County seeks council input on allowable uses for properties bought with Conservation Futures funds

County legal staff summarized the controlling principle: properties acquired with Conservation Futures dollars may be improved only to the extent that improvements conserve and enhance the land—s public‑use and conservation values. A county legal presenter said the statute requires preservation of the property—s qualifying characteristics and that improvements must not undermine those values.

The presentation included a draft matrix that sorts uses into allowed, conditional and prohibited categories. Examples staff listed as typically allowed include low‑impact trails, picnic tables, viewpoints, restrooms and parking. Impermissible uses cited were intense recreation or urban development — for example, stadiums or swimming pools — that would eliminate conservation values. Staff emphasized that conditional approvals would depend on parcel size, conservation values, permits and demonstration of only de minimis impacts to wildlife habitat.

Councilors asked whether the draft matrix was conservative or pushed the legal limits. Staff said they tried to place items in the middle of the permissibility range and that the county had consulted the prosecuting attorney—s office. The matrix calls for sponsor‑agency proposals to come before the Parks Advisory Board for ranking, followed by an interlocal agreement and county council approval for any development on Legacy Lands parcels.

Staff said the matrix is a starting point and will return to the Parks Advisory Board and council for formal adoption after additional community input and refinement.