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Ellis Barnes Livestock Company
- Status
- Funded in 2011
The Okanogan Valley Land Council will use this grant to buy a permanent, voluntary land preservation agreement that will prohibit further development of 1,590 acres of the Ellis Barnes Livestock Company's ranch. The agreement will keep valuable rangeland and significant soils intact for agricultural use. The land includes 47 acres of wetlands that provide exceptional waterfowl habitat and other riparian values critical to the arid climate. The ranch abuts Whitestone Lake and is near Spectacle Lake, both open to the public for fishing and boating. The Barnes family began assembling this ranch in 1924 and it was incorporated in 1929, distinguishing it as one of the oldest incorporated ranches in Okanogan County. This family owned cow-calf operation is one of a handful still operating in the north end of the Okanogan Valley and contributes significantly to the local agricultural economy. The council will contribute $849,200 in staff labor, a federal grant, and donated labor.
What is the WWRP?
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.
