The proposal is for Island County and the Land Trust to acquire and co-hold a conservation easement on 65 acres of prime farmland actively farmed for over a century and highly productive for a wide variety of crops. Located in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island, the Property lies on the south boundary of the historic Town of Coupeville, the second oldest town in Washington, and provides the historic agricultural context for both the Town and Reserve. Acquisition will protect one of the most productive and fertile agricultural properties in Island County and help ensure the future viability of agriculture in Ebey’s Reserve. The economic productivity is excellent with crops including but not limited to alfalfa, wheat, barley, corn, numerous seed crops and produce. The Property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of land protected by conservation easements (or easements in progress) held by a variety of public agencies and conservation organizations. The property is highly sought after for residential development due to its location adjacent to Coupeville with sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet, the Olympic Mountains, and Ebey’s Reserve farmlands that are permanently protected by conservation easements. The threat of conversion from agriculture to residential development is real and imminent.