Thurston County is seeking qualified projects to apply for Conservation Futures funding for 2023, with an application deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Conservation Futures is a land preservation program that allows landowners to sell their property or future development rights to a qualified conservation organization, stated a news release from the county.
To be eligible, a property must contain unique or valuable wildlife habitat, agricultural, forestry, historic, or recreational features. Applications must be sponsored by an eligible organization like a land trust or city government.
“This is a great opportunity for landowners who wish for their land to remain undeveloped but would like the financial benefits of selling their property,” stated the release.
To apply, complete the application and submit it by email at andrew.deffobis@co.thurston.wa.us.
Applications can also be submitted in person at the Board of County Commissioners Office, Suite 200 of the Atrium Building, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia or by mail at Thurston County, ATTN: Andrew Deffobis, CPED, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
The program is made possible by a Conservation Futures tax levy first authorized by the Legislature statewide in 1971. Thurston County began collecting the tax levy in 1989 and uses the funds to make conservation purchases, resulting in over 5,600 acres of preserved farmland, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat, stated the release.
For more information or to download the application, go online to www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/incentives-conservation-futures.aspx.
