History

Background

The Washington State Legislature passed a series of environmental protection laws including the Conservation Futures Tax in the 1970s. The Legislature stated that it was a 'fundamental and inalienable right' of citizens to have a healthy and pleasant environment. In 1982, King County became the first county to use CFT funds on the recommendation of the Farmlands Preservation Task Force.

CFT has protected over 100,000 acres of land in King County, including:

• urban parks and greenways
• farmland
• working forests
• watersheds and salmon habit
• critical links connecting regional trails and urban greenbelts

Read more about the history of the CFT program in King County at historylink.org.

Learn more about CFT History

Please visit the following pages to learn more about CFT's 30-year celebration, leadership, and vision:

• CFT 30-year celebration
• CFT Leadership
• Conservation Futures: Forests, Farms , and Fun...Forever (video)

News Archive

May 26, 2021
Protecting and restoring Bear Creek watershed, one of the most productive salmon habitats in all of King County

July 9, 2020
New park with trails coming to urban unincorporated King County, delivering on Executive Constantine’s commitment to equitable access to open space

June 27, 2019
External Article, Seattle Times
King County seeks to preserve 5,000 acres for parks, open space by the end of 2020

June 27, 2019
Executive Constantine triples down on open space protection, takes action ensure greenspace access for all King County residents

June 20, 2019
Executive Constantine’s plan will ensure all King County residents have access to open spaces