CONSERVATION FUTURES (CFT) 2019 ANNUAL COLLECTIONS

APPLICATION FOR FUNDS PROJECT NAME

Applicant Jurisdiction(s): King County DNRP, Water and Land Resources Division

Open Space System: King County Parks (Name of larger connected system, if any, such as Cedar River Greenway, Mountains to Sound, a Regional Trail, etc.)

Acquisition Project Size: 280 acres CFT Application Amount: $250,000 (Identify the acreage targeted under this year’s funding request) (Dollar amount of CFT award requested)

Total Project Size: 280 acres KC PL Application Amount: $250,000 (If known, identify total acreage at project completion for multi-year projects) (King County Projects Only: Dollar amount of KCPL requested)

Type of Acquisition(s): Fee Title Conservation Easement Other:

CONTACT INFORMATION Contact Name: Greg Rabourn Phone: 206-477-4805 Title: KC Vashon Watershed Steward Email: greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov Address: 201 S. Jackson Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104 Date: March 6, 2018 PROJECT SUMMARY: (In the space below, provide a brief but comprehensive description of the project, which succinctly explains what the project is attempting to accomplish. This should include reference to the overall watershed, reach, trail or open space system within which the project is set. Please note how the targeted parcels are significant individually, or as part of an overall multi-parcel system.) Misty Isle Farms is located in the south-central portion of Vashon Island. Misty Isle Farms is an expansive estate comprised of 525 acres. This acquisition project targets the western 280 acres for permanent protection that would preserve farmland, increase recreational opportunities and protect ecological values. This property currently has 181 acres enrolled in the Farmland Preservation Program and historically has been grazed with Black Angus cattle. For the acreage enrolled in the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP), the owners retained development rights to six dwelling units. King County is exploring opportunities to partner with interested farmers to farm these FPP enrolled lands. Recreational opportunities abound for this property. The central location of the property make it a natural hub for reestablishing historical trail connections between Frog Holler Forest to the south and Judd Creek and Island Center Forest to the north. The annual Vashon Sheepdog Classic is held annually on the northeast corner of the property. The existing trail network is currently open to equestrians. The property is a favorite deer hunting location for those with permission to hunt for deer in the forests and clearings. Habitats found on this property include pasture, streams and wetlands, as well as deciduous, coniferous and mixed forest. The forests have been actively managed with conifer replanting and thinning activities on much of nearly 100 acres of forest. An equestrian trail winds near a 1.3 acre human made pond. Downstream of the pond, Fisher Creek supports cutthroat trout, coho and chum salmon. The three residences on the property may be retained or repurposed to support future farming endeavors.

Misty Isle Farms

1 of 6

1. OPEN SPACE RESOURCES Please review the attached evaluation criteria. For the proposed acquisition parcel(s), please mark those criteria that apply and thoroughly, yet succinctly, describe in the space below how the proposed acquisition satisfies each marked criteria. Please clearly describe how these criteria might be met at a landscape level, and how they apply to individual parcels. If restoration is part of the plan, please briefly describe the current condition and the hoped for restored condition that is the goal of the acquisition. A. Wildlife habitat or rare plant reserve E. Historic/cultural resources B. Salmon habitat and aquatic resources F. Urban passive-use natural area/greenbelt C. Scenic resources G. Park/open space or natural corridor addition D. Community separator H. Passive recreation opportunity/unmet needs Wildlife habitat or rare plant reserve Of the100 acres of the site that are forested, approximately 43 acres are predominantly deciduous or mixed forest and about 57 acres are coniferous Douglas-fir dominated forest. Large predators such as coyote, cougar and bear, may reside in these large blocks of forest. These forested areas provided a variety of food and shelter opportunities for a wide variety of birds. The 180 acres of farmland and open space provide excellent hunting opportunities for raptors such as bald eagles and barn owls, and rarities such as the rough legged hawk, Western harrier, and American kestrel. The forests near the pond attract a wide variety of passerine birds during spring and fall migration.

Salmon habitat and aquatic resources Misty Isle Farms lies at the headwaters to Fisher Creek and includes over one mile of the creek. Coho and Chum salmon spawn in the creek and these upper reaches are expected to provide important habitat for cutthroat as well. One of the stream segments is above a 1.3 acre pond that is a fish passage barrier potentially providing a future restoration opportunities. The existing pond provides habitat for amphibians and waterfowl. Southwest of this property are the shallow wells that provide the water to Burton Water Company. With the significant amount of

agricultural potential, the proper management of the water resources is important to protect water quality and quantity. Scenic resources Views of Mt Rainier are found at various locations on the property. The pastoral views of the rolling agricultural fields are aesthetic as well. The long rows of non-native trees provide beautiful fall color. Park/open space or natural corridor addition Due to the 280 acre size of this property, it would stand alone as a valuable open space addition. However, this property is adjacent to the protected forest at King County Park’s Fisher Creek Forest to the south and close to Vashon Park’s Paradise Ridge Equestrian Park to the northwest. This location makes this property an important part of the island’s open space and wildlife corridors. Passive recreation opportunity/unmet needs The property’s location provides future trail opportunities. Island trail planning participants have identified these acquisitions as essential for connecting the southern forest trails (Frog Holler Forest and Fisher Creek Forest) to the centrally located parks (Paradise Ridge, Judd Creek and Island Center Forest).

The pond, forests and meadows of Misty Isle

2 of 5

2. ADDITIONAL FACTORS For the proposed acquisition parcel(s), please mark all criteria that apply and thoroughly, yet succinctly, describe in the space below how the proposed acquisition satisfies each marked criteria. A. Educational/interpretive opportunity B. Threat of loss of open space resources C. Ownership complexity/willing seller(s)/ownership interest proposed D. Describe any public or private partnerships that will enhance this project E. Is the property identified in an adopted park, open space, comprehensive, or community plan? F. Transferable Development Rights (TDR) participation Educational/interpretive opportunity This property has extensive educational opportunities. Sheepdog herding classes, wildlife education, birding fieldtrips, sustainable agriculture, and horseback riding are several of the endless possibilities well suited for this property. Threat of loss of open space resources The Seattle area is experiencing tremendous growth. This development pressure is reaching Vashon as well with housing prices escalating rapidly. Although enrolled in FPP, the property still has six development rights available on the Farmland Preservation Program properties and approximately another nine on the other parcels. Preserving this property as a unit would keep this large contiguous site in a large intact unit. Ownership complexity/willing seller(s)/ownership interest proposed The property has been on the market for many years starting and was initially listed for sale for $145 million for the entire 525 acres. Recently, the owners are considering splitting the property and selling the western 280 acres separately. This western half is the highest priority portion for the county due to ecological, agricultural and recreational public benefits. Describe any public or private partnerships that will enhance this project Vashon Land Trust is an important partner in this project. They will likely be partners in both the scoping of potential uses of the property as well as community engagement and fundraising. Vashon Nature Center has been involved with coyote monitoring and education at the farm. PCC Farmland Trust and other farmland preservation organizations may potentially be involved also. Is the property identified in an adopted park, open space, comprehensive, or community plan?

• Vashon Greenprint identifies the Fisher Creek watershed as a focus area (Draft). • Vashon-Maury Island Strategic Conservation Plan 2017-2021. • 1996 Farm and Forest Report outlines Misty and its surrounding properties as a Rural Farm

District Transferable Development Rights (TDR) participation This property is a likely candidate for TDR participation with the approximately 15 development rights available.

The tree lined airstrip leads to pasture and forest.

3 of 5

3. STEWARDSHIP AND MAINTENANCE Due to the wide variety of interests and values protected by the acquisition of Misty Isle Farms, many partnerships are anticipated. Equestrians, hunters and the Vashon Sheepdog Classic are community groups already active on the property. Watching the barn owls hunt the Misty Isle pastures is enjoyed by members of Vashon Audubon and the Vashon Nature Center and they both would be likely partners. Vashon Parks will be an important partner for coordinating with the equestrian trails at Paradise Ridge. The Vashon Land Trust is a supportive partner with significant stewardship experience including at the nearby Judd Creek trail. The Vashon Land Trust also manages stewardship activities on Matsuda farm and has habitat restoration experience. Other agricultural partners will be sought out as well. King County Parks may also contribute maintenance assistance. 4. PARCEL DETAILS

Current Funding Targets Parcel Number Acreage* Zoning Assessed Value - Land Interest Sought

1222029034 22.4 A10SO $420,000 Fee 1222029086 20.0 RA10SO $2,740 Fee 1322029009 19.0 RA5 $388,000 Fee 1322029072 12.5 RA5 $320,000 Fee 1322029080 16.0 A10 $360,000 Fee 1322029085 2.4 A10SO $161,000 Fee 1222029035 18.4 RA10SO $383,000 Fee 1222029089 5.2 RA10SO $219,000 Fee 1322029049 9.9 RA10SO $289,000 Fee 1322029073 40.1 A10SO $513,000 Fee 1322029082 10.2 A10SO $206,000 Fee 1322029089 2.3 RA5 $155,000 Fee 1222029026 4.5 RA10SO $208,000 Fee 1222029051 4.8 RA10SO $191,000 Fee 1322029005 9.7 RA10SO $217,000 Fee 1322029055 5.4 RA5P $322800 Fee 1322029075 6.4 RA5SO $667,000 Fee 1322029083 16.5 RA5 $364,000 Fee 1222029032 4.9 RA5SO $213,000 Fee 1222029072 4.8 RA10SO $213,000 Fee 1322029006 5.1 RA5P $549,000 Fee 1322029062 1.8 RA5P $346,000 Fee 1322029079 25.2 RA5SO $268,000 Fee 1322029084 14.5 A10 $343,000 Fee 24 parcels 282.2

$7,318,540

A. Future Funding Targets- None identified B. Please describe intended future use of the property. A mix of multi-use recreation, agriculture and

habitat preservation. C. Non-CFT-eligible activities – Some housing and agriculture structures may be retained if appropriate

funding sources are used.

4 of 5

5. PROJECT BUDGET

1) TOTAL CFT APPLICATION AMOUNTa

2) TOTAL KC PL APPLICATION AMOUNTb

CFT: $250,000 KC PL: $250,000

Estimation of property value: We have a current appraisal for the property.

PROJECT COSTS ESTIMATED DOLLAR AMOUNT OR RANGE Total property interest value $7,000,000 Title and appraisal work $25,000 Closing, fees, taxes $20,000 Relocation $150,000 Hazardous waste reports $10,000 Directly related staff, administration and legal costs $40,000 Total Project Costs $7,245,000

Funding Table: CFT can only provide a maximum of 50% of anticipated project costs. Please document the sources of match that you have received, or intend to seek, towards the target properties.

CFT FUNDING Date Funding Secured Dollar Amount CFT Funds Requested N/A $250,000 Past CFT Available (i.e. funds remaining from past awards, to be spent on current target parcels)

MATCH FUNDING IN HAND Sources/Status: Date Funding Secured Dollar Amount

$0 MATCH FUNDING STILL SOUGHT Sources/Status: Date Funding Anticipated Dollar Amount

Land Conservation Initiative 2019 $6,745,000 Parks Levy 2019 $250,000

5. ATTACHED MAPS Two maps are required: 1) Site Map and 2) Location Map.

5 of 5

VASH

ON H

WY S

W

WAX O

RCHA

RD R

D SW

WES T

S IDE

HWY

SW

LEGENDMisty Isle Parcels (24 Parcels, approx. 282ac)Public LandKC Conservation EasementsProtected Farmland 0 10.5

Miles[

Mistly Isle Farm - Vicinity Map for CFT ApplicationMarch 2018

Vashon Island

Maury Island

QuartermasterHarbor

ColvosPassage

PugetSound

Parcel 132202907925.2 ac

Parcel 122202903422.4 ac

Parcel 132202900919 ac

Parcel 132202908016 ac

Parcel 132202907340.1 ac

Parcel 122202908620 ac

Parcel 122202903518.4 ac

Parcel 132202908316.5 ac

Parcel 132202908414.5 ac

Parcel 132202907212.5 ac Parcel 1322029082

10.2 ac

Parcel 13220290499.9 ac

Parcel 13220290059.7 ac

Parcel 13220290756.4 ac

Parcel 13220290555.4 ac

Parcel 12220290895.2 ac

Parcel 13220290065.1 ac

Parcel 12220290324.9 ac

Parcel 12220290514.8 acParcel 1222029072

4.8 ac

Parcel 12220290264.5 ac

Parcel 13220290852.4 ac

Parcel 13220290892.3 ac

Parcel 13220290621.8 ac

WAX O

RCHA

RD R

D SW

LEGENDMisty Isle Parcels - Feb. 2018 (approx. 282ac)Public Parcels in King CountyProtected Farmland (some development Rights Remain

Parcel Boundaries

0 1,000500Feet

[

Misty Isle Farm Site Map for CFT ApplicationMarch 2018

2017 Aerial Image