floor,and limiting human impact on the forested wetlands. 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. As described in question#8,this property appears to be some of the headwaters of both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek,both of which are anadromous streams for multiple salmonid species.The protection of habitat ' See, for example,http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritage///pages/amp nh.asp hqp://www.wdfw.wa.jzov/conservation/phs/list/ http://wwwl.dnr.wa. og v/nhp/refdesk/plants.html hhtt ://wwwl.dnr.wa. og, v/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa ecological systems.pdf 9 2024 CF Program Application FINAL upstream in a watershed provides benefit to the water quality and conditions of the salmon-bearing streams further down the watershed. 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 forestland's primary management goal is not for silvicultural production,but instead for preserving and enhancing the ecological diversity and resiliency of this habitat. 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. Encouraging structural diversity in the forest,as the Hubbard's have been doing for decades retains and builds soil,promotes groundwater recharge,and protects downstream water quality by reducing unnatural erosion. 10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil,water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat. With the proposed terms of the conservation easement,Deerfoot Forest will be able to be managed in a similar function as described in 11b,in perpetuity.The easement terms will restrict clear cutting, timber harvest and conversion of the forest which will protect the water quality,soil health,watershed function and wildlife habitat as described throughout this application. 10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland? Preservation of farmland is not one of the proposed conservation values for this forested property;the preservation of structurally diverse,second growth forest is the primary goal of this conservation easement. 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? Jefferson Land Trust and the North Olympic Land Trust have been involved in a Land Resilience Study of the North Olympic Peninsula since 2020.This study included working with a GIS consultant to utilize over 90 data sets and draw from 18 public and private sources to develop a set of climate resilience metrics that is helping to structure conservation initiatives in both partner organizations and shape future collaboration.The metrics are analyzed through the four pillars of our work including working farmland,working forestland,habitat and biodiversity,and community opportunity areas. Through this analysis,portions of Deerfoot Forest is identified as a Terrestrial Biodiversity Conservation Opportunity Area through this spatial resiliency study.Terrestrial Biodiversity Conservation Opportunity Areas are defined as the lands on the Olympic Peninsula that are most likely to retain their ecological integrity and features that support migrating biodiversity both present and predicted,where there are corridors between these features that will support future migration and are the habitat lands that have high carbon sequestration values. 12.What area does the project serve? 10 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. Deerfoot Forest is a piece of property that is part of a much broader county area that has been prioritized for protection by many local and regional land conservation and management partners.Both the Donovan and Tarboo Creek watersheds have been prioritized for preservation and restoration for over two decades,as described in#8.Deerfoot Forest is at the top of these watersheds,which benefits all of the downstream work that has been happening over many years. 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, 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 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.' The Hubbards are very passionate about being able to share educational and visitor opportunities on their property.Their future goals for the forest stated in their Forest Management Plan include designing additional walking trails and visitor infrastructure such as benches and gazebo to encourage the opportunity for people to visit an exemplary native forest and wildlife habitat for future generations. 14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources39. 14 a. The proposed acquisition_includes historic or culturally significant resources'and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program. is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources. is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site. 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. 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: 'The words"education"and"interpretation"are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. '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. 11 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. Annual monitoring is a standard practice to ensure conservation easements are honored,and 0&M support for the first few years of stewardship helps ensure the integrity of CFF investments.Ongoing monitoring after the 0&M funds have been fully expended is covered by other sources of funds raised by the Land Trust.0&M funds will be dedicated to annual monitoring,forest habitat improvements consultation and planning,Stewardship Plan drafting and implementation,and consultation including connecting landowner with agency partners. We have not developed a specific stewardship plan for this property yet,but if we are awarded funds and if negotiations are successful with the landowner,we will provide the Stewardship Plan for the CE once completed. 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 ruired to submit progress reports for three years and for any year in which O&M funds are expended. Initials 312-2- 2-1Date 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. _ _Initials 2z z_ ate 16 d. The applicant has reviewed all project requirements and all information in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. f Initials 3 Z`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. 5 Initials "ate 12 2024 CF Program Application FINAL —r - - — -1 Hiiltoriical- - - �— - &.-- Ciacum`alley,l ' - - `<<<<' Jefferso�County 1 - - 1 Vicr�4 — - — - Pori, , Townsen 1 r hChi ' • , , 1 v Glen vc 1- - 1' — --- 1 �. } . - - - - - - — • - - - - -- - -- - ■ I r y;,i nC 1 Quimper Wildlife Corridor/ ; ' 1 1 � 1 ' z N Ind ' >` "ihSa 1 � Gardiner- �` , at a 1 , in um, 1 , 1 ' L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - — 1-.-ram ta• noIL g I/ 1 ' b „�i��S Lovver Chimacum Creek - - - 1 Sno%v%Salmon 1 , � , • , 7�� Watershed ' � 1 ' ont ' r_ citcr - • ' 1 1 1 1 1 ' > i cas Swansonv le ' C 1 aver Porc L dl E Moore St ' Va ey , Irondale 4 , 1 ' fO�d __�- - - -- - - - - - - . - - - 1 — �tel V - - - -- - - - - — 1 Tarboo'ProjectArea ' 1 1 1 � a•_. 1 1 \ V B rl ■ 1 1 ' ' � s•. y 1 Vinland - - — - - - - - - ' /1 Duckabush& Dosewallips 1"1' � Bri on �I °Ir o 4V - - - - - ni ' hp Lh Jefferson Land Trust Land Trust Preserve Facilitated Protection L , . Land Protection Accomplishments M Conservation Easements Other Conservation Lands 1989 - April 2023 oimetio a pa.pos , . am.rep ese eu.,e,,am N Mep aeana m!p,a 2023 „.rn.o sources entl•pp,oumete i g y4,1�'' 11 Hubbard Forest �..r.q-G a v ��. Y ^, G ayi� i c.�' �t.� .t" `�'S` tn"•,�s+..�� eiR" r,1. - ti•' }i§`�` tin � . G) G.� +�1 t!'� tx .�Tft.•� .tr'`�:' a JeffersonLand Trust Conservaron DNR ForestC•. • 1 State Department of Natural Resources Parcels • MUM • • . .. "ate,*� _ I�._taan+ Halls o n Y _ t f' r fa• ••i r t �' _ fff I C�c` a One, -� ��:...!�_ i'�� '.•i=t• ���s_ _ � gyp'". - �' `�(i -. Hubbard Forest Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Easement -' DNR Forest Board ' '`}. r State Department of Natural ResourcesVr- MiOA S@iYirces EsF �1 . Streams 0 412 5 825 1.650 Feet Deerfoot Forest Hubbard 2019 Aerial Image (NAIP) H i l i s h a d e and Streams For informational al purposes varying All data represented are from var in . . sources and approximate. 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T����k. p• � f��; si G r�'�i.�� r � At, k�r% '� •. • Jf t r 1 � ,�rl.l�y,y5 Jr� r. t w�R-` � .i� t,4.N�4' r\-•� t ,p'',t t�-;Mm Co - ��/ R Yr '�+F�+�"�'� •._ ref t _r �a 1 ,`rr �r � • - � r 1, . .. ,mac •',*; •a ,�.. .1� ��# -..rr T u' 1��3,�s r ,�c. .I�� } � � ,! - Ash tN�. ��.�L` • h r, Landowner Acknowledgement Form ' Project Applicant Information Applicant Name: Jefferson Land Trust Project Number/Name: Contact: ❑ Mr. ® Ms. First Name: Sarah Last Name: Spaeth Title: Director of Conservation Mailing Address. 1033 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-Mail Address: sspaeth@saveland.org Property Information Address or Location: 11500 Center Road. Quilcene,WA 98376 County/Parcel Number: 701052002 and 701052011 Landowner Information Landowner Name: Hubbard Center Road LLC Representative: ❑ Mr. ® Ms. First Name: Penney Last Name: Hubbard Title: Mailing Address: PO Box 602 Quilcene, WA 98376 E-Mail Address: auntpenney@gmail.com 1. Penney Hubbard, Hubbard Center Road LLC, is the legal owner of property described in the grant application being submitted to Jefferson County Conservation Futures by the project applicant. 2. 1 am aware that the project being proposed in the grant application is on my property. 3. If a grant is successfully awarded, I will be contacted and asked to engage in negotiations. 4. My signature does not represent authorization of project implementation. 5. If I am affiliated with the project applicant, I will recuse myself from decisions made by the project applicant to work on or purchase my property. 6. Ther ar are not (circle one)tenants on the property.Tenants displaced as a result of this project may be eligible for relocation assistance. lxv-,�­ OlatX-A 4_1�q � J Lardowner,(Repiestxitative Signature Date 1 `-SON c�G2 2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application 9SH I N G SO 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 Humbleberry Farm 2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $140,000 Conservation Futures O&M Request: $12,000 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: S152,000 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. Warranty Deed X Easement _Other(Please describe below) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Debora Dearie will continue to hold title,with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust and a REPI easement held by the US Department of Defense. 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Jefferson Land Trust Contact: Sarah Spaeth Title: Director of Conservation&Strategic Partnerships Address: 1033 Lawrence St.Port Townsend,WA 98368 Phone: 360)379-9501,ext. 101 Fax: (� - ,ext. Email: sspaeth(@saveland.org 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Contact: Title: Address: Phone: (� - ,ext. Fax: (� - ,ext. Email: 1 2024 CF Program Application FINAL This application was approved by the sponsor's legally responsible body(e.g., board, council, etc) on February 20,2024 7. Project Location Street Address or Description of Location: 190 McInnis Rd.Quilcene,WA 98376 Driving Directions from Port Townsend: From Chimacum,take Center Road south for 13.8 miles and turn left onto McInnis Rd. Section: 18 Township: 27 N Range: 1W Assessor's Parcel Number(s): 701 182 003,702 131003,and 702 131020 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 listed above will remain in Debora Dearie's ownership and will be preserved with a conservation easement held by Jefferson Land Trust,along with a Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI)restrictive easement. Please list the assessed values for each property or APN,as applicable. 701 182 003-$753,203 current market value assessed (includes improvements),and the total current use taxable value of$658,251 702 131 003-$192,465 current market value,with total current use taxable value of$6,345 702 131 020-$39,375 current market value,with total current use taxable value of$1,125 8. Existing Conditions New Site: Yes X No Number of Parcels:3 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No X Acres to Be Acquired: 50.9 Total Project Acreage(if different): Current Zoning: AP1:20 Existing Structures/Facilities: One residence,large barn,carriage barn/shop,multiple wells and three pump houses,car port,sheds,livestock shelter,and agricultural ponds. Any current covenants,easements or restrictions on land use: None Current Use: Residential and agricultural uses Waterfront(name of body of water): Donovan Creek Shoreline(linear feet): Approximately 688ft of Donovan Creek Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: No tidelands or shoreline 9. Current Property Owner X is _is not a willing seller. Project Description 2 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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 whether the project has a plan, schedule and funding dedicated to its completion. Please also list any important milestones for the project or critical dates,e.g. grant deadlines. List the dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget. Jefferson Land Trust is seeking Conservation Futures funding for the permanent protection of Humbleberry Farm located in Quilcene,WA near the head of the Quilcene Bay.The goal of the project is to protect productive and historic farmland as well as a stretch of salmon-bearing Donovan Creek with a conservation easement.The conservation easement will allow the landowners to continue their residential and agricultural uses and will ensure that the property is available for agricultural production into the future,and protect the riparian buffer of Donovan Creek.The conservation easement will be held and enforced by Jefferson Land Trust in perpetuity.The protection of this property will fill in a gap in the protection of a continuous corridor throughout the upper Quilcene Bay watershed,as the Humbleberry Farm is surrounded by Land Trust nature preserves,Land Trust conservation easements,Jefferson County-owned land,and property owned by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group.This protected connection enables species movement both from day to day and over time as the climate changes,thereby increasing resilience and supporting biodiversity. For this project we have the opportunity to work with the current landowners to preserve their 50.9-acre farm comprised of prime agricultural soils.The property has three tax parcels that are zoned Agricultural Production 1 development right per 20 acres and is designated as Open Space Agriculture by the Jefferson County assessor,and after the conservation easement in place the parcels will be required to stay under one ownership to reduce fragmentation.Humbleberry Farm has been in agricultural use for over one hundred years,historically as a dairy and most recently for hay and beef production until the farm came under new ownership in late 2021.Since the change in ownership the farm has been undergoing significant and impressive improvements to the land management,soil quality,and business operations.The new owners are committed to regenerative agriculture practices including rotational grazing of livestock;deep bedding systems for wintering animals in the barn;increasing bioavailability in the pastures through liming,manure spreading and adding biochar;gradually increasing the stocking capacity of the property over time;and managing water runoff. Top objectives: 1. Protect the property with a conservation easement and Navy REPI restrictive easement which will reduce the development rights,protect the agricultural soils,and protect the riparian area of Donovan Creek-late 2025/early 2026 3 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 2. Once protected with the easements,the landowners will be able to invest in agricultural management improvement projects and expand their business which provides local food products directly to the east Jefferson County community-2026 and beyond 3. After protection of the property,the landowners and restoration partners will be eligible to apply for and implement restoration on the 680 ft.stretch of Donovan Creek on site-2026 and beyond Humbleberry Farm has varied topography ranging from east-facing slopes and flat pastureland on the east side of McInnis Road surrounding Donovan Creek,as well as east-, north-,and west-facing slops on the west side of McInnis Road.The topography and soils provide opportunities for diverse pastureland,orchard development,and perennial crops.On the property in addition to the one residence located in the eastern parcel,agricultural infrastructure includes a large barn,a smaller carriage barn/shop,car port,three well houses,sheds,livestock shelters,and ponds,all of which support the agricultural viability and production potential of this farm.The pastures are currently set up with 5 large,fenced paddocks allowing for livestock rotation,and the landowner currently practices ever smaller rotations within the paddocks using electric fencing. In 2023,Jefferson Land Trust was successful in securing funding from the Recreation and Conservation Office's(RCO)Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program's(WWRP)State Farmland Preservation Program grant for protecting both Humbleberry Farm and the adjacent Schmidt Farm with a conservation easement. This farmland grant program conducts a thorough review of farmland viability including soils,infrastructure, water rights,and threat.The Humbleberry Farm and Schmidt Farm joint grant application ranked highly amongst several statewide projects.Jefferson Land Trust intends to protect this farm with a conservation easement before the end of 2025,and CFF funds will provide essential funding toward this goal. In addition to CFF and state funds,funding from the Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration(REPI) program for the REPI easement will also provide a substantial amount of the funding for this project, matching the funds from the CFF program.These state and federal grant dollars contributing to this project have reduced the overall amount of funding needed from the CFF program,and the remaining necessary funding is expressed in our CFF request. Jefferson Land Trust,Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group,and Jefferson County have all focused efforts on permanent protection of properties surrounding Quilcene Bay for two decades.To date,Jefferson Land Trust protects over 140 acres of riparian,wetland,farmland,and estuarine habitat at the head of Quilcene Bay through two conservation easements and fee ownership of two nature preserves. Extensive restoration efforts have been undertaken over the past decade on Donovan Creek by Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD),Jefferson County,Jefferson Land Trust,and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group(HCSEG). Subsequent to the 2007 replacement of a 5-ft.culvert(identified as a fish barrier) under East Quilcene Road, only 2,000 ft south of the subject site,with a 70-ft.concrete bridge by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and Jefferson County Public Works,Jefferson Land Trust worked with project partners on a major restoration project to restore lower Donovan Creek to its historic channel.Included in this restoration work, immediately upstream and downstream of Humbleberry Farm,the Land Trust replanted the riparian buffer and wetlands with thousands of native plants in 2016 and have been managing the restoration site since. Additionally,Jefferson Land Trust is close to purchasing a conservation easement on Schmidt Farm directly to the east which hosts Jakeway Creek,a tributary of Donovan Creek. The overarching goal of this project is to protect the agricultural soils of Humbleberry Farm so that they will always be available for commercial production,in perpetuity.Additionally,the protection of this property and creation of a delineated riparian zone surrounding Donovan Creek will allow project partners like Hood Canal 4 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Salmon Enhancement Group to secure funding for and implement a restoration project along this stretch of the creek that would otherwise not be available for unprotected property. 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): $825,000 Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $12,000 Total Project Cost: $837,000 Basis for Estimates(include information about how the property value(s)was determined,anticipated acquisition- related costs,general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed,task list with itemized budget,and anticipated schedule for completion of work): Quilcene Headwaters to Bay Preserve Timeline Est.Total CFF Request Match Phase II Project related costs Cost Easement acquisition 2025 $790,000 $140,000 $650,000 Land acquisition related costs,i.e. 2025 $27,000 $0 $27,000 appraisal,survey,Baseline document, closing costs Project management admin and legal ongoing $8,000 $0 $8,000 fees 0&M (stewardship plan and monitoring) ongoing $12,000 $12,000 $0 Total $837,000 $152,000 $685,000 (18.2%) (81.8%) The estimate for the value of the easement acquisition is based on the current Jefferson County fair market value assessment of the property,combined with our knowledge of the appraised value of other conservation easements on local farmland recently.Similarly,Jefferson Land Trust completes multiple acquisition projects a year which helps us provide experienced estimates for project management and other administrative costs that will be needed for this project. O & M only go to question #15: Scored Questions 5 2024 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. 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 S140,000 12 000 18.2% Matching Funds/Resources* S685,000 LO 81.8% Total Project Acquisition Cost S825,000 S12,000 100% *If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match,please describe and provide documentation of value, location, date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for acquisition. 1 d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? Navy REPI $351,000 Yes No Yes No State Farmland Preservation $340,000 _ Yes No Yes No $ Yes No Yes No $ Yes No Yes No NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition.Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship("in-kind" contributions) are not eligible as a match. 2. 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. Protection and stewardship actions for this property are designed to protect the agricultural viability of the farm and region.Jefferson Land Trust has developed a rigorous program for stewardship and monitoring of conservation easement terms over the 35 years since we were formed,including at least annual on-the- ground monitoring of the property by professional staff and trained volunteers,data collection and management, help with stewardship planning,as well as legal defense of the conservation easements should it become necessary.As of 2024,Jefferson Land Trust has a legal defense fund of over$832,000 and continues to build this fund with each new easement acquisition, recognizing the legal obligation and responsibility of protecting conservation values in perpetuity.In addition,Jefferson Land Trust carries legal defense insurance for conservation easements through a program called Terrafirma,developed through the national Land Trust 6 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Alliance(the national umbrella organization for land trusts).This program covers up to$500,000 in legal enforcement costs per conservation easement that Jefferson Land Trust holds and stewards. 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 our regular easement monitoring program described above,we plan to help the landowners partner with the Jefferson Co.Conservation District(JCCD)and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG).These entities have worked with landowners in the Quilcene Bay watershed both to implement best management practices on agricultural land and to enhance riparian habitats.These partners provided technical expertise,support,and on the ground oversight of restoration activities.We expect that JCCD and HCSEG will be able to work with the Humbleberry Farm managers to incorporate additional agricultural BMPs and also hopefully to restore the section of Donovan Creek on the property. 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. Over the 35 years since it was formed,Jefferson Land Trust has managed many acquisition projects with several project partner organizations,including Jefferson County,The Trust for Public Land,Northwest Watershed Institute,North Olympic Salmon Coalition(NOSC),JCCD,HCSEG,the Navy and others,and we have been responsible for conducting or coordinating restoration activities in partnership with many of those same agencies and organizations. We hold 68 conservation easements on 4,526 acres and have helped with the preservation and stewardship of another 12,844 acres in Jefferson County.The Land Trust also holds title to over 1,027 acres of preserves,including the nearby Lower Donovan Creek Preserve and Donovan Wetlands Preserve(adjacent to the south and north of Humbleberry Farm)as well as the Big Quilcene and Duckabush Rivers south of this project site which directly affect Quilcene Bay and the Hood Canal. Jefferson Land Trust stewardship and monitoring protocols were developed with the guidance of the national Land Trust Alliance,and adherence to those protocols is one of the requirements for our formal land trust accreditation. 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 worked with many willing landowners and has sponsored 40 CFF applications over the years since Jefferson County approved collection of the conservation futures property tax and developed the program in 2003.These projects are found in almost all areas of East Jefferson County and range from fee simple acquisition of nature preserves that are held by Jefferson Land Trust,or by other entities such as the City of Port Townsend,Jefferson County or the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe,to permanent conservation easements held by Jefferson Land Trust on privately owned properties. 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. 7 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. We have begun drafting the conservation easement and REPI restrictive easement documents in partnership with the landowners.The landowners are in strong support of the preservation effort and are in general agreement with the Land Trust on the draft provisions of the easements.We will work out the details, followed by the appraisal process which will determine the cost of the acquisition.The Land Trust will offer the Humbleberry Farm landowners the fair market value purchase price of the higher-valued conservation easement. The Humbleberry Farm and neighboring Schmidt Farm ranked fourth out of 18 applications statewide for the State Farmland Preservation Program funding in 2022 and we were awarded funding in 2023,which means that additional funding is already in place to make this conservation easement acquisition feasible. 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 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. 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. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach to conservation.We engage with partners in the"Chumsortium" Consortium to bring back vibrant salmon runs on Hood Canal,and in the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative to support big-picture thinking around the ongoing economic viability of local farms and working forests. We partner with regional government,local and national agencies,Tribes,peer organizations,and individual citizens to safeguard the places we love and that are crucial to the health of our community,now and into the future. The Jefferson Co.Comprehensive Plan says that"It is Jefferson County's intent to protect and foster opportunities for the successful practice of agriculture. Land with prime agricultural soils clearly must be preserved".The Open Space Agriculture tax classification and Commercial Agricultural zoning of the property also reflects the County's goals and support for this land. The American Farmland Trust's 2012 report Losing Ground:Farmland Protection in the Puget Sound Region includes a Jefferson County Scorecard which identifies the need for additional farmland protection and acknowledges the important role of the Conservation Futures Fund in that effort. A 2009 State Office of Farmland Protection Report notes"The legislature finds that the retention of agricultural land is desirable,not only to produce food,livestock,and other agricultural products,but also to maintain our state economy and preferable environmental conditions."and this report also documents decreasing farmland acreage and land prices rising with development pressure. The Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation&Development proposed Adaptation Strategies in their "Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula"(2015). In this plan,they suggest to "acquire and preserve existing vegetated,unprotected areas adjacent to river systems"and to"designate and prioritize funding for additional land designated for agriculture". 8 2024 CF Program Application FINAL Jefferson Land Trust's community-vetted 100-Year Conservation Plan(2010)articulates the importance of preserving agricultural lands with the community vision-"A thriving,sustainable agricultural industry is prominent in the local economy,culture,and landscape and is supported by a greater demand for local food."It also identifies"prime farmland soils and/or proven productivity"and"proximity to population centers"as priorities for agricultural lands to be protected,which Humbleberry Farm can be characterized as having. The Land Trust's Conservation Plan also states the importance of healthy rivers and streams that enter into Hood Canal-"Many salmonid species spend a large part of their early life stages in the estuaries,and water quality conditions in Hood Canal are essential to their continued survival"(pg.14 and pg.17).It also states that we should"integrate aquatic corridor and watershed scale conservation tactics".A section of Donovan Creek runs through Humbleberry Farm and directly into Quilcene Bay,meaning that a permanent designation of a riparian corridor on either side of Donovan Creek will have a positive effect on the water quality of Quilcene Bay in Hood Canal. One of the most significant and unique features of this project is the opportunity to protect a waterbody that directly feeds into Quilcene Bay,where clean water is critical for ecosystem health. Because of substantial intact tidal marsh habitat,Quilcene Bay has been recognized as a priority ecosystem for protection and restoration by many groups.It is a priority nearshore conservation area according to The Nature Conservancy's Willamette Valley-Puget Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment(Floberg et al.2004) because of its importance for conservation targets such as surf smelt(an important forage fish)and Olympia oysters. Priority Conservation Areas are defined as areas of biodiversity concentration that contain target species,communities and ecosystems and are considered the highest priorities for conservation.It is also a priority zone for the recovery of threatened Hood Canal summer chum salmon (Summer Chum Recovery Plan 2007)and Puget Sound bull trout(USFWS Draft Recovery Plan for the Coastal-Puget Sound Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout 2004).Furthermore,Quilcene Bay and its estuarine and palustrine wetlands nearby provide many habitat and foraging values that are recognized by national and regional plans aimed at conserving shorebirds,waterfowl,and water birds. Finally,the Humbleberry Farm property is specifically identified as a Highly Resilient Working Farm Area through Jefferson Land Trust's Climate Resiliency Spatial Conservation Planning. More information about the Land Resilience Study can be found in the hyperlink or see#11 below. 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. Jefferson Land Trust,JCCD,and HCSEG had attempted to partner together to preserve and restore Humbleberry Farm in the past when the farm was under different ownership. Due to resistance from those landowners,these efforts were unsuccessful in the early 2000s.Now that Humbleberry Farm is under new ownership,these multiple conservation entities are thrilled that we have a renewed opportunity to preserve this historic farm,one of the larger farms in the Quilcene area from fragmentation,and also to implement some habitat enhancements on Donovan Creek. 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? 9 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 7 a. Summarize the project's conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values. The conservation values of Humbleberry Farm include filling in a missing puzzle piece of protection in the upper Quilcene Bay landscape.This property's primary conservation value is agricultural productivity but also includes riparian salmonid habitat of Donovan Creek.Conservation Futures Funds will contribute significant funds to the purchase of a conservation easement that will protect this important agricultural property from subdivision,allowing for continued commercial agricultural production and potential future riparian planting and enhancement activities on Donovan Creek. 7b. Summarize how the project's conservation values are related to the project's specific objectives. The project's conservation values described in 7a relate to the project's objectives described in the Project Description because the objectives will allow the conservation values to be protected and thrive in perpetuity. Protection through a conservation easement and restrictive easement will ensure that the conservation values are always upheld.The objective to restore Donovan Creek in the future will allow the riparian habitat conservation value to thrive more than it is able to in its current conditions. 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. WDFW Priority Habitat Species Report lists trumpeter swans(waterfowl concentration area),Freshwater Emergent Wetlands,Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland.Water quality from the property is important to the health of Quilcene Bay and the conservation values of this tidal estuarine habitat as indicated in#5 above. 8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so,please provide details. The current landowners have been working with the Jefferson County Conservation District to implement best management practices(BMPs). Projects thus far include catching rainwater from the barn roof to reduce runoff(high in nitrogen)on the sloped fields which lead into Donovan Creek,and also allows the farmers to conduct drip-line irrigation for some of their perennial crops.Any extra water not stored is drained into agricultural ditches to reduce nitrogen loading from running across the fields.The farmers are already working with the JCCD to implement additional rain catchment on their infrastructure,getting them up to 10,000 gallons or more of water storage. Other current conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement activities include facilitating hedgerow "patches"throughout their pastures to allow habitat and refuge for birds and other wildlife,protecting their ' See, for example,http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritage/pa eg s/amp nh.aspx http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/r)hs/list/ http://wwwl.dnr.wa. og v/nhp/refdesk/plants.html hqp://wwwl.dnr.wa. og v/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa ecological systems.pdf 10 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 5.7-acre forested patch for wildlife habitat,as well as conducting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and allow for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 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. According to DNR SalmonScape,the approximately 690 feet of Donovan Creek hosts several salmonid species (coho occurrence&breeding area,coastal cutthroat,fall chum occurrence&migration,winter steelhead occurrence&migration).The current conditions of this stretch of Donovan Creek have significant opportunity for improvement since it is completely unshaded and is experiencing incision (narrow erosion lowering the streambed below the floodplain)due to the previous owner's refusal to work with habitat organizations to improve the conditions of this stretch. However,the Humbleberry Farm landowners are interested in improving this stretch of Donovan Creek by working with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group or JCCD,and Jefferson Land Trust will ensure that the permanent easement terms allow for habitat enhancement. 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 Humbleberry Farm property has been in agricultural condition for over 100 years.Underthe previous ownership,the property had mostlyjust been hayed forthe last several decades. However,since 2021 when the new landowners acquired the property,the land has been undergoing a series of projects and improvements that have been bringingthe farm back to life and bringing it back into commercial agricultural production. In the last two and a half years,the landowners have brought on cattle,dairy cows,sheep, chickens,planted a commercial strawberry patch,and planted the first phase of a commercial fruit orchard. The farmers are dedicated to regenerative agriculture and to improving the health of the pasture soils,the animals,and the plants that they are cultivating. The soils on the property are all characterized as Farmland of Statewide Importance,Prime Farmland if Drained,or Prime Farmland by the Natural Resources Conservation Services.The soils on site include Cathcart gravelly silt loam,Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,Quilcene silt loam,Lummi silt loam,Casey silt loam,and Belfast silt loam.The property is currently set up with 5 permanent fenced paddocks and the farmers utilize electric netting to do rotational grazing on even smaller sections of pasture.The property has three wells and an associated water right claim and certificate of water right. The planned agricultural activities after the purchase of the conservation easement are consistent with what the owners have been accomplishing for the last 2.5 years.They plan to continue raising Iamb,expanding their strawberry operation,maintaining and expanding the fruit orchard,increasing the bioavailability of the western pastures for grazing,and responding to local food production gaps for other products to offer. 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. 11 2024 CF Program Application FINAL During the two and a half years that the owners have been on this property,they have demonstrated a strong commitment and desire to implement management practices that enhance the soil through regenerative practices and improve water quality by working the JCCD. Please see#8d above for more details. 10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil,water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat. The acquisition of the conservation easement and REPI easement on the entire farm will provide protection against subdivision of the property and limit the number of residences allowed on the property.Additionally, the conservation easement will include impervious surface limitations which serves to preserve the prime soils and agricultural viability.The continuation of BMPs on the farm and the landowner's intention to enhance the riparian buffer of Donovan Creek will preserve soil,water and habitat quality.Continued agricultural use will also reduce the likelihood of increased impermeable surfaces that often accompany development—surfaces that lead to increased runoff and reduced groundwater recharge abilities. 10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland? There is an approximately 5.7-acre forest patch in the northwest section of the property along Center Road, however it is not anticipated that this forested area will be subject to much forest management and will instead be managed as an ecological and habitat refuge for native wildlife. 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? Jefferson Land Trust and the North Olympic Land Trust have been involved in a Land Resilience Study of the North Olympic Peninsula since 2020. This study included working with a GIS consultant to utilize over 90 data sets and draw from 18 public and private sources to develop a set of climate resilience metrics that is helping to structure conservation initiatives in both partner organizations and shape future collaboration.The metrics are analyzed through the four pillars of our work including working farmland,working forestland,habitat and biodiversity,and community opportunity areas. Through this analysis,the Humbleberry Farm is identified as a Working Farmland Conservation Opportunity Area through this spatial resiliency study.Working Farmland Conservation Opportunity Areas are defined as the lands on the Olympic Peninsula that are most likely to retain robust productivity for food and fiber, continue to have water availability,and are close to populated areas where farmers can market their products. 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. Permanent conservation of Humbleberry Farm's agricultural values provide broad benefit to Jefferson County by ensuring that a large local farm will be able to thrive and continue to expand their contributions to the local food markets.As described previously in this application,the Humbleberry Farm landowners have already been working to fill market niches that other farms are not able to fill,such as lamb and strawberries, and they plan to continue to expand their production on local product gaps.The conservation easement funding will be able to serve as further seed money to improve the farm facilities and allow for more production. Improving soil management on farms through good practices such as previously described in this application benefits people widely because it results in sequestering more carbon and helps the soil hold more water 12 2024 CF Program Application FINAL which in turn makes the soil more resilient to stressors.These practices protect and build organic matter content in the soils,increasing resilience against potential threats to continued agricultural productivity,such as erosion,flooding,pest pressure,and drought.As climate change progresses,these threats will continue to become more frequent and/or severe.All of this results in future generations being able to continue to farm this property,adding to Jefferson County's local agricultural resilience. Quilcene Bay is recognized nationally as a critical estuary for commercial shellfish production,and good water quality from the watersheds above is paramount for this industry.Salmonid populations also benefit from limits on development of farmland and are critical species of concern in the Hood Canal and Puget Sound regions.Additionally,The REPI (Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration) program is a national land-conservation funding source available through the Department of Defense.The Hood Canal region is of great strategic importance to the Department of Defense.As such,the Navy works with conservation partners to identify areas with common interest for preservation of working forests,farmland, and high-value wildlife habitat.The Humbleberry Farm project represents an opportunity for the Navy and the Land Trust to work with willing landowners to conserve land,thus protecting and buffering military installations and operating areas from development. 12 b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded Projects?Areas that Conservation Futures has not been able to support to date include, 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 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.' While Humbleberry Farm does not have plans to provide general public access to the property,the management of the farm provides opportunities to educate the public on a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural land management practices and eventually the continuation of restoration of Donnovan Creek. 14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources". 14 a. The proposed acquisition_includes historic or culturally significant resources'and is registered with the National Register of Historic Places,or an equivalent program. is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources. is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site. X none of the above. 'The words"education"and"interpretation"are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. '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 2024 CF Program Application FINAL If affirmative in any of the above,please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical cultural resources. All O & M Projects 15. Applications for Operation and Maintenance funding only to he 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 firture threats. Annual monitoring is a standard practice to ensure conservation easements are honored,and 0&M support for the first few years of stewardship helps ensure the integrity of CFF investments.Ongoing monitoring after the 0&M funds have been fully expended is covered by other sources of funds raised by the Land Trust. 0&M funds will be dedicated to annual monitoring, riparian habitat improvements consultation and planning,Stewardship Plan drafting and implementation,and consultation including connecting landowner with agency partners. We have not developed a specific stewardship plan for this property yet,but if we are awarded funds and if negotiations are successful with the landowner,we will provide the Stewardship Plan for the CE once completed. Infestation of invasive plants is a primary concern for pastureland such as this,and the Stewardship Plan will specifically address this threat. Stream improvements for salmon recovery are also a concern that will be addressed in the Stewardship Plan and associated 0&M work. 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. Initials 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. 14 2024 CF Program Application FINAL s 00-10 t C', Y M4 44��T •�9 ;1 _ 1•�.. .p.. , 'i_... OP ff Oc Humbleberry Farm j i_f s t s w \�'�-- East C;uilcen F2d � � y• '.'.+�'� .Iv- � Schmidt Farm � __ — — -- -------- - Jef erson Land Trust Conservat on Easement I Jef erson Land Trust Preserves .- IParcels (( ------------ DNR Forest Board / Jef erson County State Department of Natural Resources i Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group 0 500 1.000 2.000 Feet 2019 Aerial Image (NAIP) Humbleberry Farm Project Area For informational purposes only.All data represented are from varying sources and approximate. N Map created in March 2024 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. SS Initials3 u Z ate 16 d.The applicant has reviewed all project requirements and all information in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge.�_Initials3 2z.2- 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'� L L ate 15 2024 CF Program Application FINAL PORT TOW END hldbr F Fbwn;ub sb 1' eni �tP FarA - � p A le rat rlf lllA !1 I.I. TuBly ` Wsanat Ird I.I.ILnI Istird i r.!.LLEF Ftti','J Jr:L.1 �..rtFiF I Langley 4;�♦ .hen,v Iml I F eelard F:Nllrn F 1q-1:,i f Ci.iy '-luy n nory GI ecN orl L ba, Henssilk Perna Fn10- Srolwmien u 4rpoil UtgeO Wvb Muy&- 4j/Cape LPL L-0l.l 41 ., Port C.mbIt. Big Outtcen e Rey er QUIE E ;IfIV Lp Edmonds F-fera,re t&unlLiAe Terrace Whir H— Goff Club Shereim� Irdorbb �,Fr Ne�lr lr I/stl. F.•rc�.1 .I. F,. Sebm,l.» R,rr MaClwn �tq rtim 6h F.uF use Indun '!�»rralon Bangor rll lll.Ir Naval R. semlon :la le iA i. SEATTLE I'I.ilrf Y Project Area sav T,r Service LayerS:r Credits: Esri, HERE, Gafftlif;'',t) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community (� ,Jefferson County 1 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap,,increment P Corp,,.,EBCO, u USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL,Grdmance 0 1.75 3.5 7 H u m bleberry Farm Miles For informational purposes only.All Regional Locator data represented and app oxmate.re from varying N sources and approximate. Map created in July, 2022 — 115% IN CD CD 404 — ft�'- 1 1 cYl 1 1 f � J r j i 1�' 1/ _ r_��t 4".�U�1 14 1 .,.-... �1 ly� „1�•rr �.. r - r - y ky ' t, _ N r� These data are provided on Jefferson County WA 5ON an "AS-IS"basis, without � �' OG warranty of any type, c� expressed or implied,including but not limited to any warranty as to their performance.merchantability,or fitness for 0 zto az _ any particular purpose. � Scale: 1:4,514 Date: 1/30/2024 At.4,yffIN(.�O� This map is not a substitute for accurate fields urveys or for locating actual property lines and any adjacent features Humbleberry Farm Application Photos 'Tk t � f I _ !t cz`• t' ., �, tits ► r.rrC«`.:: �+ _ r_ ,.6� �+ arSf/u ,.FT..•. k._ .t7C� v��.: �� Lower pastures,facing west. Infrastructure seen includes:well pump housse,carriage barn/shop, residence,and barn. tT r -IL Now - 4qw i 01-91A �` o s! J (•z�s 1� 1� '!' rR "`'t°cy .,� tY+;� t�►r�•�y"-_a- r. r�r Western pastures facing foothills of the Olympics. K r ! l'k6_ - Abl �a::.:�.. = is�- ;'y'• _ -L _ Jr Fruit orchard development. .r�, v. �. d t �i c'�I�Sy 3;' �. _ aJ �, r..T �Fy � P ' 1� {.+ 1. a N � s•; �y� �N, fs. � � � �6.'?`� �.�* ,�zF �'`� [ rat p" C _ + ,� �tlt�� � >, sy��`��T �� � i V 'F} � C r + �lr" yl O � n: � ��'� z � v `',� ` ' �, �'L n � xu � �, �e4' L 3 � y���},"`G t,��d� �' -�r a a s�l. uti w � �� �� '•� a ��E ` r� C � �..} \ C e- � ifG LIIPLp t'%'` N � �` tL i c � - � 4> � 1 �, r tie i��,� F F-;;t.a ��k t n .`�c., ��CC '`A�14 � �Y 'A�� ��1�\ Q"� `��,� \ L��, �� �\� �'ii �O �` ,� ��, � ' �: � 3 �,�, ;;' o ,� ,:� � �1 � �� � ���a���";`t �, �. � � �, � �� `„ gg,,� �^j-� ,�n�TR u �e�!'�r 5 r -.j t '3a.i x .y4"' KY�s• v 5 i� � �a�,�ya"�'l�r , �, .}'�d'a' �. p� s .,,j 5y; K Eastern grazing pastures with strawberry fields in the foreground and Schmidt Farm and Mahan (conservation easements) in background. t r'�M3-:. JCL:`+ G • ..� T4. `.•,lti:::� �v 3 e W NZ MaN i,-- Wilk Current conditions of Donovan Creek (facing south toward Lower Donovan Creek Natures Preserve).The conservation easement will allow for the landowners and restoration experts to enhance the riparian conditions of this salmon- bearing creek. Landowner Acknowledgement Form1 Project Applicant Information Applicant Name: Jefferson Land Trust Project Number/Name: 22-1408C Humbleberry Farm Last Name: Spaeth Contact: ❑ Mr. ❑ Ms. First Name: Sarah Title: Director, Conservation and Strategic Partnerships r Mailing Address: 1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-Mail Address: sspaeth@saveland.org Property Information Address or Location: 190 McInnis Rd, Quilcene WA 98376, Jefferson County County/Parcel Number. 701182003, 702131003, 702131020 Landowner Information Landowner Name: Representative: ❑ Mr. ( Ms. - First Name: Debora Last Name: Dearie Title: Mailing Address: 190 McInnis Road, Quilcene, WA 98376 E-Mail Address: debdearie@gmail_com, supafligh@gmail.com 1. Debora Dearie is the legal owner of property described in the grant application being submitted to the Recreation and Conservation Office by the project applicant. 2. 1 am aware that the project being proposed in the grant application is on my property. 3. 1f a grant is successfully awarded, 1 will be contacted and asked to engage in negotiations. 4. My signature does not represent authorization of project implementation. 5. If I am affiliated with the project applicant, I will recuse myself from decisions made by the project applicant to work on or purchase my property. 6. There re are not (circle one) tenants on the property. Tenants displaced as a result of this project may be eligible for relocation assistance. La er/Represen TMive ignature Date ' 'Manual 3: Acquisition Projects," Appendix H T(�YbbO Qrese ry e SON C0 2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application �SHINC\O 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: 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 1 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(linearfeet): % 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 2 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 JCCF Match to Total Request JCCF 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 1 150,000 675,000 825,000 Percent match to JCCF 1 1 82% 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. 3 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 4 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 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. 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. 5 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-strateay.htmi 6 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 Flobere 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 arc related to the project's specific objectives. 7 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.' 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 ' See, for example,http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritaize/paees/amp nh.aspx http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ http://www 1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/plants.html htip://wwwl.dnr.wa. ov/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa ecological systems.pdf x 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? 9 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 10 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.' 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 resources'? 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. 'The words"education"and"interpretation"are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. '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. 11 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 12 2024 CF Program Application FINAL 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. Initials Z 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 proje t ponsor doeso n obtain the necessary matching funding within three years. — Initials to 16 d. The applicant has reviewed all project re uirements and all information in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. _Initials'7-7-spate 16 e. The sponsor commits to providing long-term stewardship to achieve the conservation and protection goals of the project as proposed in th's application or may be modified with recommendation of the CIF Committee and approval of the BoCC.J�Initials- Z Date 1 13 2024 CF Program Application FINAL <— Tarboo Northwest Watershed Watershed Institute Assessment Port Townsend 'watershed Locator o � z 5 0 5 Miles A4arch 2006 E Proposed ;.roj1ect ratboo Watershed 1� Mood Canal Olympic ouilcene r.i B"d,- ` pp J Mountains o oad Ca. Seattle'� Brem erton c-f { Northwest Washington State Gt Figure 1. Project location within the Tarboo watershed, Jefferson County, Wa. Tarboo Watershed . - --� Parcel Ownership Parcels DNR Nnwr aH �\ . Nortlrvnp NrlwakM IrtlMee C-*Pack .— ,• I ._ f,-- WONF C W ml Ha PYakanf D►R Tr Land Urdar Apgawl Da8a0 NRCA 2016 EKpa CMasrv~Eaeam t•C-.- '% AgOMOC Lands .� urriawe Pp I •1 Na�rwest VWtenhM rne4!ut� �.. Prnela ruaa 7 l PROJE �'� Coa+ry roW , LekM O $kMrte Northwest Watershed Institute i Dec 2018 I — o f 0 05 1 Miles iTarboo C t I i� Figure 2. Project in relation to the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed and protected lands (green). CO .. - . ■ h.CO Figure 3. The proposed acquisition of the West Slope Forest Property (the Property) is adjacent to the r. Jr f ... Wildlife Preserve in the Tarboo A f \ i,h,���! r �L • .. +J - " • YRt��1 1 �•N��i ;�? a s 4ft - co . -o O E w o cc CL O C —aC J LL O c9 +r U. u O V 'r_+ ,= rUL cm • ) jj Cc LL / C{f. • t • � 1]Tlj r' ,s - i- rr f i f r rn 4 S3arm Figure 5. Lydar showing hillslopes and stream ravines on the Property. I i I II Figure 6. Critical areas on the Property, including streams, wetlands (blue), and steep slopes(yellows). r r ..•ram �. tr Figure 9. Aerial view east of Property with recent cardboard/live stake plantings in foreground. 1 Figure 10. View of Property from NWI's field station/base for the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. d, t,Y° i 3p M1S 1� 7 A 2 rt Lr r. �' •6 -A Figure 11. NWI staff and volunteers set out to plant wetlands with Property in background. 1, Iry ., 'fsti... -{� .:�:'[�''DO�. .Z"•�h"ti74fylOiii�r..i.Yi Figure 12. Volunteers learning how to do live stake and cardboard plantings with Property in background. rA a1A 14 w `.' : fit � . iC•`� .� iI- ��� r� '9 i� .'T+1'' /i `.A4.1 �, ,.�. 4 � � � � it� >`� •�.��f� r t��..f/ �, ! r r • r 1 � r ty , r F� r M� ' fit• :��`��si.�.1^'-AC�L vv Wo za a ' `•eta r• � �; rJ � � ' ' t. �QR� � r � I. • '� �� �ti 'Ir � ;'� ill Yl {r � ,•'.E■ ,••��. �i.-� • L� y� � R•,•r4�• ..._ �� -•tom`. I j,' �. '��� �� te �� ;lit � �i: ��l .rlf 4�.:'y. ' ��'�, �:194• �. r •! wJ �rH id NA �1654. an'�t, `' ,l 9���j fwr• �•. i y • 1 .10►� Ti tilea.��uy� fir ., ,��;�� , � •'. l � + '•le�� •� .i ;'�°^��' a, �i.+ •� �..7.; ! ' W, Via~ ..9kc'a.^,_ IF NAN '•:.tat 1'{'i � V :>s ;�r ,•,x J l It n�,� 3 pl s \ � r, 1 � SC � r •��� . •re�ms, W Y. `S N��J'r� �� i� 1 , I1 � r � f t :`ti I � -R•-r Z, - ��/ f� � d 2 �� ``♦ tSKSStttl��rl�,, � (ram �". , sue-- `• �!� f J t p k f 1 � � 1 �j `11 � •,� Y ti♦ � �7:. � � 11�A—`i(P ,V 1f Townsend X. £ Q 0 0 +3 Cartsboy Sequim �* 9 V QI Port Hadtock Yoko + Tarboo t',,,1 Victor 2n/2024 23:00- 2/8/2024 7:00;9�fixesQ _ 07 Feb 24 Victor 2/9/20 : - 2/9/2024 7:00;5 fixes 09 Feb 24 +2 QW[cene (3uckhom ption, Wildemess 0 Mount Col Stan- 2 2 Figure 21. Travel route of a young collared cougar named Sewect, visiting Tarboo watershed in March 2024 (from Panthera Project). t i i d �. y 11� i Figure 22. Sewect spent extended time in the area including the Property(from Panthera Project). y6 � �7•. 4 3is.yy// �' ,. 1 z r Ye Ak Figure 23. Family of 4 cougar from game camera at nearbly Dabob Bay (one young at log). s, r r� Blah�dl 10-28-2023 19 11 29 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 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 360-821-9566 www.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, r, Chad McClung Senior Manager, Real Estate Operations Mobile: 936-671-0210 chad.mcclung@rayonier.com f ' 4ok Y ^# L 14, PARCEL MAP nax1L'giyt nax,'' Yay"am VPORT GAMBLE S'KLALLAM TRIBE March 21,2024 Peter Bahls, Executive Director Northwest Watershed Institute 3407 Eddy Street Port Townsend,WA 98368 Dear Mr. Bahls: I understand that Northwest Watershed Institute is applying for Jefferson County Conservation Futures(JCCF) grant funding to acquire and protect the West Slope Forest,80 acres of forestland,as part of NWI's Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. If successful,the grant funding will protect the forest under county deed restrictions and allow older forest habitats to develop,while permitting some limited harvest of trees and other forest products We strongly support this project and want to convey the importance of the forest as a cultural resource to the Tribes The JCCF grant application states that cultural resources include"...traditional, religious,ceremonial,and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes... I want to make it clear that the West Slope Forest is a cultural resource under this definition and the proposed plan for protection and restoration would help grow its importance. Four tribes-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 the forests of 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. Currently,the Tribe is enjoying a renaissance of weavers and artists using traditional methods and materials; especially materials from the cedar tree.For example,tribal members harvest the inner bark of large cedar trees for weaving baskets and clothing used for ceremonial purposes.They also harvest wood from cedar, big leaf maple,and alder trees to make large box drums, masks,and other traditional objects that the Tribes have used for thousands of years for religious and social ceremonies.However,with the conversion of vast areas to private industrial tree farms and development projects,it is increasing difficult for us to access forests suitable for traditional cultural uses. The proposed project will protect an important cultural resource for the Tribes:a young forest where,with good stewardship, the benefits to the Tribes will continue to grow as the forest develops into an older,biologically diverse forest with a large variety of indigenous plants and trees of cultural importance.The Tarboo forest is significant not just for the materials it can offer over time,but the opportunity for the Tribe to harvest locally; the process of harvesting itself is infused with traditional,social and religious meaning that we want to pass on to the coming generations. Sincere) , Laura Price Cultural Resources Director 360 509-7723 31912 Little Boston Road NE Kingston,WA 98346 P:360-297-2646 1 F:360-297-7097 Email:info®pgst.nsn.us i web.www.pgst.nsn.us Northwest Watershed Institute BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-24 Board Members and Affiliation and Term on the Board of Directors Officers Peter Bahls Peter Bahls is currently full time Executive Director and Conservation President,Vice-President, Biologist for Northwest Watershed Institute. Treasurer Term-2023-2025 3407 Eddy Street Port Townsend,WA 98368 Jean Ball Jean Ball is a farmer and naturalist in Quilcene,Washington. Board Member Term-2022-2024 10221 Center Road, Quilcene,WA 98368 Scott Calhoun Scott Calhoun studied biology and geology in college and graduate Board Member school where he specialized in shorelines and watersheds. He owns forestland in the Tarboo watershed. 5710 59th Ave NE Seattle,WA 98105 Term-2022-2024 Janis Henry Janis Henry is a retired biotech patent attorney and chemist with over Secretary 30 years of experience.She is a life-long nature enthusiast and embraces adventure travel. 14445 SE 55th Street Bellevue,WA 98006 Term- 2023-2025 Gene Jones Gene Jones is a member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and Board Member spiritual leader for four Tribes in the Olympic Peninsula region. 5860 NE Totten Road Term-2023-2025 Poulsbo,WA 98370 Liz Hoenig Kanieski Liz Hoenig Kanieski has over 25 years of experience as a field biologist, environmental educator,and environmental planner.Much of her work 1005 Lawrence Street has focused on watershed protection,citizen engagement and water Port Townsend,WA 98368 resources. Term-2023-2025 Keith Lazelle Keith Lazelle is an award-winning nature photographer who lives on Board Member Dabob Bay.His work has been used by many environmental organizations including Audubon,Hoh River Trust,The Nature PO Box 192 Conservancy,and NWI. Quilcene,WA 98376 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 fv w 3407 Eddy Street I Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Northwest voice 360.385.6786 fax 360.385.2839 Watershed Institute email peter@nwwatershed.org I www.nwwatershed.org Memo To: Tarboo Creek Conservation Project File From-Peter Bahls, Executive Director CC: Date: March 20, 2024 Re: Executive Committee Resolution to Submit Jefferson County Conservation Futures 2024 Application for the West Slope Forest Addition to Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. At its Annual Board Meeting of May 19, 2023, the Board of Directors of Northwest Watershed Institute unanimously approved the following resolution — An executive committee comprised of Peter Bahls and Janis Henry shall serve as an executive committee to have the power to make on-going decisions between Board meetings per the existing by-laws. On May 20, 2024 the executive committee approved the following resolution— DECIDED — Northwest Watershed Institute shall sponsor and submit a grant application for Jefferson County Conservation Futures 2024 Program to propose acquisition and conservation of the 81-acre West Slope Forest property as part of the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve. 1P_Al� Peter Bahls Janis Henry President Secretary 2:04 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 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 Pagel 2:04 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 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 Page 2 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of June 30, 2023 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 Page 1 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of June 30, 2023 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 Page 2 2:06 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20124 A/R Aging Summary As of June 30,2023 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 Page 1 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 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 Pagel 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 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 Page 2 2:03 PM Northwest Watershed Institute 03/20/24 Profit & Loss Budget Overview Accrual Basis July 2023 through June 2024 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 Page 3 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY P. 0. BOX 2508 CINCINNATI, OH 45201 Employer Identification Number: Date: W 2 4 93-1325820 DLN: 17053259778026 NORTHWEST WATERSHED INSTITUTE Contact Person: 3407 EDDY STREET CLINTON L FORTNER ID# 31163 PORT TOWNSEND, WA 98368-0000 Contact Telephone Number: (877) 829-5500 Public Charity Status: 170(b) (1) (A) (vi) Dear Applicant: Our letter dated JANUARY 2002, stated you would be exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and you would be treated as a public charity, rather than as a private foundation, during an advance ruling period. Based on the information you submitted, you are classified as a public charity under the Code section listed in the heading of this letter. Since your exempt status was not under consideration, you continue to be classified as an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Code. Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, provides detailed information about your rights and responsibilities as an exempt organization. You may request a copy by calling the toll-free number for forms, (800) 829-3676 . Information is also available on our Internet Web Site at www.irs.gov. If you have general questions about exempt organizations, please call our toll-free number shown in the heading. Please keep this letter in your permanent records. Sincerely yours, Lois G. Y�_rer Director, Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements Letter 1050 (DO/CG)