Conservation Futures

History

In 1971 the Washington State Legislature enacted RCW 84.34.200 "Conservation Futures Enabling Legislation" recognizing haphazard growth and urban development was encroaching upon the state's open areas and spaces.  Productive lands, like agricultural and forestry areas were being altered, or even eliminated by continued urban expansion.  Scenic, recreational, and aesthetic lands were also at risk.    

In 1994, Spokane County Commissioners adopted the Conservation Futures Program for 3 years to protect threatened areas of open space, timberlands, wetland, wildlife habitat, agricultural and farm lands, streams and water supplies within the county boundaries.  In 1997, citizens voted to support the continuation of the program for an additional 5 years.  When the Conservation Futures program was on the ballot in 2002, Spokane County voters again supported a second 5-year extension of the program implemented by the Board of County Commissioners.  Most recently, in November 2007, the Conservation Futures program was put on an advisory ballot and this time for renewal with no sunset date.  Spokane County voters again supported extending the program with a super-majority of nearly 63% of voters supporting the measure.    

What is Conservation Futures?

The 1994 adoption of the Spokane County Conservation Futures program began with a property tax assessed for each home in the county.  This (up-to) 6-cent tax is  levied per $1000 of property value, subject to the levy-lid of 1% per year; a home assessed at $100,000 would generate a tax of $6.00 at this levy rate.  This tax money is earmarked solely for the acquisition of property and development rights.  These funds acquire lands or future development rights on lands for public use and enjoyment.  In 2005, state legislation recognized the need to allow monies for maintenance and operations of the Conservation Futures properties.  Fifteen percent of the Conservation Futures money is used toward maintaining, protecting and enhancing the property over the long-term.   

The Conservation Areas, the term used in Spokane County, defines areas of generally undeveloped land primarily left in or restored to its natural condition.  These areas may be used for passive recreational purposes, to create secluded areas, or as buffers in urban areas.  As of 2009, the Conservation Futures Program has acquired 4,525 acres through 22 acquisitions.  Spokane County Parks and Recreation manages 12 different properties as Conservation Areas.  The City of Spokane Parks Department manages an additional 10 properties within city limits.  These conserved lands include wetlands, wildlife habitats and corridors, farmlands, steep hillsides, river corridors, viewpoints and other open space areas.

How do I nominate property for Conservation Futures?

The 2005 nomination period for Conservation Futures is closed.  We anticipate opening the next nomination period sometime in 2009.  You may click on the following links to download the most recent (2005) program overview, nomination form, and evaluation criteria.  If you have additional questions, please contact John Bottelli, Parks Special Projects Manager, at (509) 477-2529 or jbottelli@spokanecounty.org.

 Partner Contributions

Acquisition of Conservation Futures properties, Restoration projects and other Enhancements have been greatly assisted by private donations and grants.  The cost of maintaining undeveloped, natural lands is generally low.  Several property owners have donated endowment funds for the long-term protection, enhancement and maintenance of Conservation Futures properties.  Volunteer groups and associations have donated their time to perform maintenance, restoration and enhancements tasks on the Conservation Areas.

In addition to private donations, the Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Department has worked with the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program (WWRP) and the Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) (formerly named the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC)) on several acquisition grants. 

Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf has negotiated rehabilitation and restoration grants with US Fish & Wildlife and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the NRCS's Wetlands Restoration Program and holds several Conservation Reserve Program contracts through USDA. 

In total, the Spokane County Conservation Futures program has been supported by over $3.3 million in external grant funding, with an additional $1.2 million from WWRP currently pending final legislative approval in June, 2009 for Antoine Peak, Phase 2 (acquisition).

Community contributions and support for Conservation Futures has come from, listed alphabetically:  Back-country Horseman, Ducks Unlimited, the Hobnailers, Inland Northwest Land Trust, the Mountaineers, Palisades Northwest, Parks to Peaks, REI, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club, Trust for Public Land and various neighborhood associations.   

Select a conservation area below for a description of the property, special attractions, driving directions, photos, and site/location maps.  Properties are listed according to the managing government, chronologically by acquisition.

Spokane County Conservation Areas

• Cedar Grove Conservation Area
• McLellan Conservation Area
• Liberty Lake Conservation Area
• Iller Creek Conservation Area 
• James T. Slavin Conservation Area 
• Van Horn, Edburg & Bass Conservation Area                               
• Feryn Ranch Conservation Area
• Haynes Estate Conservation Area
• Stateline (Gateway Park) Conservation Area
• McKenzie Conservation Area              
• Antoine Peak Conservation Area       

City of Spokane Conservation Areas

• Rimrock Conservation Area
• Downriver Conservation Area
• Trolley Trail Conservation Area  
• Camp Sekani Conservation Area
• Austin Ravine Conservation Area
• Latah Creek Conservation Area
• Drumheller Springs Conservation Area
• Romine Conservation Area                    

Natural Open Space Areas

• Holmberg Natural Open Space Area
• Half-Power Natural Open Space Area
• Feryn II & III Natural Open Space Area

If your organization's past efforts have supported Spokane County's Conservation Futures program, and you would like to be recognized, please  contact the Parks, Recreation and Golf Department.