HomeMy WebLinkAboutHearing re Conservation Futures Pt 1 615 Sheridan Street
n II n Port Townsend, WA 98368
O`1T www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org
Public Healt
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: Pinky Feria Mingo, Environmental Public Health and Water Quality Director
Tami Pokorny, Natural Resources Program Coordinator
DATE: June 24, 2024
SUBJECT: Public Hearing and Possible Decision Regarding Applications for Conservation
Futures Funding in 2024
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Conservation Futures Fund program (JCC 3.08) requires a duly noticed public hearing to be held as
part of the process for allocating funds to projects that protect public open spaces. On June 10`h, 2024,
the BOCC approved a Public Hearing Notice to hold a public hearing June 241h, 2024 at 9:45 a.m on the
2024 Conservation Futures Program project applications.The Notice was published in the Port
Townsend&Jefferson County Leader on June 121h and June 191h, 2024.The BOCC may decide which
project(s)to fund and pass resolution(s)for funding, after hearing public comment and considering an
analysis by the Department of Community Development on impacts to growth.
ANALYSIS STRATEGIC GOALS:
The three (3) applications to the Conservation Futures Fund in 2024 are:
1. Deerfoot Forest:Applicant requests$88,000 towards the acquisition of a conservation easement on
two parcels totaling 36.9 acres, located in the Tarboo Creek watershed along Center Road in Quilcene.
The conservation easement would create protected open space for a second growth forest and
wetlands.The applicant also requests$12,000 towards reimbursement of operations and maintenance
costs.The proposed match is$114,000 in funds from the Navy's Readiness and Environmental
Protection Integration (REPI) program and/or a landowner contribution.The project applicant and
sponsor is Jefferson Land Trust. Project location: S5 T27N R1W.
2. Humbleberry Farm: Applicant requests$140,000 towards acquisition of a conservation easement on
three parcels totaling 50.9 acres, located in the Donovan Creek watershed in Quilcene.The conservation
easement would create protected open space for continued agriculture on prime soils.The applicant
also requests$12,000 towards reimbursement of operations and maintenance costs.The proposed
match is$685,000 in funds from the State Farmland Preservation program and the Navy's Readiness and
Community Health Environmental Health
Developmental Disabilities Water Quality
360-385-9400 360-385-9444
360-385-9401 (t) Always working for a safer and healthier community (f)360-379-4487
Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.The project applicant and sponsor is Jefferson
Land Trust. Project location: S18 T27N R1W.
3.Tarboo Wildlife Preserve—West Slope Forest Addition: Applicant requests$150,000 towards the fee
simple acquisition of two parcels totaling 80.8 acres in the Tarboo Creek watershed north of Quilcene
Bay.Acquisition of the property would create protected open space to restore old growth characteristics
to a commercial forest over time.The applicant does not request reimbursement of operations and
maintenance costs.The proposed match is$675,000 in funds from the Navy's Readiness and
Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program and private donations.The project applicant and
sponsor is Northwest Watershed Institute. Project location: S28 T28N R1W.
At its April 23`d meeting,the Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFF Committee)
voted by majority to declare all three projects worthy of funding. However, only Tarboo Wildlife
Preserve—West Slope Forest Addition and Humbleberry Farm were ultimately recommended for
funding.The CFF Committee voted unanimously to fully fund Tarboo Wildlife Preserve—West Slope
Forest Addition at$150,000, and to designate the remaining$130,000 in CFF funds to Humbleberry
Farm,with up to$12,000 of this sum to be used for reimbursement of operations and maintenance
costs.
This briefing packet contains:
• Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee recommendations memo,
presented to the BOCC on June 3rd, 2024 by Committee Chair Joanne Pontrello.
• Three (3)Conservation Futures Fund project applications and the relevant sponsor
information.
• Draft summary of the April 23rd CFF Committee meeting
• Analysis from Joel Peterson,Jefferson County Department of Community Development
• Map of conservation futures projects 2003-2023
• Draft resolutions consistent with the recommendations of the CFF Committee
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 Fund 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."
JCC 3.08.030 allows up to 15%of the Conservation Futures Fund levy monies raised in the preceding
year to be used for operations and maintenance needs. Fifteen percent of the revenue collected in 2023
($285,000) is$42,750.The total request for operations and maintenance funding in 2024 is$24,000.
RCW 84.34.230 and 84.34.240(3) require that rights or interests in real property acquired with CFF funds
shall not "reduce the capacity of land suitable for development necessary to accommodate the allocated
housing and employment growth plans" of the County.An analysis on the impact to growth from the
Jefferson County Department of Community Development is provided here,which concludes that"the
proposals do not negatively impact housing supply or employment growth."
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
Grant agreements for approved projects between project sponsors and the County will be developed by
Environmental Public Health and submitted to the BOCC for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The explicit purpose of the Conservation Futures Fund Program is to fund acquisition projects to support
a system of public open spaces. There is no impact to the General Fund for this effort.
The following previously approved CFF projects are anticipated to close during the remainder of 2024:
Schmidt Farm: $60,000
Lower Chimacum Creek Mainstem Acquisitions (portion of): $52,000
North Barry Snow Creek: $74,000
The following previously approved CFF projects are anticipated to close after 2024:
Dosewallips River Lazy C: $7,649
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Review the three (3) CFF project proposals and supporting documentation. Hold a public hearing on
June 24th, 2024 at 9 :45 a.m. Consider written and oral testimony at the public hearing and adopt
any of the enclosed funding resolutions, with or without revisions.
REVIEWED BY:
�� J
Mark McCauley, unty 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
Public Hearing for Conservation Futures Fund 2024
June 24, 2024 9:45am
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners
Document Packet Table of Contents
1: Memo from CFF Committee Chair Joanne Pontrello re: funding recommendations
2: CFF Application—Deerfoot Forest (Jefferson Land Trust)
3: CFF Application— Humbleberry Farm (Jefferson Land Trust)
4:Jefferson Land Trust CFF Resolution and additional sponsor information
5: CFF Application—Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, West Slope Forest Addition (Northwest Watershed
Institute)
6: Sponsor responses to CFFCOC questions, Jefferson Land Trust (Deerfoot, Humbleberry)
7: Sponsor responses to CFFCOC questions, Northwest Watershed Institute (Tarboo)
8: Draft summary of April 23'd CFF Citizen Oversight Committee meeting
9: Impact analysis from Joel Peterson,Jefferson County Department of Community Development
10: Map of CFF projects 2003-2023
11-13: Draft resolutions consistent with the recommendations of the CFFCOC
615 Sheridan Street
l►_� mn Port Townsend, WA 98368
ll` www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org
Public Heaft 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 512,000 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 S 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 12'and March 29', and Sponsors made
presentations about their projects and answered initial questions during our April 2nd 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(c�,,gmail.com,or Tami
Pokorny at tVokornyC&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
D0C&rtle9lf Z
soh c��2 2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program
Property Acquisition Project and/or
Operations and Maintenance Project Application
9SH!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.iefferson.wo.us with questions.
Background and Eligibility Information
1. Project Title: Deerfoot Forest
2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request:S88,000
Conservation Futures O&M Request: S12,000
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: �) - ,ext.
Email: sspaeth@saveland.org
6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant)
Organization Name:
Contact:
Title:
Address:
Phone: (� - ,ext. Fax: ( ) - ,ext.
Email:
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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
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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 togging 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.
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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):
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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* $114,000 so 53.3%
Total Project Acquisition Cost S202,000 $12,000 100%
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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.
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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 wilting 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
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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 Stud v 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.1
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.aspx
http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/
http://www I.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/plants.html
http://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?
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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 resources4 and
is registered with the National Register of Historic Places,or an equivalent program.
is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources.
is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site.
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.
3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts,and traditional religious ceremonial and
social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44
and 27.53 RCW.
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2024 CF Program Application FINAL
15 a.PIease 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 O&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-I-Z_t Date
16 c.If,three years after the date funding is approved by the Board of County Commissioners,the project sponsor
has not obtained the required matching funds,the Committee may request the Board of County Commissioners to
nullify their approval of funds,and may require the project to re-apply.
If this project is approved for funding,I understand that we may be required to re-submit the application if the
project sponsor does not obtain the necessary matching funding within three years.
- ..,L-
Initials 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. ;) Initials 3 ZlDate
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'-) �2/z-yDate
12
2024 CF Program Application FINAL
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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.
Lwdowner/RepfesoAtative Signature Date
r
pocum-ent It3
SON
2024 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program
Property Acquisition Project and/or
Operations and Maintenance Project Application
9SN1 NGko
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: S12,000
3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $152,000
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 wit[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:
I
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(linearfeet): 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 goat 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
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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
O&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
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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 $140,000 $12,000 18.2%
Matching Funds/Resources* $685,000 so 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.
I 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
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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.
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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 forthe 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".
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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?
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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 Habitats)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/phs/list/
http://wwwl.dnr.wa. og v/nhp/refdesk/plants.html
http://wwwl.dnr.wa. og v/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa ecological systems.pdf
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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. Under the previous
ownership,the property had mostlyjust been hayed for the 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 bringing the 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 lamb,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.
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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
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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 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.
'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.
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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:
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 O&M funds have been fully expended is covered by other sources of funds raised by
the Land Trust.O&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. �S _initials 3 2Z ?_ 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
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 Initial s3 1 Z 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. Ste__Initials3 2L 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. Initials 4 z ate
15
2024 CF Program Application FINAL
PORT TOW END
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rProject Area Service Layers Credits: Esri, HERE, Gaf ltift,'',t) OpenStreetMap
contributors, and the GIS user community
Jefferson County Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap,lincrement P Core, GEBCO,
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Humbleberry Farm
Application Photos
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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 Form
Project Applicant Information
Applicant Name:Jefferson Land Trust
Project Number/Name: 22-1408C Humbleberry Farm Last Name: Spaeth
Contact: ❑ Mr. ❑ Ms. First Name: Sarah p
Title: Director, Conservation and Strategic Partnerships
Mailing Address: 1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
E-Mail Address: sspaeth@saveland.org
Property Information
Address or Location: 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: debdeariePgmail.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. 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.
S. 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 ive ignature Date
' 'Manual 3: Acquisition Projects," Appendix H
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