Snohomish County is calling on local organizations to apply for a share of $10 million earmarked for environmental preservation. The 2024 Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program Grants are available to help protect the region's open spaces, farms, and forests. Interested parties have until 5:00 p.m. on August 16, 2024, to submit their proposals for a portion of the funds, which are intended to safeguard these natural assets for future generations.
"Snohomish County is defined by our beautiful and abundant natural resources – protecting them is central to our way of life," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. He also stressed the importance of acting swiftly to combat the impacts of climate change visibly affecting local communities. Somers further stated, "The health of our economy and community depends on us never becoming complacent." These remarks signal the administration's understanding of the urgency to actively engage in practices that will ensure environmental sustainability.
Local property owners stand to benefit from the grants, which facilitate the transformation of privately held land into public open spaces. "The Conservation Futures Grants allow local property owners to preserve their land as public open space for generations. Making these areas accessible to everyone in Snohomish County is a great benefit made possible by the grant program," said Snohomish County Councilmember and Chair of the Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board Nate Nehring, as he commented on the program's long-term value and inclusivity.
Cities, towns, county agencies, and conservation organizations looking to secure funding are required to meet certain criteria outlined in the application process. The application details can be found on the Conservation Futures Program webpage. Applications will to be carefully reviewed by the Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board this coming August before recommendations are submitted to the Executive and Snohomish County Council the following month.
The Conservation Futures Program has a storied past in Snohomish County, tracing back to its inception in 1988. Its core mission remains the protection of open space land, farm, and agricultural land, as well as timberland, ensuring the welfare of regional habitats and offering passive recreation areas. Among the landmarks preserved through this initiative are Japanese Gulch Park, Paradise Valley Conservation Area, Bailey Farm, and Bob Heirman Wildlife Park at Thomas’ Eddy, demonstrating the program's tangible impact on local conservation efforts.
Snohomish County Parks & Recreation, tasked with overseeing the county's vast park system spanning over 11,000 acres, plays a pivotal role in managing these financed conservation projects. With a portfolio boasting more than a hundred park properties and hundreds of miles of trails, the department not only preserves the county's natural beauty but also serves as a bustling hub for local and national events attracting millions of visitors annually.
