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February 27, 2002

SKAGIT COUNTY ISSUES FIRST BONUS CHECK FOR SALMON BUFFER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

SKAGIT COUNTY - The first check has been cut to award signing bonuses to Skagit County agricultural landowners who have volunteered to participate in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and who are eligible for buffer options pursuant to Skagit County Code 14.24.120. Skagit County Commissioners appropriated $1,000,000 in 2001 to provide a one time signing bonus of $40 per acre per year enrolled in CREP, to encourage local participation.

The first bonus check was awarded to Eric Stollwerck. The Stollwerck family will set aside 1.8 acres into the buffer program and will receive the total amount of the bonus in two equal installments, 50 percent paid within approximately 45 days of signing the CREP contract and 50 percent on the one-year anniversary of the contract signing date.

"136 agricultural landowners have currently submitted CREP Intent to Enroll forms, making approximately 1,151 acres eligible for signing bonuses," said Ric Boge, Skagit County Natural Resources Project Manager.

CREP is primarily a federally funded program with buffer widths of 50-180 feet. It is a lease program with a contract period of 10-15 years administered through the Skagit Conservation District. In addition to the County-funded signing bonus, landowners are compensated at a rate of 200-210% of established soil rental rates per acre, as well as being reimbursed for installation for the buffer, including fencing, conservation practices, and annual maintenance.

"Of the $1 million made available by Skagit County, approximately $750,000 has been obligated to those who have signed the intent form," said Boge.

The deadline for eligible property owners to sign up for CREP and receive the County bonus has been extended to May 24, 2002, or until the entire $1 million is obligated, whichever comes first, said Boge.

"It is the County's desire to encourage maximum participation in the CREP program. We would like to thank the Skagit Conservation District and USDA Farm Service Agency for administering this program," said Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt.