OLYMPIA-The state Interagency
Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) is looking for volunteers to serve on an advisory committee for a new farmland
preservation grant program.
The program provides grants to cities and counties to help preserve viable farmland. Grants also can be given to enhance the productivity and improve or restore the ecological functions of preserved farmland. Grants are used to compensate farmers for their development rights, thereby ensuring the land remains available for farming in the future. Landowner participation is voluntary; no land condemnation is allowed.
The Farmland Advisory Committee will advise IAC on program policies and recommend projects for funding. Members will be asked to attend the following meetings:
- July 10-12, 2006 in Olympia to review project applications.
- August 14-15, 2006 in Olympia to evaluate grant presentations.
- August 23, 2006 in Olympia for a two-hour, post evaluation meeting
(may participate via teleconference).
- Two to four meetings (locations to be determined) between October 2006
and December 2007 to discuss program policies and make recommendations
for changes for 2008 grants.
When the budget allows, travel expenses are provided.
The ideal candidate has firsthand knowledge of farming
in Washington, is recognized for leadership in farmland
or community organizations and is knowledgeable of farmland
issues. Candidates selected should be able to fully participate
in the calendar of committee activities referenced above.
The Interagency Committee for Outdoor
Recreation (IAC) will seek to form a committee that represents the state's diversity
of agricultural commodities and regions.
Farmland preservation is a new grant category within the popular Washington
Wildlife and Recreation Program, one the state's largest grant programs for parks and conservation measures. This is the first year that farmland proposals will be accepted. Advisory committee members will play an important role by evaluating the first set of applications, reviewing the program's first year of operation and potentially recommending policy direction for future grants.
To apply for the advisory committee, send a completed
application to IAC no later than June
2, 2006. Applications are available at http://www.iac.wa.gov/documents/iac/grants/farmland_pres_prog
or
by contacting Lorinda Anderson at 360-902-3009 (Telephone
Device for the Deaf at 360-902-1996) or LorindaA@iac.wa.gov. For more information on this program, please visit our Farmlands
Preservation Program page.
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