Conservation Futures Program

The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board administers a local funding program designed to preserve open space, agricultural land, and timberland through the strategic acquisition of real property interests. Established in 1988, the program distributes Conservation Futures Property Tax revenues authorized under Washington State law. These funds are used to acquire land or conservation easements that protect environmental, agricultural, and recreational resources for long-term public benefit. The Advisory Board evaluates project proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Snohomish County Executive and County Council, which provide final approval. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to support the acquisition of land or property rights that preserve natural landscapes, maintain agricultural productivity, and protect timber resources. Eligible uses of funding are strictly limited to acquisition-related costs, including purchasing land, easements, or development rights that align with conservation objectives. Improvements to acquired properties are permitted only if they are passive in nature and consistent with statutory guidelines, such as trails, interpretive facilities, or habitat restoration. Active recreational developments and certain uses, such as ball fields or motorized vehicle access, are explicitly prohibited. Funding is provided on a reimbursable basis following the completion of the project, meaning applicants must secure upfront financing or matching funds to cover acquisition costs prior to reimbursement. While matching funds are encouraged and may strengthen an application, they are not required. The total funding available for the program year is up to $9,000,000, though individual award amounts vary based on project scope and available budget. Final funding allocations are determined by the County Council and may be less than the amount requested by applicants. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, towns, metropolitan park districts, and qualified nonprofit organizations such as nature conservancies or historic preservation entities, as defined under Washington state statutes. Projects must involve willing sellers and cannot use eminent domain. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage and maintain the property long-term and ensure that conservation objectives are upheld in perpetuity. Applicants with unresolved compliance issues from prior awards are not eligible to apply until those issues are addressed. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal package that includes a preliminary title report, cost estimates supported by appraisals or valuation methods, and detailed responses to evaluation criteria. Applicants must also provide documentation such as site maps, aerial imagery, and a willingness-to-sell letter from the property owner. A formal presentation to the Advisory Board is required as part of the review process, where applicants present their project and respond to questions. Projects are evaluated based on a range of criteria, including conservation value, threat of development, public access potential, alignment with regional plans, and community or regional benefit. Additional considerations include project readiness, the ability to complete acquisition within 24 months, and the extent to which the project contributes to broader conservation strategies. The evaluation process includes both application materials and applicant presentations. For the current funding cycle, application materials became available on June 22, 2026, and completed applications must be submitted by September 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The Advisory Board review meeting is scheduled for late September 2026, with funding recommendations forwarded to the County Council in October. Final agreements and award notifications are anticipated by the end of December 2026. Questions and submissions are directed to program staff, including David McConnell, who serves as a primary contact for applicants.

Ensure project demonstrates strong conservation value, readiness to complete within 24 months, and alignment with regional conservation strategies; provide complete documentation and clear justification for all criteria