Have land that would benefit wildlife or other public use?

Thurston County is now accepting applications for the Conservation Futures program, which allows landowners to sell their property or future development rights to a qualified conservation organization, according to a news release dated Monday, January 9.

According to the county, the program has preserved around 5,600 acres of land with historical, environmental, and agricultural value. Recent purchases through the program in the past years include 228 acres of easement in Hudson Cove and four parcels of land in the West Bay Woods Conservation Area.

Interested landowners must be endorsed by a qualifying organization such as a metropolitan park district, metropolitan municipal corporation, nonprofit historic preservation corporation, or nonprofit nature conservancy association.

Another requirement is that the property to be sold must be able to preserve open space, wildlife habitat, or agricultural lands.

Applications will be evaluated by a ranking committee appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. If the application is approved, usually during late summer, the county could pay for the property’s fair market value after an appraisal.

Applications opened on January 1 and are due by Tuesday, February 28. Landowners and their respective endorsers may check here for more details on how to submit their applications.