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 use this grant to buy a voluntary land preservation agreement, also called a conservation easement, to permanently protect 390 acres that have been a farm for more than 100 years in the Methow Valley. The farm contains high-quality soils and senior water rights, which will be tied to the land forever as part of the agreement. The conservancy will keep two farmsteads but will prevent further development on the land, part of which is zoned for 5-acre parcels and part of which is in a Planned Destination Resort Zone. Conserving the land also will protect signature scenic views along the Methow Community Trail and will protect wetlands that provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The Methow Conservancy will contribute more than $1.1 million in a federal grant and donated land or property interest.