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Useless Bay East Farmland
- Status
- Funded in 2008
Island County will use this grant to buy an agricultural conservation easement on about 55 acres of productive farmland in the Useless Bay watershed on Whidbey Island. The land has been used for agricultural purposes since 1915, including both crops and pasture. Adjacent to about 500 acres of protected wetlands at Deer Lagoon, the farm’s agricultural fields, wetlands and riparian areas are used by wildlife and are a critical ecological element within the watershed. The property, which is at immediate risk of development to pay debts, is valued for homes because of its views of wetlands, Useless Bay and the Olympic Mountains as well as its proximity to recreational lands. If a conservation easement is not acquired, the property will be sold and developed into up to six homes. The easement will extinguish all but one development right ensuring that the farmland remains available for both agricultural and wildlife uses. Island County and Whidbey Camano Land Trust will co-hold the easement. Island County will contribute $500,000 in conservation futures.
Location
Whidbey Island. From State Route 525 northbound, go left (south) on Bayview Road. Turn right on to Sunlight Beach Road. The driveway is to the right on the east side of the dike. Follow driveway to property gate.
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Useless Bay East Farmland
- Island County will use this grant to buy an agricultural conservation easement on about 55 acres of productive farmland in the Useless Bay watershed on Whidbey Island. The land has been used for agricultural purposes since 1915, including both crops and pasture. Adjacent to about 500 acres of protected wetlands at Deer Lagoon, the farm’s agricultural fields, wetlands and riparian areas are used by wildlife and are a critical ecological element within the watershed. The property, which is at immediate risk of development to pay debts, is valued for homes because of its views of wetlands, Useless Bay and the Olympic Mountains as well as its proximity to recreational lands. If a conservation easement is not acquired, the property will be sold and developed into up to six homes. The easement will extinguish all but one development right ensuring that the farmland remains available for both agricultural and wildlife uses. Island County and Whidbey Camano Land Trust will co-hold the easement. Island County will contribute $500,000 in conservation futures.
- 47.99522906 -122.4765971
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.
