Committee moves to forward resolutions, hears that conservation-futures need likely falls to about $750,000

The committee chair called the meeting to order and moved that the resolution recommending contract extensions for Cameron Farm Estates, Heifer Farm North and Heifer Farm South be presented to the Board of County Commissioners; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The action advances staff-recommended contract-extension language and scheduling: Rebecca said staff will run a work session on April 13 and a public hearing on April 21 so the committee's recommendation can reach the Board with adequate lead time. The committee also set an afternoon site visit for April 7 and asked staff to advertise the special meeting to the public.

Discussion focused on funding. Mike, who described the projects' funding picture for the committee, said the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) has pledged up to $625,000 toward the Cameron Farm easement. He told the committee that other grants and state programs have been secured and that appraisal revisions have reduced the likely Conservation Futures contribution. "As a result of all of this, all that's going to be needed if these farms are still successful is 750,000," a committee member restated during the meeting; the committee discussed that figure as an aggregate for the three projects rather than an individual-project guarantee.

Committee members clarified other sources. Mike said an approximately $250,000 balance from a "flood plains by design" fund is currently available and the land trust intends to use it for these projects before its spending deadline; he also described use of state "Farm Pie" funds (and related FPLA money) toward acquisition and easement purchases and noted seller financing covers additional acquisition payments for two years. "We were able to secure from WWRP up to 625,000," Mike said when describing one grant commitment.

Members also asked about site infrastructure and long-term plans: Mike said the land trust has a three-year arrangement to use a neighboring well and that new drilling may be required afterward. He said the plan is to parcel the property into smaller farms to sell to farmers; committee members discussed whether the large barn could be retained, but Mike said the barn is not currently designated as historic and there is no preservation requirement.

The chair asked staff to circulate the finalized agenda item to Lonnie and to confirm the April dates. No members of the public spoke during the meeting. The committee adjourned after a voice vote approving the motion to forward the resolution.