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October 7, 2002 COUNTY'S FARMLAND LEGACY PROGRAM RECEIVES $666,772 IN FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS TO PROTECT 900 ACRES OF FARMLAND FROM DEVELOPMENT 2,500 acres of farmland and critical areas have been permanently protected since 1998 SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County's Farmland Legacy Program will receive $666,772 in federal matching funds from the Farmland Protection Program (FPP) to support the County's efforts to protect nearly 900 acres of prime farmland on eight farms, according to Rich Doenges, Director of Conservation Futures. The FPP is a federal program designed to support state, tribal and local efforts to purchase development rights and maintain agricultural uses on productive farmland. Skagit County's Farmland Legacy Program has received funding from the FPP in two previous application rounds but this the largest award to date, with more than $1.4 million being awarded to date. Lands selected by the Farmland Legacy Program and supported by FPP funds will be protected by a "conservation easement" which limits non-agricultural uses of the land but allows farming activities to continue. "This grant award supplements the financial commitment already made by the taxpayers of Skagit County to protect a critical mass of farmland and keep the agricultural industry alive here in the Valley," said Skagit County Commissioner Chair Don Munks. "The real heroes are the landowners who bravely took the first step and applied to sell their development rights to this new program," said Curtis Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer in Skagit County and Chairman of the County's Conservation Futures Advisory Committee. Johnson also expressed appreciation for the efforts by the Skagit County Commissioners and Congressman Rick Larsen in support of the grant request. "The unique
climatic and soil conditions in Skagit County that make it some of
the most productive farmland in the world was a likely factor in the
decision to support the Farmland Legacy Program," said Steve
Nissley, District conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS). The Farmland Legacy
Program is currently accepting applications from interested owners
of agricultural land who want to continue to farm and receive payment
from some of the equity in their farm. For information contact Doenges
at 360-336-9365
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