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 Jefferson Land Trust will use this grant to buy a voluntary land preservation agreement, also called a conservation easement, to permanently protect 77 acres of Natembea Farm, which is on Port Townsend’s city limits. The purchase will preserve the prime agricultural soils and productivity, wetlands, and the scenic character of the largest farm in Port Townsend. Natembea Farm provides land to six diverse operations that produce vegetables, fruit and nut trees, flowers, goat meat, and beef for local markets. Additional products include pickles, relish, preserves, and herbs The agreement will prevent the majority of future development and help ensure there is prime farmland available for food production near Jefferson County’s largest population center. The Jefferson Land Trust will contribute $530,800 in Conservation Futures and donated land or property interest.