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
Whatcom County will use this grant to buy a voluntary land preservation agreement for 16.59 acres of prime agricultural soils. The land currently supports a local farm business, Uprising Organics, which grows vegetable, flower, and herb seeds. This area protects shoreline habitat for migratory waterfowl and provides an additional buffer to the large dairy operation next door. This land’s proximity to Wiser Lake, which a large and diverse assortment of migratory waterfowl visit, also helps to protect wildlife habitat. Whatcom County will contribute $191,300 in conservation futures and a federal grant.