
History
Conservation Futures (CFT)
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:
News Archive
May 26, 2021
Protecting and restoring Bear Creek watershed, one of the most productive salmon habitats in all of King County
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 20, 2019
Executive Constantine’s plan will ensure all King County residents have access to open spaces
Jul. 30, 2018
Executive Constantine applauds King County Council for approving innovative funding for new open space
May 23, 2018
Constantine wants to leverage conservation fund to buy 65,000 acres of ‘last best places’
Sep. 6, 2016
Protecting King County’s most valuable remaining farms, forests, habitats and other green spaces from development