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 Methow Conservancy will permanently protect, via a conservation easement, a 100.0-acre iconic ranch at the confluence of the Twisp River and Poorman Creek that has been owned and farmed by the Christianson family since the 1890s. The farm is currently leased for grazing and the next generation of Christiansons are also stepping in to farm the land as the family prepares for generational change. The land is located within 5-ac zoning near Twisp in Okanogan County, Washington. The site contains high-quality soils and water rights, which will be tied to the land in perpetuity as part of the conservation easement. The conservation easement will allow for one farmstead zone and an agricultural building envelope. All other residential development rights will be eliminated. The farm is located in close proximity to other farmland and has easy access to local markets. In addition to farmland protection, the project provides an opportunity for restoration and protection of riparian habitat and floodplains along the Twisp River, thereby providing benefit to Threatened and Endangered salmonids and other important wildlife species. The protection of working lands and riparian areas is highly valued by residents of the Methow Valley, and protecting this farm will contribute to sustaining agriculture as a way of life in the Methow.Protecting the Christianson Twisp River property is supported by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.