Welcome to Skagit County

September 16th, 2004

FARMLAND LEGACY PROGRAM STARTS NEW FUND ALLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program has established a fund to allow individuals and organizations to contribute to the preservation of agricultural lands in Skagit County.

“There is very strong support in our community to protect farmland in Skagit County, and we’ve had several inquiries as to how people might donate directly,” said Program Director Allison Deets.

The first contribution, in the amount of $100 was received this month from Friends of Skagit County, a local non-profit organization committed to preserving Skagit County’s rural character.

The Skagit County Commissioners established the Farmland Legacy Program in 1996, enabling the use of a Conservation Futures taxing mechanism authorized by the Washington State Legislature for easement purchases. In Skagit County, participating farmland owners receive approximately 1/3 of market value for their property, in exchange for retiring development rights and eliminating the potential for residential development on the property. To date, 3,926 acres of farmland have been protected.

For information about contributing to the Farmland Legacy Program Preservation Fund, call Deets at 336-9400.

For further information, contact: Allison Deets
360-336-9400