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Skagit County approves conservation easement to protect 82 acres of Bow farmland
Summary
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved a grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons to protect 82 acres in Bow, removing two development rights and compensating the landowner $185,000. The easement is funded by county conservation futures and is intended to preserve prime agricultural soils.
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 14 approved a grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons to protect 82 acres of farmland in Bow, removing two development rights and compensating the landowner $185,000.
The easement, presented by Sarah Stoner, agricultural lands coordinator for Skagit County Public Works, covers parcels P34523 and P34524 and includes an exhibit map showing the property and nearby already-protected farmland. Stoner said the Joe Leary Slough runs through the parcels and that the soil has been classified as prime farmland by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The nut graf: County staff and commissioners said the Farmland Legacy program protects designated prime soils in perpetuity and that this easement is locally funded by Skagit County conservation futures rather than state or federal grants.
Stoner said the easement follows the program’s standard restrictions, with occasional property-specific adjustments such as larger allowable impervious surfaces for certain agricultural operations; she noted some operations (e.g., cattle) may be allowed up to 5% impervious surface compared with a 2% standard for open farmland. Stoner also told the commissioners that with the approval of this easement the county has reached about 15,300 acres protected to date.
Commissioners briefly questioned whether structures were included; Stoner clarified the protected area sits below nearby structures and that existing barns or house sites were not included in the protected portion under discussion. Commissioner remarks expressed support for preserving farmland and appreciation for the property owner’s participation in the program.
Action: Commissioner Browning moved to approve the Farmland Legacy Program grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons for parcels P34523 and P34524 for $185,000; Commissioner Wiesen seconded. The motion passed, 3-0.
The easement is funded solely by county conservation futures, Stoner said; she told the board there is no state or federal funding for this particular transaction. The agricultural protections in the deed are intended to stay with the land regardless of future ownership.
Ending: Commissioners thanked staff and the property owner; no public comment was recorded on the item and the board carried the motion 3-0.
