Clallam County advisory board hears case for conserving Sequim–Dungeness farmland, irrigation upgrades and new financing tools

At a meeting of the Clallam County Conservation Futures Advisory Board, Washington State University Extension and local land‑trust representatives gave a 25‑to‑40‑minute briefing on agriculture in the Sequim–Dungeness valley, explaining how irrigation, conservation easements and new funding tools are being used to preserve working farmland.

The presentation, given by Clea, director of Washington State University Extension in Clallam County, and Tom of the local land trust, reviewed agricultural history and current pressures: extensive irrigation projects that began in the late 19th century; a post‑World War II decline in the number of farms; and recent efforts to buy development rights so land can stay in farming.

Why it matters: panelists said Clallam County has lost roughly 70–80% of its active farmland since about 1950, the county’s farmer population is aging (the presenter cited an average age of about 61 in Clallam County versus about 58 statewide), and water availability in late summer is increasingly constrained. Preserving productive parcels and improving irrigation efficiency were presented as key strategies to maintain local food production and rural character.

Key facts and figures

- Irrigation and water: Speakers said irrigation piping across the valley has…