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Jan
25

Why conserve land?

Patchwork of farmland in a flat river valley

For King County to thrive we need to keep our natural lands and river corridors intact, maintain viable working resource lands, and preserve great places for people to explore, relax and stay connected to the natural world.

  • Climate change: We are already seeing the effects of a changing climate on our region’s natural and built systems. Open space and forests can mitigate and minimize the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters and absorb greenhouse gases.
  • Biodiversity: Open space in developed regions like central Puget Sound is critical to supporting a diversity of species and their benefits to the region’s economy, health and culture.
  • Social equity: Historically, minority and low-income populations have been underserved and under-represented in open space planning and access. Open space planning that prioritizes equity can ensure that all residents benefit from conserved lands.
  • Human health: "The quality of air, water and soil, healthy food and good nutrition depend on open space and it provides opportunities for physical activity, reduces stress and improves social connections. Access to nature improves health and well-being in many ways—physical activity, stress reduction, spiritual renewal, and more." - Howard Frumkin, UW School of Public Health.
  • Economic development: From supporting the timber, agriculture, recreation and tourism industries, to attracting anchor businesses, open space plays a significant role in the region's economy. Balancing the preservation of open space with the demands of growth is now and will continue to be a challenge.
  • Competitive advantage: “Some of our nation’s most dynamic companies call this region home. One reason they choose to locate here is the open space at our doorstep and the quality of life we enjoy. Open space is a competitive asset.” - Maud Daudon, Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Finishing the job

Funding model

The Land Conservation Initiative sets a goal of protecting 65,000 acres. At least 20,000 acres of land protection will be achieved by voluntary private landowner participation in tax incentive programs. Additional property will be protected through conservation easements on private property - where the land is protected for a specific purpose but continues to be owned and managed by a private party. Fee acquisition, where the land is owned by the government, is usually reserved for properties with public outdoor recreation or habitat restoration benefits.

Pie chart showing funding including 30 percent Conservation Futures grants to partners and county projects; 15 percent Parks Levy grants to parnters and county projects 9 percent other public funds city match, state and federal grants; 5 percent private; 40 percent gap
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