Sierra Pacific Conservation Easement

• Status: Protected in 2011
• Acreage: 65
• Access: No access; private land
• Location: Smith Priairie Priority Area; Central Whidbey Island, in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
• Funding Partners: U.S. Navy, WA Wildlife and Recreation Program Farmland Preservation

Public Benefits

Protects prime farming soils, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, aquifer recharge areas, all located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

Description

Located along Highway 20 at the south entrance to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, this conservation easement protects a 65-acre conifer seed orchard, owned by Sierra Pacific Industries, from future development forever.

The conservation easement was acquired with financial support from the U.S. Navy and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Sierra Pacific will continue to own and manage the property as a seed orchard, and the easement ensures that it will never be subdivided for residential industrial or retail uses.

The easement protects scenic views, wildlife habitat, and aquifer recharge values of the property.