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First Completed FPLA Project: Farmland Permanently Protected
The Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) is celebrating the first completed Farmland Protection and Land Access (FPLA) project. Columbia Land Trust used a Farm Protection and Affordability Investment (FarmPAI) loan from the WA State Housing Finance Commission together with an FPLA grant to facilitate a Buy-Protect-Sell transaction on 40 acres of agricultural land in Trout Lake, Washington.
Working with the Schmid Family, who have run an organic dairy farm since the late 1800s, Columbia Land Trust used the loan and grant funding to purchase the farmland, placed a permanent agricultural conservation easement on it, and promptly sold the land back to two of the Schmid sons. The land was able to be sold to the farmers at an affordable price because the new easement extinguished the development rights.
In addition to showing proof of concept for the new program, the project accomplished two major things: permanently protecting important farmland that provides organic dairy products to the region and facilitating land transition to the next generation of farmers. FPLA was awarded $4 million in additional funding in the 2023-25 Capital budget. Learn more about the project here.
Historic La Conner Farm Protected by County Farmland Legacy Program
Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy Program has finalized two farmland preservation projects this August, permanently protecting another 60 acres of farmland from development. “Agricultural conservation easements ensure prime farmland is not developed, help to keep it affordable for the next generation of farmers, and provide a capital boost to local farm businesses,” says Commissioner Lisa Janicki. “We are indebted to farmland owners like the Dunlap family’s descendants and what they have done here today,” says Commissioner Peter Browning. Farmland under conservation easement protection through the Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program now totals 14,375 acres. Read the full press release here.
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Funding Opportunities
Heritage Barn Grant Program
The Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) is now seeking grant applications to support rehabilitation of historic barns across the state. Barns must be listed or eligible for listing in the state’s Heritage Barn Register. All application materials, including guidelines on how to apply, frequently asked questions, registration for grant workshops, and access to the online application form and are available from the following website: preservewa.org/barngrants
Barn grant applications are due October 31. If you or someone you know owns a historic barn that needs rehabilitation work, DAHP encourages you to apply. If you have any questions, please contact Abby Armato via email at grants@preservewa.org.
NRCS-WA 2024 ACEP-ALE Kickoff Workshop
The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) is hosting an informational workshop Oct. 5, 2023, in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2024 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) sign up. Through ACEP-ALE, NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing perpetual Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricultural production. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland, or grassland protection programs.
Panelists from the NRCS-WA Programs Staff will discuss ACEP-ALE basics from application to closing. NRCS staff will also discuss program nuances for Fiscal Year 2024, including the application sign-up deadline, an overview of the updated ALE application packets and submission procedures, the new application map requirements, and the anticipated FY24 program timeline. Panelists from USDA’s Farm Service Agency will discuss eligibility requirements for program participants and how to obtain a receipt for service. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a facilitated question-and-answer session following the presentations.
The workshop will be held via Microsoft Teams. Registration is not required. To access the event, follow the workshop link below.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 Time: 12 to 2:30 p.m. Platform: Microsoft Teams, click here to join the meeting
For more information about ACEP-ALE, please refer to the NRCS-Washington ACEP-ALE Program Webpage or the NRCS ACEP-ALE national webpage. For questions about the program please email the state easement team at nrcs.wa.easements@usda.gov.
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Job Announcements
Land Protection Specialist – North Olympic Land Trust
Based in Port Angeles, the Land Protection Specialist at North Olympic Land Trust is a permanent, full-time, nonexempt position that reports to the Conservation Director and serves as the principal staff member working with willing landowners toward the permanent conservation of their land. The Land Protection Specialist is responsible for moving projects through the land protection process using a diverse conservation toolbox including conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions to meet land protection goals. In addition, the position helps secure funds from State, Federal, County, and private grants, and donors to support land protection efforts. The position is open until filled and application review will begin on Monday, Sept 18. Review the position description here.
Agricultural Community Program Manager – Thurston County
Thurston County’s Community Planning and Economic Development department is hiring an Agricultural Community Program Manager. The program manager will work with local producers, elected officials, the Thurston Conservation District, WSU Extension and other organizations to further local agriculture in Thurston County.
Food Access Coordinator – Washington State Farmers Market Association
WSFMA is seeking a Food Access Coordinator with experience as a farmers market organizer or vendor; technical expertise of SNAP at FMs, SNAP Market Match and WIC/Senior FMNP; and experience managing state contracts and following SNAP-Ed FNS Guidance. This position is a vital part of a small nonprofit team that works statewide to support Washington farmers market operations, organizations, promotions, data, and advocacy.
Operations Manager – Olympia Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market is seeking an Operations Manager that shares a passion for farmers markets, small scale local agriculture, access to healthy foods, and community enrichment. While coordinating events, the Operations Manager will communicate effectively and develop meaningful relationships with vendors, staff, customers, the board of directors, and community partners. Review the position description here. Application deadline: Friday, September 22, 2023
Contracts Specialist - Washington State Conservation Commission
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is seeking a Contracts Specialist 2. The Contracts Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the Agency Contracts Administrator and advancing SCC's mission, vision, and strategic goals through the efficient management of agency programs and contracts. Working under the direct supervision of the Director of Accounting & Budget, this position will collaborate closely with various key stakeholders, including the Contract Manager, Grant Manager, Fiscal Analyst, Program Specialists, Regional Managers, Administrative staff, and Program Managers, both within and outside the organization. Responsibilities will center on maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations while ensuring the quality and accuracy of program implementation and interagency contracts. This position will also actively participate in ongoing quality improvement initiatives to enhance our employee-based continuous improvement processes and programs.
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