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Home My WebLink About050 08 cc:lt4 7 ~ ~d-ldJ \{eoSJ f< STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance } for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program } (WWRP) Project to the Recreation and Conservation } Funding Office (RCO), as Provided in Chapter 79A, } 15 RCW, Acquisition of Habitat Conservation and } Outdoor Recreation Lands; Finnriver Farm Project } RESOLUTION NO. SOl-OS area; and WHEREAS, our organization has approved a comprehensive plan that includes this project WHEREAS, under the provisions of WWRP, state funding assistance is requested to aid in financing the cost of land acquisition and/or facility development; and WHEREAS, our organization considers it in the best public interest to complete the land acquisition and/or facility development project described in the application; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED, that: 1. The Water Quality Program Manager of Public Health be authorized to make formal application to the Recreation and Conservation Office for funding assistance; 2. Any fund assistance received be used for implementation of the project referenced above; 3. Our organization hereby certifies that its share of project funding is committed and will be derived from the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund ($207,500). 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 or facility developed with financial aid from the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB) must be placed in use for the funded purpose and be retained in such use in perpetuity unless otherwise provided and agreed to by our organization and RCFB. 5. This resolution becomes part of a formal application to the Recreation and Conservation Office; and 6. We provided appropriate opportunity for public comment on this application. RESOLUTION NO. 50-08 ff:::tth~ J eM L Deputy Clerk of the Board PAGE: 2 July ,2008 in Port Townsend, Washington. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Phi~~ DavU~- ~~ Page 2 of2 Applicant Information County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation Organization Information Name: Type: County of Jefferson County Organization Address: County of Jefferson PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Billing Address: Jefferson County of PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone Numbers: Phone - work General Info Internet Address: (360) 385-9160 (360) 385-9100 . Applicant Contact Information Name: Contact Type: Alt Project Contact Executive Director Business Address: 1033 Lawrence St Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone Number: Second Address: ,WA Fax - work Phone - work (360) 379-9897 (360) 379-9501 Internet Address: ed@saveland.org 1AFAPPIN,RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A Name: Type: County of Jefferson County I Applicant 'nfolation I I i I Organization 'nfo'iation 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm Organization Address: County of Jefferson PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Billing Address: Jefferson County of PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Internet Address: Phone Numbers: Phone - work General Info (360) 385-9160 (360) 385-9100. Applicant Contact Inf~rmation Name: Ms. Sarah Spaeth Contact Type: Project Contact Business Address: Second Address: 1033 Lawrence St Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone Number: Cellular Fax - work Phone - work (360) 643-0570 (360) 379-9897 (360) 379-9501 Ext 102 Internet Address: programs@saveland.org 1AFAPPIN.RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm Applicant Information 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation Name: Type: County of Jefferson County Organization Address: County of Jefferson PO Box 1220 . Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone Numbers: Phone - work General Info (360) 385-.9160 (360) 385-9100 Organization Information Billing Address: Jefferson County of PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Internet Address: Name: Ms. Sarah Thirtyacre Grants Manager Business Address: 1111 Washington St SE Olympia, WA 98504-0917 Phone Number: Fax - work Phone - work (360) 902-3026 (360) 902-0243 Internet Address: sarah. thirtyacre@rco.wa.gov Applicant Contact Information Contact Type: Project Manager Second Address: PO Box 40917 1AFAPPIN,RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A Appllcant Info~atlOn County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation Organization Infor ation Name: Type: County of Jefferson County Phone Numbers: Phone - work General Info Billing Address: Jefferson County of PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Internet Address: Organization Address: County of Jefferson PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-9160 (360) 385-9100 Applicant Contact Infl!)rmation Name: Ms. Tami Pokorny Natural Resources Specialist Business Address: Contact Type: Alt Project Contact Second Address: 615 Sheridan St Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone Number: ,WA Cellular Fax - work Phone - work (360) 316-9870 . (360) 385..9401 (360) 379-4498 Internet Address: tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us 1AFAPPIN.RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Preservation Account Application Project Summary TITLE: Finnriver Farm NUMBER: STATUS: 08-1153A Application Submitted (Acquisition) APPLICANT: County of Jefferson CONTACT: Sarah Spaeth (360) 379-9501 Ext 102 COSTS: Reo Local Total $207,500 $211,500 $419,000 50 % 50 % 100 % SPONSOR MATCH: Cash Donations Conservation Futures $4,000 $207,500 DESCRIPTION: Jefferson County and Jefferson Land Trust are seeking funds for the acquisition of a conservation easement on Finnriver Farm, located in the fertile, agriculturally zoned Center Valley, Finnriver Farm is a 33-acre certified organic farm, regionally known for its U-Pickblueberries, other mixed berries and vegetables. Farm owners have recently planted over 900 apple and pear trees and are in the process of establishing an artisan - scale winery and cider production facility. The farm is platted into four parcels, each of which can be developed under current regulations. Finnriver farm landowners are faced with financial hardship after their original partners in farm ownership decided to sell last year. Landowners have explored selling one of the platted parcels for residential development, however, this would divide the farm and jeopardize long term plans, since the barn, greenhouse, future site of the winery infrastructure and vegetable gardens are located on this parcel. Sale of a conservation easement on the farm would reduce the financial burden of making land payments while also attempting to expand operations, allow them to concentrate on long-term farm viability, and provide them the assurance that the land will be preserved as farmland for future generations. Conservation values include prime agricultural soils, over 1300' of Chimacum Creek, scenic vistas and habitat for salmon, beaver, trumpeter swans, bear, eagles, hawks and many other species. The easement will be co-held between the County and Land Trust. LOCATION INFORMATION: COUNTY: Jefferson SCOPE (ELEMENTS): Allowable land costs PERMITS ANTICIPATED: None - No permits Required ANTICIPATED ACREAGE: Incidentals ACREAGE TYPE Riparian lands Uplands Acres To Acq 10.00 23.00 I DATE PRINTED: Acres To Dev Acres To Renov Total 10,00 23.00 LAST UPDATED: April 25, 2008 July 8, 2008 1APSUM1,RPT Finnriver Fann Finnriver Farm I Cost Estimates By rroperty I I I 08-1153 A County of Jefferson WWRP - Farmland Preservation I Worksite: #1, Finnri er Farm Detailed Property Information Property Name: Finnriver Farm Acreage to be Purchased: 33.00 Date to be Acquired: Value Determination: Appraised/Reviewed Value Pr perty Grantor: Keith and Crystie Kisler I Owrership Instrument: Easement Pu~chase Type: Less than fee ownership I te~ Length: Perpetuity EX~iration Date: N/A Acquisition Cost Estimate for Finnriver Farm.,prope Allowable land costs Easement - conservation Sub-Total Incidentals Appraisal and review Baseline inventory Closing Recording fees Title reports/insurance Sub-Total ~ $375;000.00 I I I I $15,000.00 $6,500.00 $1,178.00 $70.00 $1,300.00 $375,000.00 $24,048.00 $399,048.00 1 AFCOSTD.RPT July 8, 2008 Page: 1 Cost Estimates By Property County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation 1AFCOSTD,RPT July 8, 2008 Page: 2 County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm I I I I Acquisition Cost Esti~ate Summary Summary Property Information Worksite Name #1, Finnriver Fanm Total Property Name Finnriver Farm Acres to Cost be Acq Estimate Acq Date 33,00 33.00 $419,00 00 $419,00 .00 I I I $375.poO.OO Summary Cost Information for all Properties Allowable land costs Easement- conservation Sub-Total Incidentals Appraisal and review Baseline inventory Closing Recording fees Title reports/insurance Sub-Total Property Totals Administrative costs Total Acquisition Cost Estimate , 1AFCOSTS,RPT July 8. 200 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation N/A Value Determination Purchase Type Appraised/Reviewed Vc Less than fee ownership $375,000.00 $24,048.00 $399,048.00 $19,952.00 $419,000.00 08-1153 A Full Questionnaire and Permit Report County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation Proiect Questionnaire 1 of 8 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, It is anticipated that the County will enter into a formal contractual relationship with the Land Trust, and county staff will work closely with Land trust staff to carry out project implementation, design and acquisition of the conservation easement. The Land Trust and Jefferson County were successful partners in the proposal for the Glendale Farm project. The Land Trust will co-hold the conservation easement with Jefferson County. 2 of 8 Does this application contain state, federal or other grants as part of the "sponsor match"? f 'yes, " name the grant(s) and date grant will be available. Jefferson Land Trust has applied for County Conservation. Futures Funds for a portion of the match for the Finnriver Farm conservation easement purchase. If awarded, these funds will be available in June of 2008. 3 of 8 Does this application contain elements required for mitigation? If yes, explain: No 4 of 8 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 8 Does this project include the purchase of conservation easements? If yes, explain how site monitoring will be carried out. The Finnriver Farm project includes purchase of a conservation easement on the 33 acre property. Jefferson Land Trust will co-hold the easement with the County and will have responsibility for stewardship and monitoring of the 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 Land Trust Alliance and utilized effectively for almost 20 years. The stewardship and monitoring program includes annual monitoring to determine compliance with the terms of the easement, volunteer help with restoration and enhancement efforts. The Land Trust Stewardship Director and trained community volunteers conduct monitoring and enhancement efforts. Staff, partner agencies and trained professionals provide guidance with regard to best agricultural management practices. 6 of 8 Is this project a subsequent phase to a previously funded RCFB project? If yes, please identify ,the earlier phase if known. No 7 of 8 Are there known subsequent phases for which you expect to seek future RCFB grant funding? No 8 of 8 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 project was presented to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on April 21, 2008 in a regularly scheduled public meeting, Worksite #1 Finnriver 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). Finnriver Farm has not yet been investigated for archeological or cultural significance, Finnriver Farm ProDerty Questionnaire 1 of 8 What is the current use and zoning for the property? 1AFAPPOU.RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A i . Full Questionnaire and Permit Report I I .- --- -~--l Finnriver Farm is currently in agricultural use as ~certifjed organic fruit and vegetable ~arm. Finnriver Farm is agriculturally zoned 1 residenc per 20 acres, however, the property IS currently platted into 4 seperate tax parcels that n each be developed as residential units according to existing county regulations. i Has the applicant requested and/or received a "iaiver 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 ~~mber? . t Are there, or will there be, encumbrances that lim"t the proposed uSes for the site (e.g., additional easements, convenants, lease back, Ii estate, sharecropping agreement, orother)? If yes, explain: i Finnriver Farm has been enrolled in the Natural ~esources Conservation Service's 'Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program' ( REP) since 2001. Through this program, a ' 10 acre buffer planting of spruce, shore pine, nin bark, willow, ash, dogwood, alder and other species has occurred within 160 feet (on average) on either side of Chimacum Creek. The riparian buffer has been fenced, This program is scheduled to pay a lease rate for the next eight years. The conservation easemerht would g arantee that the buffer always remains forested even after the CREP program expires. Does the applicant hold an option agreement on t' e property? If yes, what date will it expire? Not at this time. Will this acquisition project cause the disPlacemept of individuals, families, businesses, a farms? If yes, explain: No County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation 20f8 30f8 40f8 50f8 60f8 70f8 80f8 Will clean-up of hazardous materials be required. (See RCO Manual 3, Acquiring Land). No What agricultural activity (ies) currently occurs 0 the land? Will it continue? Finnriver Farm is a Washington State certified or anic farm and certified salmon safe as well. The Finnriver owners plan to continue with their s ccessful fruit U-pick and farmers market sales for fruit and vegetables, and will be planting more blueberries and aronia berries as well. They also anticipate that the Finnriver cidery will e operating in the next several years, producing hard and soft ciders, blueberry wine and port, and apple calvados. They have raised meat pigs, chickens, turkeys, bunnies and goats nd are exploring growing grains like buckwheat, barley, wheat and rye. It is anticipate that the land will continue with current agricultural uses if we are successful in acquiring the conservation easement, and may in the future provide additional opportunities for other types of sustainable agricultural practices. Are there structures (i.e. residences, shops, bam$, ete.) on the property proposed for acquisition? If yes, what are your plans for those I structures (i.e. demolition, relocation, auction, etc.)? I There are several structures on the farm that are rimarily located in two areas. The home-site, located in the SW corner of the farm and will con nue to be a designated residential area. The barn and greenhouse are located on the NW par el and this area will continue as a designated area for agricultural structures or farmworker hou ing if we are able to purchase the conservation. easement. Permits None - No permits Required 1 AFAPPQU.RPT July 8, 2008 08-1153 A County of Jefferson Finnriver Farm Project Worksite Information 08-1153 A WWRP - Farmland Preservation Worksite #1, Finnriver Farm Description: . The Finnriver Farm includes approximately 33 acres of productive agricultural soils, certified organic fruit and vegetable U-pick and Farmer's market business, and wildlife habitat associated with Chimacum Creek. Acquisition of the conservation easement will permanently protect the conservation values of the farm and support the agricultural viability of this key property. Current development potential would allow for at least 3 additional homesites, and landowners may have to sell one of these parcels unless we are successful in securing grant funds for the conservation easement. Driving Directions From the Hood Canal Bridge travel west on Highway 304 to the Port Townsend, State Route 19 turn off to the north. Travel north on State Route 19 to the Chimacum intersection. Turn South (right) onto Center Road and follow to Country Meadow Lane, Turn Right; follow road across bridge and turn right at fork for Barn Swallow Road, Farmsite is the first house on the right. Geographic Areas: Cong District County ESU-Pink HUC 6th Field Lead Entity Region Leg District School District WAU WRIA 06 Jefferson Odd Year Pink Salmon CHIMACUM CREEK Hood Canal Coordinating Council 24 Chimacum (170203) Chimakum (17) Quilcene-Snow Property: Finnriver Farm Property to be Acquired. Landowner Type: Private Property Grantor: Keith and Crystie Kisler 62 Barn Swallow Road" Chimacum, WA 98325 Estimated Acreage: Type Riparian lands Uplands 1AFSITE.RPT Acres to be Acq 10.00 23.00 Totals: 33.00 July 8, 2008 08-1153 A Consent Agenda JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 615 Sheridan Street · Port Townsend · Washington · 98368 www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Dennis Richards, County Administrator FROM: Neil Harrington, Water Quality Program Manager Tami Pokorny, Environmental Specialist II DATE: July 21, 2008 SUBJECT: Agenda Request: Resolution Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program for the Preservation of Finnriver Farm. STATEMENT OF ISSUE: On April 21, 2008 Jefferson County Water Quality Division and the Jefferson Land Trust (JL T) presented an informational workshop about Finnriver Farm and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) farmland category (http://www.rco.wa.gov/rcfb/grants/farmland.htm). The primary focus of this grant program is to provide funds to preserve economically viable farmlands in Washington State and to enhance ecological functions on those lands. The Finnriver Farm Project would acquire a conservation easement on this 33-acre farm south of Chimacum that would permanently reduce the development potential of the property. A preliminary application has been available for public review with the Commissioner's Office since April 24. No comments have been received. Staff now requests that the BoCC consider the accompanying resolution, developed by the WWRP, to authorize submission of the final application for funding consideration by the Recreation and Conservation Office. 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 $207,500 from the Conservation Futures Fund to the Finnriver Farm project, · expresses a commitment to seek additional funds complete the project, and · documents that appropriate opportunity for publiC comment has been provided. COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MAIN: 360385-9400 FAX: 36().385-9401 PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS WORKING FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY MAIN: 360385-9444 FAX: 36()'379-4487 This resolution does not commit Jefferson County to sign the grant agreement with the RCO, or to necessarily pursue the project further, should the application be successful. If this application is successful, · a grant agreement with the RCO would be developed. · Water Quality would work with JLT to secure additional matching funds from the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program http://www.nrcs.usda.aov/oroarams/frpp (FFRP) · Water Quality would work with granting organizations and JLT to finalize the conservation easement language to ensure that agency requirements are met and long-term stewardship is provided. · Once all of the requisite matching funds are secured, a professional services contract with JL T would likely be developed to enable JL T to carry out the acquisition process and hire necessary subcontractors. The total acquisition and restoration costs of Finnriver Farm are estimated to be $419,000. The WWRP will be requested to provide $207,500 of this amount. FISCAL IMPACT: The BoCC dedicated $207,500 of conservation futures funds to the Finnriver Farm Project on June 14, 2008. There was no impact to the general fund for this. The Jefferson Land Trust completed the application to the WWRP for funding. The costs to the County for applying to the WWRP are minimal. RECOMMENDATION: The final deadline for all application materials to be submitted to the WWRP is July 25. Staff recommends that the BoCC approve the Authorizing Resolution in the interest of preserving Finnriver Farm and the rural character of Jefferson County. REVIEWED BY: ~4LJ Dennis Richards, County Administrator -- p~/tJr Dat ' COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MAIN: 360385-9400 FAX: 360-385-9401 PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS WORKING FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY MAl N: 360385-9444 FAX: 360-379-4487