Conservation Easement on Cougar Creek

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Imagine an opportunity presented to you that is both beneficial financially and ecologically — a program that helps you restore your livelihood and promotes a beautiful place to live. 

The Conservation Easement Program (CEP) is a voluntary program created to protect working lands in important ecological areas. Whatcom County compensates landowners for the value of their land by paying the landowner the value in residential development potential. Instead of developing residential spaces or even farming the land, land is set aside for the purpose of conservation and is now protected.
Better yet, it comes with a significant financial perk for the farmer. As Becky Snijder van Wissenkerke, CEP Administrator, puts it, “This program allows farmers to unlock the value of the development right potential, and they can reinvest that money into their farm.”

Cougar Creek Ranch is one farm that has benefitted from CEP. Karl Prisk, landowner of Cougar Creek Ranch, set aside some land on his farm that is completely protected, and un-farmed. Yet, he sees this action of land conservation as a positive step for his ranch. Following in the footsteps of previous generations on a farm that has been in his family since 1912, his mindset in farming is protecting the land in order that future generations can reap the benefits too.

With the funds from CEP, Cougar Creek Ranch was able to rebuild their barn, put in new water lines, and more. Furthermore, putting easement on land with creeks and forested areas like Cougar Creek Ranch protects areas like riparian zones. This prevents erosion and becomes a natural habitat for species like salmon, cougar, deer, and native plants that support a healthy ecosystem. Thus, this is an action that benefits many species all around.

“CEP was invested in our vision… and keeps farms farms” says Prisk. It is clear that taking the action on protecting this land is a valuable option in the toolbox for farmers when it comes to conservation of farmland in Whatcom County.
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To learn more about the Conservation Easement Program, go to https://whatcomcounty.us/573/Conservation-Easement-Program