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
PCC Farmland Trust will use this grant to acquire a permanent agricultural conservation easement on Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm, conserving 209 acres and extinguishing the farm’s remaining development rights. Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm is a 5th generation farm in the Snohomish River Valley under continuous ownership and production by the Ricci family since 1888. The farm is currently owned and operated by Bob and Sarah Ricci and used for row crops, hay production, and agritourism. The property borders the Snohomish River, which is priority habitat for migration and breeding habitat for Chinook Salmon (ESA listed as Threatened) and Coho Salmon (NMFS species of concern), as well as Coast Resident Cutthroat, Chum, and Bull Trout. The agricultural conservation easement will ensure the property will be protected as working farmland, and allow for compatible restoration targeting these priority species and habitats without compromising the agricultural viability of the farm.