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HomeMy WebLinkAbout083 07 , or\~ {> \-\ ~15101 e<:', '{f(00 J STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson Authorizing An Application for Funding Assistance } for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program } Project to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor } Recreation (now known as the Recreation and } Conservation Funding Board), as Provided in } Chapter 79A, 15 RCW, Acquisition ofInterest in Real} Property for Farmland Preservation; Glendale Farm } Project } RESOLUTION NO. 83-07 WHEREAS, under the provisions ofWWRP, state funding assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of land acquisition and preservation of farmland; and WHEREAS, our organization considers it in the best public interest to complete the acquisition project described in the application. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that: 1. The Environmental Health Specialist II be authorized to make formal application to IAC/RCFB for funding assistance; 2. Any fund assistance received be used for implementation of the project referenced above; 3. Our agency hereby certifies that its share ofproject funding is committed and will be derived from the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund ($230,000.) Jefferson County is committed to seeking additional funds, in partnership with the Jefferson Land Trust, from the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FFRP) for the remaining project costs; 4. We acknowledge that any property acquired with IACIRCFB financial aid must be preserved for actual or potential agricultural use and be retained for such potential or actual use in perpetuity unless a term of not less that 25 years form the date of acquisition has been agreed to by our organization and IAC/RCFB; 5. This resolution becomes part of a formal application to IAC/RCFB; and 6. We provided appropriate opportunity for public comment on this application. ~~,emc Julie Matthes, CMC Deputy Clerk of the Board September, 2007 in Port Townsend, Washington. '<'-.1;*1;~ / . '.. _ ~_ John Austin; Member J Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Preservation Authorizing Resolution Local Agencies only-You may reproduce on your own paper; text may not change. Organization Name Project Name(s) A resolution authorizing application(s) for funding assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) project to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (lAC) as provided in Chapter 79A.15 RCW, acquisition of interest in real property for farmland preservation. WHEREAS, under the provisions of WWRP, state funding assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of land acquisition and preservation of farmland; and WHEREAS, our organization considers it in the best public interest to complete the acquisition project described in the application; Resolution No. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: [MAYOR, DIRECTOR, ETC.] be authorized to make formal application to lAC for 1. The funding assistance; 2. Any fund assistance received be used for implementation of the project referenced above; 3. Our agency hereby certifies that its share of project funding is committed and will be derived from [SPONSOR MA TCHING RESOURCES]; 4. We acknowledge that we are responsible for supporting all non-cash commitments to the sponsor share should they not materialize; [if applicable] 5. We acknowledge that any property acquired with lAC financial aid must be preserved for actual or potential agricultural use and be retained for such potential or actual use in perpetuity unless a term of not less than 25 years from the date of acquisition has been agreed to by our organization and lAC; 6. This resolution becomes part of a formal application to lAC; and 7. We provided appropriate opportunity for public comment on this application. This resolution was adopted by our organization during the meeting held: Location Date Signed and approved by the following authorized representative: Signed Title Attest: Approved as to form Date Approved as to form only: . ~u gj 17) ZOO:} J~fffif"'~it1 Co, Prosecutor' ffice Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Preservation Authorizing Resolution Local Agencies only-You may reproduce on your own paper; text may not change. Organization Name:Jl:: ff--E..(L~N to tJ N1LResolution No. Project Name(s) A resolution authorizing application(s) for funding assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) project to the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (lAC) as provided in Chapter 79A.15 RCW, acquisition of interest in real property for farmland preservation. WHEREAS, under the provisions of WWRP, state funding assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of land acquisition and preservation of farmland; and WH~R~AS, our organization considers it in the best public interest to complete the acq, uisition project ?eSCribe, d in the) application; (f"V\~I('mrrre-vvJ.zr..e ~/~ ~1s4-Jr NOW, THEREFORE~BE IT RESOLVED, that: _ N a<f ~ert tJjV1oJ\l 'JofS TTTLE 1. The 1AML 5 -:J"o13Il11:~AYOR, DIRECTOR, ETC.] be authorized to make formal application to lAC for funding assistance; 2. Any fund assistance received be used for implementation of the project referenced above; 3. Our agency hereby certifies that its share of project funding is committed and will be derived from [SPONSOR MATCHING RESOURCES]; 4. We acknowledge that we are responsible for supporting all non-cash commitments to the sponsor share should they not materialize; [if applicable] 5. We acknowledge that any property acquired with lAC financial aid must be preserved for actual or potential agricultural use and be retained for such potential or actual use in perpetuity unless a term of not less than 25 years from the date of acquisition has been agreed to by our organization and lAC; 6. This resolution becomes part of a formal application to lAC; and 7. We provided appropriate opportunity for public comment on this application. This resolution was adopted by our organization during the meeting held: Location 'f'O(Z..., rc\r1NS~N'D \/VA Date Signed and approved by the following authorized representative: Signed Title C:~-{e\l R, def?~,rJCo\tNT~ Coff'rm~sHJJ'S Date , Attest: Approved as to form Aft'flo \ff\"'L 1\ s -(c:> ~,"\ 0.., \EF C\ \1\ L..1JfI\ OrJ F'I J..E= 1 [Je Interagency Committee fOr OUTOOlll /~ RECREHTlON Washington Wildlife and Recreation program Farmland Preservation Account Application Project Summary NUMBER: 07 -1540C TATUS: Application Submitted (Combined) TITLE: Glendale Farm APPLICANT: County of Jefferson CONTACT: Sarah Spaeth (360) 379-9501 Ext 102 COSTS: lAC Local Total $550,237 $550,238 $1,100,475 50% 50 % 100 % SPONSOR MATCH: Conservation Futures Grant - Federal $230,000 $320,238 DESCRIPTION: Jefferson County and Jefferson Land Trust will use this grant to acquire a conservation easement on the 180 acre Glendale Farm, just south of Chimacum Glendale Farm is one of the largest parcels in the County still in active agricultural use. It is located at the confluence of Seaver and Center Valleys, the two largest agriculturally zoned areas in the county. It has been a farm since 1857, with a history of dairy and cheese production, and is currently an organic beef operation. Glendale and other farms nearby are agriculturally zoned, though their proximity to the commercial Chimacum intersection is a potential future threat to ongoing agricultural productivity. Zoning allows for up to 12 additional housesites on the property, and nearby farms are being subdivided for residential use. Restoration efforts include installation of a solar system and increased eficiency of the rrigation system. Setter efficiency will improve the carrying capacity of the farm from 100 cattle to up to at least 160 head, and allow for increased diversity of production. Conservation values of the farm include 150 acres of pasture of prime soils, 23 acres of forestland, over a half mile of Chimacum Creek, scenic vistas from two rural arterials and habitat for salmon, trumpeter swans, eagles, hawks, and many other species. The highly visible, scenic vistas of this farm define the rural character of east Jefferson County, and protection of the strategically located property will set the tone for the viability of our agricultural community. LOCATION INFORMATION: SCOPE (ELEMENTS): Allowable land costs Incidentals ANTICIPATED ACREAGE: Landscaping Sales Tax LAST UPDATED: August24,2007 Acres To Acq 5.00 160.00 15.00 I DATE PRINTED: Acres To Dev Acres To Renov Total 5.00 160.00 15.00 ACREAGE TYPE Riparian lands Uplands Wetlands 150.00 August 24, 2007 1 APSUM1.RPT Glendale Fann Ifl Interageruy ~=:; Cost Estimates By Property County of Jefferson 07-1540 C Glendale Farm I I WWRP - Farmland Preservation Worksite: #1, Glend~le Farm Putchase Type: Te~ Length: Ex~iration Date: I Acquisition Cost Estimate for Glendale FarmPropertjy Allowable land costs I Easement - conservation -.J $894,000.00 Sub-Total I Incidentals I Detailed Property Information Property Name: Glendale Farm Acreage to be Purchased: 180.00 Date to be Acquired: 6/1/2008 Value Determination: Appraised/Reviewed Value Pr perty Grantor: Kirk Salvatore o nership Instrument: Easement Less than fee ownership Perpetuity N/A $894,000.00 Appraisal and review Hazardous substances assess Survey - boundary Baseline inventory Recording fees Closing Title reports/insurance Sub-Total $15,000.00 $5,000.00 $7,000.00 $10,000.00 $50.00 $760.00 $2,287.00 $40,091.00 $934,091.00 1AFCOSTD.RPT August 24, 2007 Page: 1 ~Interagemy ~iL County of Jefferson Glendale Farm Acquisition Cost Estimate Summary 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation Summary Property Information Worksite Name #1, Glendale Farm Total Property Name Glendale Farm Acres to Cost be Acq Estimate Acq Date Value Determination Purchase Type 180.00 $1,027,505.00 06/01/200BAppraised/Reviewed Vs Less than fee ownership 180.00 $1,027,505.00 Summary Cost Information for all Properties Allowable land costs Easement - conservation $894,000.00 Sub-Total Incidentals Appraisal and review Baseline inventory Closing Hazardous substances assess Recording fees Survey - boundary Title reportslinsurance Sub-Total $894,000.00 $15,000.00 $10,000.00 $760.00 $5,000.00 $50.00 $7,000.00 $2,287.00 $40,097.00 Property Totals Administrative costs $934,097.00 $46,704.00 Total Acquisition Cost Estimate $980,801.00 1AFCOSTS.RPT August 24, 2007 07-1540 C ~ Interagency ~iiL I I Development/Restoration Cost Estimate Summary I I I I I I I 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation County of Jefferson Glendale Farm Element/Item Unit Quantity Unit ost Total Description Cost Needed Description Worksite #1, Glendale Farm Landscaping Drainage system Lump sum 7,000.00 $53,400.00 Describe $7,000.00 Describe Restore 7000 feet of irrigation ditch for ag land drainage Installation of solar compatible irrigation & additional cat Irrigation Acres 70.00 Utilities Power Linear Ft 1.00 $50,00~.00 $50,000.00 Optional Install solar system on barn roof to run irrigation system Project Tax Amount Project A&E Amount Project Total Costs $9,274.00 $0.00 $119,674.00 1AFCOSTN.RPT August 24, 2007 07-1540 C iil Interagency ~=~ Full Questionnaire and Permit Report County of Jefferson Glendale Farm 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation Proiect Questionnaire 1 of 6 Who will be responsible for administration, design, and/or implementation of this project (i. e. in-house staff, paid consultants, contractors, volunteers, other agency staff, etc.)? Explain. Jefferson Land Trust will be responsible for the administration, design and implementation of this project in partnership with Jefferson County. The County and the Land Trust have worked together on conservation preojcts since the late 1990's. For this specific project, the County will enter into a formal contractual relationship with the Land Trust, and while Land Trust staff will have the primary responsibilities of acquisition, implementation and administration, we will work closely with County staff. The County and the Land Trust have experience with this type of contractual relationship, having successfully worked together on several Dosewallips River acquisitions with SRFB funding. Jefferson Land Trust will co-hold the conservation easement with the County on the Glendale Farm. 2 of 6 Does this application contain state, federal or other grants as part of the "sponsor match"? If 'yes, " name the grant(s) and date grant will be available. Jefferson County Conservation Futures Funds have been committed to the project in the amount of $230,000. These grant funds are available now. The Land Trust applied for 2007 Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program Funds (FFRP), but was denied due to lack of matching funds in hand. Reapplication to the FFRP is planned for next year, with results anticipated in May of 2008. Private matching funds may also be available. 3 of 6 Does this application contain elements required for mitigation? If yes, explain: No 4 of 6 LOCAL AGENCIES ONL Y: Does the sponsor's share involve bonds or Local Improvement District(s) (LIDs)? If yes, give date bonds or LID will be available and explain the scope of the bond or LID. No 5 of 6 Does this project include the purchase of conservation easements? If yes, explain how site monitoring will be carried out. The Glendale Farm project includes the purchase of a conservation easement on 180 acres. Jefferson Land Trust will conduct stewardship and monitoring of the conservation easement. The Land Trust is the only local organization or agency that has a stewardship and monitoring program for conservation easements, developed with the guidance of the national Land Trust Alliance and utilized effectively over 18 years. The stewardship program includes annual monitoring (at least) of the conservation easement, volunteer help with restoration and enhancement efforts, The Land Trust' Stewardship Director and trained community volunteers conduct the monitoring, maintenance and restoration efforts. Agency staff and trained professionals provide guidance with regard to management practices, i.e. agricultural best management techniques, forest management guidelines, etc. 6 of 6 Has this acquisition project been submitted for review to the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area? If yes, explain (review date, which county or city official(s) reviewed the proposal, method of review, which jurisdiction, etc.): The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners reviewed the project and have endorsed submitting the application to the State Farmland Preservation Program at their board meeting on June 25th (a supporting letter is attached). The Board of County Commissioners approved the use of County Conservation Futures Funds for the easement acquisition at their June 5th board meeting. Worksite #1 Glendale Farm Questionnaire 1 of 1 Has the worksite been investigated for historical, archeological, or cultural significance? If yes, what were the findings? What affected tribes were consulted? Provide the daters). 1AFAPPQU.RPT August24,2007 07-1540 C Ii1 Interagenry ~=;. I I I I I I Full Questionnaire and IPermit Report I I I I County of Jefferson Glendale Farm Glendale Farm ProDertv Questionnaire 1 of 8 What is the current use and zoning for the prope y? Glendale Farm is currently in agricultural use as n organic beef operation. The property is agriculturally zoned 1 residence per 20 ,acres. Th zoning and existing parcel configuration would currently allow for up to 12 additional resid nces. The landowner has indicated that in order for him to reinvest in the farm or prepare fo his retirement, he may need to sell off some or all of the property if he is unable to receive co pensation for the conservation easement. 2 of 8 Has the applicant requested and/or received a" aiver of retroactivity" from the RCO for the property in question? If yes, what was the name f the property and the approval date or waiver number? No Are there, or will there be, encumbrances that Ii it the proposed uses for the site (e.g., additional easements, convenants, lease back, Ii estate, sharecropping agreement, orother)? If yes, explain: The riparian buffer along 2,900 feet of Chimacu Creek has been enrolled in the CREP program since 2003. The buffer width averages rom 50 feet to 100 feet in width, has been replanted with spruce, willow, dogwood, alder an other species and is fenced to prevent cattle grazing. The CREP lease is scheduled to expire in 2013, and the conservation easement will permanently restrict the uses of the current CRE buffer. Does the applicant hold an option agreement on he property? If yes, what date will it expire? No Will this acquisition project cause the diSPlaceme~t of individuals, families, businesses, a farms? If yes, explain: I No 30f8 40f8 5 of 8 60f8 70f8 80f8 1AFAPPQURPT 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation The Glendale Farm property has not been officia Iy investigated for historical, archeological or cultural significance. However, the property has long history - since the 1850's - of being a working farm and was the largest dairy in the co nty until the 1960's. A photo from the Jefferson County Historical Society shqws the fa m in its heyday around the turn of the century. Two of the structures from the earlier days remai Will clean-up of hazardous materials be required. (See RCO Manual 3, Acquiring Land). There are a number of derelict vehicles 'located i the farmsite area of the Glendale Farm property. Jefferson County has funding available for the removal of vehicles and will be assisting the landowner with this effort. In additio ,there is a collection of various household goods around one of the homes that the county h s contacted the resident regarding. A Phase I Environmental Assessment will be conducted to determine if there are other environmental concerns on the property. I What agricultural activity (ies) currently occurs on the land? Will it continue? Glendale Farm is a certified organic beE!f operati n with approximately 100 head of cattle. It is a cow/calf operation, with approximately 85% of th cattle sold on the hoof, 12% sold wholesale (sides of beef) and 3% sold to local restaurants. he landowner would like to increase the number of cattle on the property. He has also lea ed portions of his property in the past for vegetable production to other local farmers. It is nticipated that both cattle production and vegetable growing will continue if we are success ul in purchasing a conservation easemen~ and additonal agricultural uses may be possible J' d likely in the future. At one point the farm was considered as a suitable location for a local heese production facility due to the location of PUD water nearby. There is also great lnterest in providing a meat processing facility somewhere locally. The easement would allow fo agricultural related business to be located in one area of the property adjacent to the main ent nce to the farm. Are there structures (i.e. residences, shops, barn, etc.) on the property proposed for acquisition? If yes, what are your plans for those tructures (i.e. demolition, relocation, auction, etc.)? August 24, 2007 i I 07-1540 C rfl Inter4geruy ~iL Full Questionnaire and Permit Report County of Jefferson Glendale Farm 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation The existing farmsite has two residences, one historic barn and a larger barn built in the 1990's, associated corrals and sheds. These structures would remain and could be replaced, and within this 5 acre farmsite would be the ability to build additional farmworker housing. The design of the easement also allows for one additonal homesite of two acres to be located in the forested area in the southwest corner of the farm Permits -None- 1 AFAPPQU.RPT August24,2007 07-1540 C ~ Interageruy ~=: County of Jefferson Glendale Farm I I I Project Worksite Information 07-1540 C WWRP - Farmland Preservation Worksite #1, Glendale Farm Description: The Glendale Farm property includes 150 acres of productive hgricultural soils, Chimacum Creek salmon and other wildlife habitat and a 23 acre working forest. Acquisition rof an easement will permanently protect the conservation values of the farm and support the agricultural vi~bility. Current development potential would allow for 12 additional homesites, and the landowner, like many oth~r land-rich cash-poor farmers may need to sell off parts of the farm to keep the farm operation underway and prebare for retirement. The restoration component of this project includes several elements: 1) Installation of a neW irrigation system that will increase irrigation efficiency of the hay fields and a solar compatible pump systel that pumps water from the creek to the watering troughs, 2) Installation of a roof top solar system for the farm tilities will also support the viability of the farm by reducing energy costs. 3) Restoration of the drainage ditches n the property. Clearing of Driving Directions ~ From the Hood Canal Bridge travel west on Highway 304 to th Port Townsend, State Route 19 turn off to the north. Travel north on State Route 19 to the Chimacum inters ction. Turn left on Center Road and travel south approximately 1/4 mile to 431 Center Road on the left. The d iveway is lined with oak trees and leads to the farm site. Geographic Areas: Property: Glendale Farm Property to be Acquired and Developed. Landowner Type: Private Property Grantor: Kirk Salvatore 431 Center Road, Chimacum,1 WA 98325 Estimated Acreage: Type Acres to be ACR Acres to be Dev/RestorE Acres to be Renov Riparian lands 5.00 0.00 0.00 Uplands 11i0.00 150.00 0.00 Wetlands 5.00 0.00 0.00 Totals: 1 fO.oo I I I I 150.00 0.00 1AFSITE.RPT Augu~t 24, I 20J 07-1540 C Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program Application Information, 2007 Applicant Organization: Jefferson Land Trust Address: 1033 Lawrence Street Port Townsend. W A. 98368 Phone: 360-379-9501 FAX: 360-379-9897 Email: pro2rams@saveland.or2 Contact: Sarah Spaeth. Conservation Director Glendale Farm FRPP 1 1) Ore:anization and Proe:rams l Jefferson Land Trust (JL T) is a local non-profit land con ervation organization dedicated to I I helping the community to protect open space, working l~ds and habitat forever. Jefferson Land I Trust has been working in east Jefferson County in Wasijington to protect special wildlife I habitat, shorelines, wetlands, working forests and agricu~turallands, salmon habitat and open spaces since 1989. JLT is the only organization in JeffeJson County whose primary mission is to I protect property through stewardship and conservation e~ement management. To date JL T i protects over 1200 acres, 180 of which is owned outrigh by the Land Trust and the rest protected by 26 permanent conservation easements with over 70 p operty owners. In addition, the Land Trust has helped other partner organizations and agencie to protect an additional 1200 acres of , i important habitat. The Land Trust is continually workin~ to identify additional lands with special I I characteristics worthy of long-term protection. Jefferson County is one of the five fastest growing count es in Washington State, and as a result many in the community feel an urgency to protect critic~ farms, forests, wildlife habitat, and I open spaces before they are seriously threatened by deve opment. To that end, we have been working proactively in several different project areas sin e 1994 to protect wildlife habitat and salmon streams. These projects include: the Quimper ildlife Corridor, a greenbelt of native i I vegetation stretching across the North Quimper Peninsulr; Chiasm Creek Estuary protection, and I conservation easements upstream to protect coho salmo spawning areas; Snow and Salmon Creek Estuary: Tarboo Watershed and Dosewallips Rive - both project areas providing important salmon spawning, feeding and rearing habitat. Glendale Farm FRPP 2 In 2002, Jefferson Land Trust began actively working to protect prime farmland, resulting in FRPP funding for the Sunfield Farm conservation easement in 2004. This project marked the beginning of our proactive efforts to protect the working landscape of east Jefferson County. Commitment to lone:-term conservation of ae:riculture lands. Jefferson County has a relatively small area of identified agricultural lands. The agricultural land we do have has great historical and economic significance, especially important in this time when communities are looking to support local, sustainable food production. Our agricultural lands also have significant scenic, open space and wildlife habitat value. Since the Land Trust's formation in 1989, we have been committed to the preservation of farmland. Our first conservation easement protecting farmland was accepted in 1994, and other easements with the Land Trust protect working forests and parcels with agricultural potential. In 2002 the Land Trust reaffirmed our focus on agricultural lands with the expansion of our mission statement to include working lands. We began working with community organizations and agencies to identify issues relevant to the agricultural community and educate the community at large to the value of our local producers. East Jefferson County is blessed with strong, established organizations already working with individuals to preserve working landscapes, support producers and make connections with local markets. Recently these organizations have come together to launch an exciting new partnership - the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative (JL WC), a "triple bottom line" model focused on 1) Keeping prime agricultural and forest land available in large enough tracts that food and timber operators can be viable, and keeping the land available and affordable over time. Glendale Farm FRPP 3 2) Providing farmers and foresters access to businesf training, capital and know how to ! make a secure living. i 3) Ensuring that both the consumer demand and robrst markets are in place to accommodate food and fiber products. I The following organizations are the initial partners in th9 JL WC: I . Farm and Forest Preservation: Jefferson ~and Trust i · Food Production: Jefferson County Fannt' rs Market Association, . Timber Production: Northwest Natural R sources Group . Accessing Capital: ShoreBank Enterprisel Cascadia . Markets: Food Co-op. I In the last few weeks JL WC received $43,000 in grant ~nds to finalize mapping of prime , i . Education/ Trainingl Engagement: Washi~gton State University Extension, i I I . Education/Outreach: Sunfield Farm and ~Chool I Jefferson County working lands, continue our prioritization process, devel p metrics for measuring success, spearhead outreach to the community and pay for staff ti e toward the effort. Just last week we hired an outreach coordinator with connections to the ag~icultural community and to local I markets, and the JL WC expects to have a website, brochfu.e and other outreach materials and i I The ultimate goal of the JL WC is to make farm and timbfr operators economically viable and i sustainable to that it is the business value that supports t~e farm, NOT the development value of i the land. Don Stuart, Director of the Northwest Office of the American Farmland Trust, has events within the next few months. Glendale Farm FRPP 4 called the JL WC "one of the most innovative and exciting new approaches and partnerships toward sustaining working landscapes". Capability to acquire, manage, enforce easements. Jefferson Land Trust currently stewards over 30 different properties protecting over 1200 acres in east Jefferson County. Jefferson Land Trust's conservation easements, stewardship and monitoring protocols were developed with the guidance of The Land Trust Alliance, a national organization of land trusts, and have been effectively utilized locally for more than 17 years. Jefferson Land Trust conducts a detailed baseline documentation of the conservation values, and creates a property specific monitoring manual for field use. A stewardship plan is created for protected properties, based on the issues and conservation objectives identified on the property. Land Trust staff and community volunteers conduct annual monitoring in trained teams that include biologists, foresters and other specialists as appropriate. Monitoring ensures compliance with the terms of the easement and adherence to the stewardship plan. The Land Trust currently has an endowment of $220,000 set aside for stewardship, monitoring expenses and legal defense of protected properties, and will continue to build that fund over time. Jefferson Land Trust Staff Jefferson Land Trust currently has five staff persons, including an Executive Director, Stewardship Director, Conservation Director, Development Manager and Systems Manager. We have a dedicated, active board of directors and many volunteers that participate in most aspects of the Land Trust operations. The Stewardship Director and Conservation Director are involved in long-term stewardship, monitoring and enforcement of conservation easements held by Glendale Farm FRPP 5 Jefferson Land Trust. The staff coordinates trains and otersees board members and community volunteers conducting annual monitoring, and ongoing slewardshiP projects on protected properties. I I I A vailabilitv of Funds I I Jefferson Land Trust applied to the Jefferson County co~servation Futures Fund Program (CFFP) in March, 2007 for partial funding for the purch1se of the agricultural easement on one fann parcel. We have had preliminary approval of $2301000 (approx.26%) toward the purchase price of the easement. JL T is applying for FRPP funds r the 50% of the funds needed for purchase of the conservation easement. The easement 0 the Glendale Farm was preliminarily valued at $894,000 in an appraisal conducted in March y Halberg Appraisal Service (pre- conservation value $1,544,000; post-conservation value ~650,000). The appraisal is currently I being reviewed by a second appraiser, with the teview e pected to be complete in early May. The remaining funding required for the match is anticip ed through the Washington State Farmland Preservation Program, with a grant cycle sche uled for this fall. Funding through I I either of these programs are appropriate matching sourc~s for Farm and Ranch Lands Protection I I Program funds. PendinS!: Offer I Landowner Kirk Salvatore has received an offer letter frbm Jefferson Land Trust for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Glendale F (please see attached letter). The letter indicates that the full fair market value of the cons rvation easement will be offered, based Glendale Farm FRPP 6 . on the appraisal conducted by Halberg Appraisal Service in March, and on the review provided by The Granger Company when complete in early May. 2) Lands to be acquired (proposed protected property, amount and source of funds, criteria for priorities) Jefferson Land Trust and the JL WC current priority conservation easement project on agricultural lands is the 180 acre Glendale Farm property (see attached maps). Several additional agricultural projects are underway through the JL WC, but none are as significant or pressing as the Glendale Farm. Glendale has many attributes that have led to JL T and our partners interest in doing our utmost to permanently preserve this important working agricultural parcel (please see attached maps). For a description ofthe amount and source of matching funds, see the previous page. The criteria used to indicate agricultural property priorities included; size, amount of prime soils and soils of statewide significance, location, current farming uses, relationship to markets, open space, scenic and additional habitat and conservation values. Glendale Farm Description (priority, landowner, location, size and characteristics) Glendale Farm is one of the largest agricultural parcels remaining in east Jefferson County, is a signature parcel in many ways, and hence is JL T's top priority for protection from conversion to non-agricultural uses (see attached maps). It has a long agricultural history, having operated as a dairy farm from the 1860's until the 1950's, when it converted to beef production. Mr. Kirk Salvatore has owned the farm and has operated an organic beef business since the 1970's. He has been an active member in the local agricultural community, and currently serves on the Washington State Farm Bureau. Glendale Farm FRPP 7 Glendale Farm is located just south of Chima cum, Washington, at 431 Center Road, I : Chimacum, WA 98325. The farm spans Beaver Valley~ from Center Road on the east side to i I Beaver Valley Road on the west. It is highly visible frotf both of these main rural highways and I provides pastoral scenic vistas that are impressive to visitors and residents alike, and define the rural character of our community. The farm consists of '80 acres, with approximately 155 acres i I of the property as open pasture, and an additional 25 acr~s of forested area located in the southwest and the northeast comers of the property. (Se, aerial photo). Chimacum Creek bisects the property, and a riparian buffer of approxima+y 80 ft. has been replanted through the CREP program to improve habitat for the coho salmon td other species that utilize the creek. The analysis of acres of soils types, acres of pasture land ~d forest, farmstead, and current I impervious surfaces are indicated in the table below (Ple~e see attached soils maps): Glendale Farm Acreages Glendale Farm Acres Percent Pasture 110.6 , 61.4 Hayl Pasture 27.6 15.3 Forest 26.7 14.8 CREPI Hydric soils converted 10.1 5.6 to riparian forest 2003 Farmstead 5.0 , 2.8 , Prime soils 118.3 65.7 Statewide important soils 32.7 18.2 impervious 0.46 0.26 There are no known historical or archaeological sites on fhe property, though several of the agricultural and residential structures were constructed tor to the 1900's. I i Glendale Farm FRPP 8 i Location of other protected properties Another attached map indicates the location of Glendale Farm in relation to other protected properties, including the Sunfield Farm conservation easement funded through FRPP and Jefferson County Conservation Futures Funds in 2004, agricultural properties enrolled in the CREP program and two riparian conservation easements on Chimacum Creek properties located downstream. Estimated cost of the easement As mentioned in an earlier section, the conservation easement was valued at $894,000 in a recent appraisal conducted by Halberg Pacific Appraisal Services. This appraisal is currently being reviewed by a second independent appraiser, Joseph Granger of The Granger Company. The review is scheduled to be complete in early May. We have indicated to Mr. Salvatore that our offer will be based on the review appraisal valuation, which is anticipated to be similar to the Halberg valuation. Should the review result in an adjustment ofthe appraised value, the Land Trust will seek the additional funds from the Washington State program. Example of the proposed easement The conservation easement on Glendale Farm will permanently protect the prime agricultural soils and soils of statewide significance located on the property for agricultural uses, the riparian buffer of Chimacum Creek for fish and wildlife, and the forest for sustainable forestry. The conservation easement will protect these conservation values through prevention of any use that would impair or interfere with its current or potential scenic, agricultural, natural resource and/or Glendale Farm FRPP 9 wildlife purposes. A copy of the Glendale Farm consenfation easement outline is attached to this ! ! application. The final draft will be prepared in consultatron with USDA attorneys, just as was done for the Sunfield Farm conservation easement, a coJy of which has been made available to I the Washington State NRCS office. The agricultural e~ement will be held by the Land Trust ! with an assignment of rights to the U.S. Government, or I will be co-held by JLT and Jefferson i County with an assignment of rights to the U.S.. Gove'1'ent to meet the Washington State program requirements, depending on the primary source lof matching funds. ! I Accessibility of Markets Interest in locally grown food has increased dramaticall~ in east Jefferson County within the last several years, and the JL W C members anticipate that it tIl continue to grow as awareness of the benefits to consumers' increases. The Port Townsend F~od Coop is a thriving market that features locally grown food as much as possible, and the I Jefferson County Farmers Market, located in Port Townsend, is the largest farmers market ~est of Seattle. Currently the demand for locally grown vegetables, fruits, dairy products and teats outweighs the supply. I Glendale Farm currently is primarily an organic beef op~ration, with approximately 60 head of i grass fed Black Angus cattle. Approximately 50% of th~ cattle are sold on the hoof locally and i at the Centralia Auction, 40% are sold to local custome, as cut and wrapped meat and the other 10% is sold to local restaurants, including the local sandrich coffee shop in Chimacum and a mobile taco truck. Mr. Salvatore has also leased some of his acreage to local vegetable growers i who were in need of additional farmland to grow their c~ops. Glendale Farm FRPP 10 At!ricultural Infrastructure and Support Infrastructure on the Glendale Farm includes two barns, sorting and loading corrals, several watering facilities for the cattle, extensive fencing of different pasture areas and numerous farm machines and equipment including; three Ferguson tractors, a bailer, hay rake, plows, disc, mower and a ground bailer. There are also water rights to Chimacum Creek that run with the farm. Agricultural infrastructure available in the vicinity that services the beef production includes a slaughter truck that comes to property twice a year, and occasionally the cattle are trucked to the Centralia slaughter house. Shelton Home meats or The Meat shop in Tacoma cut and wrap the beef. JL WC partners have recognized the need for a USDA certified processing unit that could serve growers closer to home. There are a number of infrastructure needs for the agricultural community in general that the JL WC will be researching and prioritizing over the next year, and a meat processing facility is one of them. Level of Threat Glendale Farm is centrally located near the intersections of Beaver Valley Road and Center Valley in Chimacum. While the property and those nearby are agriculturally zoned, the proximity to the commercial comer at the Chimacum intersection could in the future be a threat to the agricultural nature of the farm. Farms located very nearby (directly across Center Road) are in the process of being parceled off for residential development. Jefferson County agricultural zoning allows for one dwelling per twenty acres of farmland. Jefferson County has Glendale Farm FRPP 11 indicated that the Glendale Farm property, given the 1I2p zoning, the number of tax parcels on I the farm and density bonuses would allow for 12 home ~ites to be clustered on the property, or I eleven without clustering. The recent appraisal indicate4 that this type of Planned Rural i I I Residential Development is considered the "highest and ~est use" of the Glendale Farm property. I I A number of other properties in the general vicinity hav~ been developed in this manner in the last several years. I I i The current owner of the farm anticipates retiring in the ~ext 10 -15 years. His main asset is the i value of the farm and has indicated that he may. need to 1ell off portions of the property to prepare for his financial future if he is unable to be com~ensated for the value of the I conservation easement. His preference is to see the farni stay as one property with its future as I farmland preserved forever, but he, like so marly other IJnd rich, cash poor farmers is facing an I I uncertain financial future. SeIling the conservation easerent could provide the financial security to Mr. Salvatore, the funds necessary to reinvest in the fqrm infrastructure and the knowledge that the Glendale Farm will remain an important piece otworking land in east Jefferson County, forever. Farmland Protection Stratef!V The goal of JL T and our JL WC partners is to permanently protect the prime agricultural lands I and working forests of east Jefferson County, recognizin~ that development pressures are steadily increasing and the growing metropolis of Seattl1 is only I II, hours away. We want to ensure that the working landscapes of our county remainl available into the future for food and fiber production, providing an economic base in our co~ty that recognizes our rich history of Glendale Farm FRPP 12 agriculture and timber production. We envision Jefferson County becoming recognized as a "bread bowl" for the region. As mentioned earlier, we have begun a process of identifying the most important farms and producers of east Jefferson County in need of protection and services to increase the economic viability of the agricultural production. The JL WC has determined that we should focus our preliminary efforts on some of the larger parcels that contain prime soils, other conservation values and are currently producing food commodities and have the potential for increased production in the future. Glendale Farm is top on the list for our proactive work since it is one of the larger parcels, contains prime soils, habitat value, working forest, scenic vistas and is potentially threatened by conversion. Purchase of the conservation easement on Glendale would protect the farm in perpetuity AND would provide an example to other large agricultural landowners in the area. Percent Impervious Surface Currently the total of impervious surfaces on Glendale Farm is approximately .46 acres, or .26%, including all existing buildings (see table above). The conservation easement will allow for additional structures in designated areas up to the 2% limit, which would total approximately 3.6 acres. Ownership of Subsurface Minint! There are no subsurface mining rights owned by a second party on the Glendale Farm property. There is a small gravel pit that is used by Mr. Salvatore for purposes on the farm. Glendale Farm FRPP 13 Desire to subdivide The conservation easement outline for Glendale Farm d1es not allow for subdivision. Initially the landowner expressed a desire to retain the ability to fbdivide the 20 acre forested area in the southwest comer from the 180 acre farm. After determi~ing the value to maintaining those I I parcels as part of the property, the decision was made (~d reflected in the appraisal) to maintain I i I the property as a whole. Desire to construct additional residences I The outline for the conservation easement design on the plendale Farm would allow for one I additional residence to be located in a two acre home sit1 on one of the forest parcels located in the southwest comer of the property - the exact I location to be determined as the easement is drafted. The owner has indicated that he wants the oPti4n for any of his grown children, who I i may someday want to return to the farm, or for a farm mFager to reside. The remaining i forested acres would continue to be managed as a forest farcel in a sustainable way, most likely through Forest Stewardship Certification with our JL wq partner Northwest Natural Resources Group. The easement design would also allow for additibnal farm-worker housing and I I agricultural buildings to be located in the designated fivel acre farm-site where the two current I residences and agricultural buildings are located. Agric~lture related commereial business will be allowed in the farm-site or on the parcel closest to ce~ter Road. All of the additional I structures will be subject to the 2% impervious surface libitations. These conditions were ! provided to the appraiser, and were the basis for the con~ervation easement valuation process. Glendale Farm FRPP 14 Partners Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative partners are all supportive of the Glendale Farm project, and will have some involvement with the project over the years (see partner letters). Jefferson County Conservation District has been involved with the farm for many years, and will participate with the Conservation Plan for the farm. ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia may support the farm business through business planning services and a business loan. Northwest Natural Resources Group will be advising the landowner on forest practices and the potential for carbon credits as the market develops. Jefferson County will be partially funding the cost of the conservation easement. All ofthe organizations and agencies recognize that we have an opportunity to protect a very special piece of east Jefferson County for future generations. We hope to include the Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA as our partner in this worthy project. Glendale Farm FRPP 15 JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 615 Sheridan Street · Port Townsend · Washington · 98368 www.jeffersoncountypubJichealth.org JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners John Fischbach, County Administrator FROM: Tami Pokorny, Water Quality Division DATE: September 4,2007 SUBJECT: Agenda Request: Public Comment Regarding and Resolution Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program for the Preservation of Glendale Farm. STATEMENT OF ISSUE: On June 25, 2007 Jefferson County Water Quality Division and the Jefferson Land Trust (JL T) presented an informational workshop about Glendale Farm and the State Farmland Preservation Program, part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). The primary focus of the farmland program is to provide grants to preserve economically viable farmlands in Washington State and enhance ecological functions on those lands. The Glendale Farm project would acquire a conservation easement on this lBO-acre farm just south of Chimacum that would permanently reduce the development potential of the property from twelve additional homesites to one, secure buffers for Chimacum Creek, and fund improvements to the drainage and irrigation systems. In a letter, the BoCC expressed its support for a Water Quality DivisionjJL T partnership to pursue WWRP funds for Glendale Farm. Working with staff from the WWRP and Water Quality, JLT and its partners have since prepared a draft grant application. Staff now requests that the BoCC invite public comment on the accompanying draft application to the WWRP and consider the accompanying resolution. ANAL YSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS: Staff was provided text for the Authorizing Resolution by the WWRP. The Resolution . further documents Jefferson County's commitment to disburse $230,000 from the Conservation Futures Fund to the Glendale Farm project. . expresses a commitment to seek additional funds complete the project. COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MAIN: 360-385-9400 FAX: 360-385-9401 PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS WORKING FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NATURAL RESOURCES MAl N: 360-385-9444 FAX: 360-385-9401 '.-:"":"""''''~;'-'';'''.-' . documents that appropriate opportunity for public comment has been provided. This resolution does not commit Jefferson County to sign the grant agreement should the application to the WWRP be successful. If the application is successful, . a grant agreement with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO; formerly the IAC) would be developed for submission to the BoCC. . Water Quality would support the effort by JL T to secure additional matching funds from the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP). . After all of the requisite matching funds are secured, a professional services contract with JL T would be developed to enable JL T to carry out the acquisition process and hire necessary subcontractors. JL T applied to the FRPP in 2007 for Glendale Farm but was turned down because none of the match had yet been secured. The 2007 application, which accompanies this agenda bill, will be updated and submitted to the FRPP in 2008. The total acquisition and restoration costs of Glendale Farm are estimated to be $1,100,475. The WWRP is being requested to grant approximately $550,237 of this amount, the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program will provide $230,000 and the remainder (about $320,238) will be sought from the FRPP. FISCAL IMPACT: The costs for Jefferson County Water Quailty to support this application process are negligible. RECOMMENDATION: The deadline for finalizing the application materials for submission to the WWRP is September 7. Staff recommends that the BoCC hear comments on this application from citizens present and approve the Authorizing Resolution in the interest of preserving Glendale Farm and the rural character of Jefferson County. REVIEWED BY: 9.e!).-~ John Fischbac , County Administrator ~J'2.'I07 Date COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABI L1TIES MAl N: 360-385-9400 FAX: 360-385-9401 PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS WORKING FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NATURAL RESOURCES MAIN: 360-385-9444 FAX: 360-385-9401