Barnes Rangeland Conservation Easement

Category Overview

Farmland Preservation protects valuable farmland and habitat for recreationally important animals, like salmon, birds, deer, and elk. These projects allow families to continue farming the land they have worked on for generations, and provide Washingtonians with healthy local food and a diverse economy. WWRP is the only source of farmland preservation funding in the state budget.

Project Highlights

The Okanogan Land Trust used this grant to acquire a permanent agricultural easement on about 2,688 acres of working rangeland located about 20 miles north of Tonasket in Okanogan County. The project boundary also includes wetlands that provide waterfowl habitat and other riparian values critical to the arid climate. The easement prevents future development by extinguishing 247 development rights and ensures the land will remain available for farming in perpetuity.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Okanogan Land Trust Category: Farmland Preservation WWRP Grant: $684,510.17 Applicant Match: $684,511.10 Project Type: Acquisition County: Okanogan Legislative District: 7 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 18-1705

Location Details

From Highway 97 in Tonasket turn onto 4th ST going west cross the river and turn right (North) onto Highway 7, continue straight onto Loomis-Oroville RD. Turn right onto Wannacut Lake Road. Keep Left at the T intersection to stay on Wannacut Rd. Turn right on to Ellis-Barnes Road/ Ellemeham Mountain Road and take a left at the T intersection to stay on Ellemeham Mountain Road and continue for one mile and you will have reached the project worksite.

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.