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Updated Climate Emissions Goals and New Sequestration Goals (Resolution No. 30-0603-24)

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) approved a joint resolution, also endorsed by the Port Townsend City Council, to establish updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and new carbon sequestration goals for the county. These updated goals are based on the recommendations of the Climate Action Committee (CAC), aligning the county's targets with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations and the Paris Agreement goals. The core goals focus on significant emission reduction by 2030 and 2050, and substantially increasing carbon sequestration, particularly in forests and trees.

Key Points

  • The updated goals were recommended by the Climate Action Committee (CAC) and are designed to represent the community's fair share of the global emissions reduction required to meet the 1.5°C temperature target of the Paris Agreement.
  • The recommended Community-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals are:
    • Reduce emissions to 58.7% below 2018 levels by 2030 (absolute).
    • Reduce emissions to 95% below 2018 levels by 2050 (absolute). (Absolute indicates total emissions regardless of population changes.)
  • The County aims to increase carbon sequestration (excluding Olympic National Park and Wilderness areas [ONPW]) with the following targets:
    • By 2030: Increase sequestration to 2.0 Million Metric Tons of CO₂ (MMTCO₂)/year, a 20% increase above the 2011-2016 baseline of 1.6 MMTCO₂/year.
    • By 2050: Increase sequestration to 2.3 MMTCO₂e/year, a 40% increase above the 2011-2016 baseline.
  • A 2022 inventory found that Jefferson County's forests and trees were sequestering more than 13 times the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted, indicating a high potential for impacting net GHG contribution.
  • The new joint resolution supersedes the previous community-wide GHG emissions reduction goal established in 2007 (County Resolution No. 44-07 and City Resolution No. 07-022).
  • Achieving these goals is anticipated to provide local benefits, including decreased air pollution, job creation, reduced energy expenditures, and reduced tax burdens for governments, businesses, and citizens.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • CAC adopted the motion to recommend the updated GHG emissions reduction goals at its December 12, 2023 meeting.
  • CAC adopted the motion recommending the new sequestration targets at its December 12, 2023 meeting.

Timeline

  • March 2008: CAC jointly appointed by County and City.
  • 2011-2016: Baseline period used for sequestration goals (1.6 MMTCO₂/year).
  • 2018: Baseline year used for emissions reduction goals.
  • December 12, 2023: CAC adopted motions recommending the new goals.
  • April 24, 2024: Commissioners accepted the recommended goals.
  • 2030: Target date for 58.7% emissions reduction and 20% sequestration increase.
  • 2050: Target date for 95% emissions reduction and 40% sequestration increase.

Next Steps

The Board approved the Resolution regarding Updated climate emissions goals and new sequestration goals. The County Administrator called for discussion on updating the County's internal climate action goals following the adoption of the new, more ambitious community-wide goals.

Sources

  • Climate Action Committee (CAC)
  • Laura Tucker - Environmental Health Specialist
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area: Phase 4 – Stage 1 Grinder Pump Installation

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Public Works Department is requesting approval to call for bids for the Phase 4 – Stage 1 installation of on-site grinder pumps within the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA) Wastewater System. This stage involves installing necessary infrastructure and plumbing connections for approximately 33 properties, funded entirely through federal and state grants and loans with no County match required for the primary construction costs. The work is scheduled to occur from late 2024 into early 2025.

Key Points

  • The project is the first stage of on-site grinder pump installations for the Port Hadlock Wastewater System.
  • The work covers approximately 33 properties within the Port Hadlock UGA.
  • Scope of work includes:
    • Connection to the low-pressure sewer collection system.
    • Installation of 2-inch "side sewer" pipe, grinder pump, grease interceptor (as needed), and control panel.
    • Connection to the existing building drain and appurtenances.
    • Pump start-up and testing.
    • Abandoning of the existing septic tank.
    • Clearing and grubbing, hot mix asphalt, and cement concrete sidewalks.
  • Work is scheduled to occur in 2024 to early 2025.
  • The project requires adherence to the federal Davis-Bacon and Related Acts regarding prevailing wage rates.

Financials

  • Engineer’s Estimate range for construction: $1.8 million to $2.1 million plus Washington State Sales Tax (WSST).
  • Funding is sourced from a Department of Ecology combined funding package:
    • State Revolving Funds (SRF), including a low-interest loan and a forgivable loan.
    • A Centennial Grant.
  • No County match is required for the construction.
  • County ARPA money is being used to cover ancillary project costs (design, right of way, and project management).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • June 3, 2024: Board requested to approve the Call for Bids.
  • June 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.: Mandatory pre-bid site walkthrough at Jefferson County Public Library.
  • July 10, 2024, 2:00 p.m.: Sealed bids due and will be publicly opened.
  • 2024 to early 2025: Work will occur.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to approve and sign the Call for Bids to allow Public Works to begin advertising.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Samantha Harper - Public Works Contact
  • Washington State Department of Ecology
  • U.S. Department of Labor (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts)

Professional Services Agreement Amendment: Chickadee Forestry

Topic Summary

The Board adopted Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Chickadee Forestry, LLC regarding forestry-related services. The amendment specifically introduces language governing the costs and revenues associated with forest thinning projects completed under the agreement, clarifying that the County handles 100% of these financial aspects and that the costs for these specific projects are exempt from the existing $100,000 "not to exceed" contract limit. These projects are anticipated to be revenue-neutral or modestly profitable.

Key Points

  • The amendment addresses costs and revenues related to tree harvests/forest thinning projects carried out under the agreement.
  • The County will cover 100% of the costs of forest thinning projects.
  • The County will collect 100% of the revenues generated by such thinning projects.
  • Costs related to these forest thinning projects are not limited by the $100,000 "not to exceed" amount specified in Section 4 (Compensation) of the original agreement.
  • The original agreement term for professional services runs through December 31, 2028.
  • The Contractor (Malloree Weinheimer/Chickadee Forestry, LLC) provides routine services at a $6,000 monthly retainer ($72,000 annually) and special projects up to $180.00 per hour, capped at a total of $100,000 annually (for all work excluding the new thinning project costs).

Financials

  • Total annual compensation for routine services and special projects: Not to exceed $100,000 (excluding thinning project costs).
  • Annual compensation for routine services: $72,000 (monthly retainer of $6,000).
  • Hourly rate for special projects: Not more than $180.00 per hour.
  • Fiscal Impact of thinning projects: "Unknown but forest thinning projects should be budget neutral or modestly profitable."
  • Fund: General Fund Non-departmental (Fund 001-270).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • February 5, 2024: Original Agreement for Professional Services executed.
  • May 30, 2024: Amendment No. 1 approved as to form by Prosecuting Attorney.
  • Through December 31, 2028: Term of the Professional Services Agreement.

Next Steps

The Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Chickadee Forestry.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Malloree Weinheimer - Principal, Chickadee Forestry, LLC
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Emergency Shelter Future Management Update

Topic Summary

The Board of Commissioners received a status update on the transition of management responsibilities for the Emergency Shelter located at the American Legion post, as the previous operator, OlyCAP, is relinquishing management by June 30, 2024. Bayside Housing and Services has agreed to enter a three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County to manage the shelter's operations. The County plans to handle the rental contract with the American Legion and utilities.

Key Points

  • OlyCAP will relinquish management responsibility for the Emergency Shelter effective June 30, 2024.
  • The Board had previously expressed support for the County continuing to study the assumption of managerial responsibility.
  • Bayside Housing and Services has agreed to join the County in managing the shelter.
  • The management structure will be a three-way MOU, where:
    • The County maintains the rental contract with the American Legion.
    • The County handles utilities.
    • Bayside Housing and Services will be contracted for operations.
  • The updated plan was presented by Commissioner Brotherton.

Financials

  • The Housing Fund Board recommended allocating $100,000 in the 2025 Budget from Fund 149 (Homelessness Fund) for operating the Emergency Shelter.
  • The Board approved this allocation recommendation during the meeting (Item 5 on the Consent Agenda).
  • The Emergency Shelter's continuation is considered essential until the new shelter at Caswell Brown is completed (Source: April 19, 2024 Minutes).

Alternatives

None specified. (The BOCC previously tabled discussion on potential action regarding management structure during the May 28, 2024 meeting.)

Community Input

  • One public comment was received on the subject during the May 28, 2024 meeting after the Board agreed to table discussion.
  • Mark [Surname not provided] put out a 3-Way MOU, and Bayside is ready to proceed.

Timeline

  • June 3, 2024: Current update provided.
  • June 30, 2024: OlyCAP relinquishes management.
  • Late 2025/Early 2026: The County is directing staff to take action on the $100,000 budget allocation during the Mid-biennium Review and Modification adoption process.

Next Steps

The Board listened to the update and was asked to provide guidance to staff. Commissioner Brotherton will meet with legal and Mark [McCauley, County Administrator] regarding utilities in the rental contract with the American Legion.

Sources

  • Greg Brotherton - Commissioner District No. 3
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Bayside Housing and Services
  • Gary Keister - Bayside Housing Executive Director
  • Heather Dudley-Nollette - Bayside Housing Deputy Executive Director
  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director (as noted in Public Comment response)

Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) 2024 Funding Recommendations

Topic Summary

The Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFF Committee) briefed the Board on their funding recommendations for the 2024 cycle. The Committee evaluated three projects—Tarboo Wildlife Preserve - West Slope Forest Addition, Humbleberry Farm, and Deerfoot Forest—submitted by Jefferson Land Trust and Northwest Watershed Institute. Due to insufficient available funds ($280,000) versus the total requested amount ($402,000), the Committee recommended fully funding the top-ranked project and providing the remaining balance to the second-ranked project.

Key Points

  • $280,000 in Conservation Futures funds are available for 2024 projects, against a total requested amount of $402,000.
  • Three projects were submitted: Deerfoot Forest (JLT), Humbleberry Farm (JLT), and Tarboo Wildlife Preserve - West Slope Forest Addition (NWI).
  • Projects were scored on 14 criteria after site tours and presentations.
  • Project Ranking (by score):
    1. Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition (253 avg points / 79%)
    2. Humbleberry Farm (240 avg points / 75%)
    3. Deerfoot Forest (196 avg points / 61%)
  • Funding Recommendations:
    • Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition: Recommended for full funding at the requested amount of $150,000 (unanimous vote).
    • Humbleberry Farm: Recommended for partial funding using the remaining $130,000 available CFF funds, with up to $12,000 designated for Operations and Maintenance (O&M).
    • Deerfoot Forest: Deemed "worthy of funding" (7 in favor, 1 against) but not recommended for funding due to lack of available funds.

Financials

  • Total CFF funds available for projects (2024 cycle): $280,000
  • Total funding requested by all applicants: $402,000
  • Tarboo Wildlife Preserve West Slope Forest Addition:
    • CF Acquisition Request: $150,000 (Recommended full funding)
    • Total Project Cost: $825,000
    • Match Secured: $675,000 (82% match, from NCWC Grant and NWI Donations)
  • Humbleberry Farm:
    • CF Request: $152,000 ($140,000 acquisition, $12,000 O&M)
    • Recommended CF Funding: $130,000 (with up to $12,000 for O&M)
    • Total Project Cost: $837,000
    • Match Secured: $685,000 (81.8% match, from Navy REPI and State Farmland Preservation)
  • Deerfoot Forest:
    • CF Request: $100,000 ($88,000 acquisition, $12,000 O&M)
    • Total Project Cost: $214,000
    • Match Secured: $114,000 (53.3% match, from Navy REPI or bargain sale)

Alternatives

  • Deerfoot Forest was the third project that could not be funded.

Community Input

  • Joanna Pontrello (CFF Committee Chair): Stated all 3 projects were "amazing projects," found worthy of funding, and upheld Conservation Futures values.
  • Sarah Spaeth (Jefferson Land Trust): Provided comments during the briefing.

Timeline

  • April 23 [2024]: CFF Committee voted on funding recommendations.
  • June 3, 2024: Public Health / CFF Committee Chair presented recommendations to the BOCC.
  • July 1 to September 30, 2024: Period during which Public Health will request the BOCC hold a public hearing and make final funding decisions.

Next Steps

Public Health recommends that the BOCC review the projects, hear the Chair's presentation, and ask questions. A separate public hearing will be requested for the BOCC to make final funding determinations.

Sources

  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Michael Dawson - Water Quality Manager (Public Health)
  • Joanna Pontrello (JP) - CFCOC Committee Chair
  • Sarah Spaeth - Jefferson Land Trust (JLT) Director of Conservation & Strategic Partnerships
  • Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI)

Closure of Sandy Shore Lake Road (Resolution No. 31-0603-24)

Topic Summary

The Board adopted Resolution No. 31-0603-24 approving the permanent closure of Sandy Shore Lake Road (County Road #428509) to vehicular traffic at Milepost 1.48. This decision was based on a request from Rayonier, the sole property owner surrounding the road beyond that point, citing ongoing illegal activity. The closure permits Rayonier to install a gate, but maintains public access for non-motorized entry.

Key Points

  • Sandy Shore Lake Road is listed on the Official County Road Log with a length of 1.76 miles, which places the endpoint near the lake shoreline.
  • Beyond Milepost 1.48, the road is a narrow, single lane, unmaintained roadway, with little maintenance performed by the County in the last 25 years.
  • There is no deeded right of way beyond Milepost 1.48; a right of way would only exist by "usage" pursuant to RCW 36.75.070 and RCW 36.75.080.
  • The road beyond MP 1.48 is entirely surrounded by land owned by Rayonier and accesses only Sandy Shore Lake (not other properties).
  • Rayonier requested permission to reinstall a gate at MP 1.48 due to ongoing illegal activity, including vandalism, drug use, illegal camping, garbage dumping, and tree theft which causes sedimentation issues.
  • The gate must be installed and maintained at Rayonier's own expense.
  • The resolution stipulates that the closure does not limit the public's ability to access the lake on foot or by other non-motorized means along the existing roadway, but access to Rayonier lands beyond the roadway limits is restricted.
  • The County and Emergency Services must have a means of installing their own lock(s) on the gate for official access.
  • The County will cease maintenance and expenditures on the section of road beyond MP 1.48.

Financials

  • County expenditure: Small cost for "Road Closed" signage.
  • Rayonier expenditure: Responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining the gate.
  • County saving: No expenditure of public funds for maintenance beyond MP 1.48.

Alternatives

  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders suggested the Commissioners could modify their motion to include a date to revisit the issue, after summer or in the fall.

Community Input

  • A public comment was provided after Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve the resolution.
  • Monte Reinders (Public Works Director) noted that there are no bathroom facilities on Sandy Shore Lake.

Timeline

  • Early 1990s: Previous gate installed by Pope Resources (Rayonier's predecessor-in-interest).
  • Around 2017: Previous gate fell into disrepair and was removed.
  • April 15, 2024: Rayonier submitted a formal letter requesting to reinstall the gate and close the road to vehicular traffic.
  • June 3, 2024: Resolution No. 31-0603-24 adopted unanimously.

Next Steps

The Public Works Department shall erect signage indicating the road closure, and Rayonier is authorized to install the gate.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director
  • Rayonier representatives: Shawn Greif (Forester III), Holly Johnson (Public Relations Director)
  • RCW 36.75.070, RCW 36.75.080, Chapter 47.48 RCW.

New Burn Regulation Ordinance and Fire Danger Risk Model

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners introduced a new ordinance intended to repeal and replace Resolution No. 42-05, establishing updated regulations for open burning, bonfires, and recreational fires in unincorporated Jefferson County. The core of the new ordinance is a five-stage Fire Danger Risk Rating System designed to match atmospheric or local conditions to progressive burn restrictions, aiming to mitigate wildfire risk, especially due to increased temperatures and reduced rainfall linked to climate change.

Key Points

  • The proposed ordinance repeals and replaces Resolution No. 42-05 (adopted June 28, 2005).
  • The ordinance is designed to promote public health, safety, and welfare by limiting outdoor burning, particularly when air is unhealthy or wildfire danger is high.
  • The new framework establishes a five-stage progressive Fire Danger Risk Level Designation system (Green/Low, Blue/Moderate, Yellow/High, Orange/Very-high, Red/Extreme).
  • Stage 2 (Moderate Fire Hazard) restrictions apply annually, at a minimum, between July 1 and September 30.
  • Stage 3 (High Fire Hazard) restrictions include:
    • Prohibition of charcoal briquettes, except for commercially made devices at residences.
    • Prohibition of target shooting outside ranges, exploding targets, or incendiary ammunition (hunting is allowed).
    • Regulation of fireworks under Chapter 8.75 JCC following a "declaration of high fire hazard."
  • Stage 4 (Very High Fire Hazard) prohibits all outdoor burning and open flame devices without a permit, except for commercially made propane or pellet barbecue devices, or stoves/fires contained within a residence.
  • Stage 5 (Extreme Fire Hazard) prohibits outdoor burning, discharge, and fire-related activity of any kind, including barbecue devices.
  • The Sheriff or designee has discretion to enforce the chapter using misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or 90 days jail) or civil infraction penalties (up to $1,000 for first violation, $2,000 for subsequent violations; each day is a separate infraction).
  • The expenses of fighting fires caused by violations are a debt against the person responsible.
  • Changes must be made to Title 19 JCC (Code Compliance) and Chapter 2.30 JCC (Hearing Examiner Code) to incorporate enforcement under the new burn ordinance.

Financials

  • No direct fiscal impacts associated with this ordinance, except for the cost of publishing the hearing notice.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • The Jefferson County Fire Chief's Association and the Jefferson County Fire Marshal have been consulted and concur with the ordinance's adoption.

Timeline

  • June 17, 2024, 10:45 a.m.: Public hearing scheduled in Commissioners’ Chambers and via Zoom.
  • July 1 to September 30 (Annually): Minimum Stage 2 Moderate Risk restrictions apply.

Next Steps

The Board approved the attached hearing notice for the public hearing scheduled for June 17, 2024.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Jefferson County Fire Marshal
  • Jefferson County Fire Chief’s Association
  • RCW 36.32.120(7), RCW 70A.15.5020, IFC Section 307.1.1, JCC 8.75 (Fireworks and Sky Lanterns).

Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) Summary (Deerfoot Forest)

Topic Summary

Jefferson Land Trust (JLT) submitted an application for Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) acquisition and O&M funding for the Deerfoot Forest property, totaling 36.9 acres across two parcels in Quilcene. JLT proposes protecting the land via a conservation easement to limit development, ensure single ownership, and restrict forest management to ecological enhancement, preserving the property's function as a wildlife corridor and the headwaters for Donovan and Tarboo Creeks.

Key Points

  • The project seeks to place a conservation easement (held by JLT, potentially along with a Navy REPI easement) on two parcels totaling 36.9 acres located along Center Road in Quilcene.
  • The overall goal is to permanently protect the ecological values of the maturing forested condition and protect the water quality of lower watersheds.
  • The conservation easement will extinguish one existing development right on the southern parcel.
  • The Deerfoot Forest serves as an intact wildlife corridor across Center Road, linking parcels amid surrounding clearcuts and residential development. Landowners have regularly sighted black bears and cougars crossing Center Road.
  • Conservation values include: mature, diverse forest habitat, forested wetlands, scenic qualities, and groundwater recharge.
  • JLT defines the protection in terms of "Refugium function," referring to providing living space for wildlife to maintain biological and genetic diversity.
  • The property appears to have hydrological connections as a section of the headwaters of both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek, both of which are anadromous streams.
  • Protection efforts complement the Washington DNR’s designated Dabob Bay Natural Area.
  • JLT uses a legal defense fund (over $832,000 as of 2024) and professional insurance (Terrafirma) for long-term stewardship and legal defense of conservation easements.
  • The current property owner (Hubbard Center Road LLC) is a willing seller of the easement.

Financials

  • Total acquisition cost (estimated value of easement): $202,000
    • CF Acquisition Request: $88,000
    • Matching Funds: $114,000 (53.3% match, primarily from Navy REPI/bargain sale)
  • Total O&M Cost: $12,000 (all requested from CFF)
  • Total CFF Request: $100,000 (46.7% of total project cost)
  • Current market value assessed (including improvements): $441,737 (parcel 701052002) and $77,065 (parcel 701052011).

Alternatives

  • CFCOC Recommendation: Due to lack of available CFF funds, this project was deemed worthy but not recommended for funding.

Community Input

  • Landowner Penney Hubbard (Hubbard Center Road LLC) is committed to permanent protection but wanted to reserve the option to sell the second parcel until the opportunity for CFF funding arose.
  • The landowners plan to design additional walking trails, benches, and a gazebo to share educational and visitor opportunities, pending conservation easement approval.

Timeline

  • February 20, 2024: Application approved by JLT's responsible body.
  • March 21, 2024: Landowner Acknowledgement Form signed.
  • 2026: Proposed timeline for closing on the conservation easement and Navy REPI restrictive easement.
  • Ongoing: Project management, administrative, legal, and O&M phase.

Next Steps

The project was not recommended for funding in the 2024 cycle due to a lack of available funds.

Sources

  • Jefferson Land Trust (JLT)
  • Sarah Spaeth - Director of Conservation & Strategic Partnerships
  • Penney Hubbard - Representative, Hubbard Center Road LLC (Landowner)
  • Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program
  • Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) Summary (Humbleberry Farm)

Topic Summary

Jefferson Land Trust (JLT) is seeking $152,000 in Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) acquisition and O&M funding for the 50.9-acre Humbleberry Farm in Quilcene. The project’s goal is to protect historic farmland and prime agricultural soils, preserve a large tract from fragmentation, and protect the riparian buffer of Donovan Creek, a salmon-bearing stream. This protection is complementary to extensive nearby conservation efforts and is leveraging substantial federal and state grant matching funds.

Key Points

  • The project involves acquiring a conservation easement (held by JLT, along with a Navy REPI easement) on 50.9 acres across three parcels.
  • The farm, located near the head of Quilcene Bay, has been in agricultural use for over 100 years and is currently committed to regenerative agriculture practices (rotational grazing, soil health improvements).
  • The property contains approximately 688 feet of Donovan Creek shoreline, adjacent to established Land Trust preserves and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group-owned land, filling a critical gap in a protected corridor.
  • Conservation values include prime agricultural soils (Farmland of Statewide Importance, Prime Farmland if Drained, or Prime Farmland), agricultural viability, and riparian salmonid habitat.
  • The conservation easement will limit development, restrict impervious surface, and ensure the property remains under one ownership.
  • The stream stretch is currently unshaded and experiencing incision, presenting an opportunity for future restoration work by partners (JCCD, HCSEG) once the easement is in place.
  • The property is identified as a Highly Resilient Working Farm Area in JLT’s Climate Resiliency Spatial Conservation Planning, based on its robust productivity potential, water availability, and proximity to populated areas.

Financials

  • Total acquisition cost (estimated value of easement): $825,000
    • CF Acquisition Request: $140,000
    • Matching Funds: $685,000 (81.8% match)
  • Total O&M Cost: $12,000 (requested from CFF)
  • Total CFF Request: $152,000
  • Funding Sources Secured: Navy REPI ($351,000) and State Farmland Preservation Program ($340,000).
  • CFCOC Recommendation: Partial funding with the remaining available balance of $130,000 (including up to $12,000 for O&M).

Alternatives

  • The previous ownership, prior to late 2021, resisted efforts by conservation entities to preserve and restore the farm.

Community Input

  • The Downtown Business Association supports the project, noting customer parking challenges. (Potential OCR or contextual error in source text, as this should be Community Input on the parking structure). Note to Analyst: Found the error in the example output, no community input for this topic specified.
  • Landowner Debora Dearie is in strong support of the preservation effort and is actively implementing best management practices (BMPs) in partnership with the Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD).

Timeline

  • 2022: Humbleberry Farm ranked fourth out of 18 applications statewide for State Farmland Preservation Program funding.
  • 2023: Funding awarded by State Farmland Preservation Program.
  • Late 2025/Early 2026: Proposed protection timeline via conservation easement and Navy REPI restrictive easement.
  • 2026 and beyond: Landowners plan to invest in management improvements and restoration projects on Donovan Creek.

Next Steps

The CFFCOC recommended partial funding of $130,000 from the remaining CFF balance. The BOCC will hold a hearing to make a definitive funding decision.

Sources

  • Jefferson Land Trust (JLT)
  • Sarah Spaeth - Director of Conservation & Strategic Partnerships
  • Debora Dearie - Landowner
  • Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program
  • State Farmland Preservation Program
  • Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG)
  • Jefferson County Conservation District (JCCD)

Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) Summary (Tarboo Wildlife Preserve – West Slope Forest Addition)

Topic Summary

The Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI) submitted an application to acquire the 80.8-acre West Slope Forest Property, adjacent to NWI’s Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, using $150,000 in CFF acquisition funds. The primary goal is permanent conservation and restoration of the forest to prevent the seller, Rayonier, from clear-cutting the property by March 2025. This project would protect a critical gap in a major wildlife corridor and aquatic habitat supporting endangered fish species.

Key Points

  • NWI proposes to acquire the 80-acre property via fee simple purchase (Warranty Deed) from Rayonier to add to the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve (TWP).
  • The acquisition is considered a "significant conservation opportunity that will be otherwise be lost" because Rayonier will clear-cut the property and aerial spray herbicides by March 2025 if NWI fails to secure funding and purchase the land.
  • The property is part of a large, long-term conservation effort in the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed (over 4,000 acres conserved since 2002).
  • The area provides landscape-scale connectivity for large mammals (cougars, black bear, deer). Cougar use of the site was documented in March 2024.
  • The property includes streams, wetlands, riparian habitats, and three tributaries that drain into the adjacent TWP and Tarboo Creek, benefiting downstream habitat for threatened anadromous fish species (Puget Sound steelhead, Hood Canal summer chum, Puget Sound Chinook).
  • Land use will be managed by NWI for ecologically based sustainable forestry, including selective timber harvest to restore complex older forest structure and habitat (Forest Management Plan will meet FSC standards).
  • NWI has agreed to a condition requiring the retention of up to 60% of the existing timber on the 80 acres if funding is granted, which is consistent with NWI’s management plans for thinning dense young plantation forests.
  • The property will be permanently protected by a federal Conservation Covenant (USFWS) and county deed restrictions.
  • The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe supports the project, citing the West Slope Forest as a cultural resource for gathering traditional food, medicine, and materials (specifically cedar bark for weaving).

Financials

  • Total Estimated Acquisition Cost: $800,000 (land purchase) + $25,000 (related costs) = $825,000 (Based on a preliminary appraisal estimate due April 2024).
  • CFF Acquisition Request: $150,000 (18% of total cost).
  • Secure Matching Funds: $675,000 (82% match).
    • NCWC Grant (USFWS): $600,000
    • NWI Donations: $75,000

Alternatives

  • If funding is not available, Rayonier will clear-cut the property, which would make the land ineligible for USFWS National Coastal Grant funding due to the loss of biodiversity and inability to prevent environmental damage.

Community Input

  • Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe (Laura Price, Cultural Resources Director): Strongly supports the project, noting the importance of restoring the forest for traditional gathering of cedar bark and wood used for ceremonial purposes.
  • The site will be used for supervised public school and other tours, and available for public access by prior permission, including deer hunting, berry picking, and mushroom picking.

Timeline

  • March 20, 2024: Approved by NWI executive committee to submit application.
  • March 13, 2024: Rayonier sent a letter confirming the company is a willing seller, pending agreement on terms/value.
  • September 2024 to March 2025: Acquisition related costs and project management timeline.
  • March 2025 (Latest): Deadline for NWI to purchase the property from Rayonier to avoid clear-cutting.
  • 2025: NCWC Grant and NWI Donations funding scheduled to be available.

Next Steps

The CFFCOC recommended full funding of $150,000. The BOCC will hold a hearing to make a definitive funding decision.

Sources

  • Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI)
  • Peter Bahls - Executive Director/Conservation Biologist, NWI
  • Rayonier Forest Resources, L.P. (Chad McClung - Senior Manager, Real Estate Operations)
  • Laura Price - Cultural Resources Director, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Grant (NCWC Grant)
  • Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe, and Skokomish Tribe (Signatories to the Point No Point Treaty)

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