Aerial photo of the mouth of Chimacum Creek by John Gussman. Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund program, which has provided funding to protect many properties in this area.
2025 is shaping up to be another big year for conservation at Jefferson Land Trust. With multiple projects in the pipeline, we’re working across the region to protect vital habitats, preserve farmland, and restore critical natural areas — ensuring a resilient future for our community. Here’s an overview of what’s ahead:
A portion of Salmon Creek running through a protected property.
Along Lower Chimacum Creek — an important salmon-spawning waterway — several properties are in various stages of acquisition, with some slated for transfer to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife after Jefferson Land Trust protects the land. These acquisitions will expand wildlife corridors, improve water quality, and support habitat restoration.
In the Snow Creek and Salmon Creek watersheds, we’re working to secure additional conservation lands for future restoration by applying for grant funds from multiple sources. These projects align with regional efforts to protect and enhance salmon habitat and ensure the long-term health of these vital waterways.
A portion of the North Beaver Valley farmland
On North Beaver Valley Farm, the Land Trust and Jefferson Land Trust Resources LLC have entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to buy a conservation easement on a 47-acre farm. This property, which the Land Trust acquired over the past two years with the help of the state’s Farmland Protection and Affordability Investment loan program, is nearing the final phase of its protection with the easement which will be purchased with Farmland Protection and Land Access grant funding. Thanks to our dedicated volunteer selection committee, the process of choosing a new owner is nearly complete. Before the sale is finalized this fall, a permanent affordability covenant will be added to ensure this land remains affordable to future generations of farmers.
Further south, additional farmland protection efforts in Quilcene are advancing, with conservation easements being finalized to safeguard working farms while also supporting creek habitat restoration efforts.
We’re pursuing opportunities to conserve key forested lands that provide both ecological benefits and recreational potential. A large (<100 acre) undeveloped forest in South County is under review, offering a chance to add to habitat connectivity between sensitive estuaries and protect water resources. Meanwhile, in Port Townsend, we’re beginning a feasibility study on an 80-acre city-owned forest to explore conservation options that align with our mission.
Efforts continue to protect more of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor in Port Townsend, with outreach underway to key landowners and conservation buyers interested in preserving this essential habitat and its popular trails. In partnership with the city, we’re also exploring legal avenues to provide lasting protections for this ecologically rich landscape and its popular trails.
Gesturing toward the Olympic Mountains, Erik Kingfisher of Jefferson Land Trust leads a site tour with project architect Richard Berg and Olympic Housing Trust board trustee Kristina Stimson. Photo courtesy of Olympic Housing Trust.
At Chimacum Commons, our collaboration with Olympic Housing Trust is moving forward, with site planning and design refinements underway. This project aims to combine sustainable agriculture, ecological restoration, and affordable housing for local food system workers — a critical resource for our community’s long-term resilience.
From forests to farms, streams to shorelines, these projects reflect our deep commitment to protecting and caring for the lands and waters that define our region. Thank you for your continued support in making this work possible!
