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07/06/2009 • News Stories

Good news comes in threes? Progress toward protecting Chimacum Dairy in Chimacum

« Click image for popup view » Chimacum Dairy at the Chimacum crossroads When the board of Jefferson Land Trust voted to proceed with protecting the historic Chimacum Dairy at the Chimacum crossroads in December 2007, they knew they were taking on one of the largest, most complex conservation projects the organization has ever taken on. Buoyed by recent successes in collaboration with members of the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative, we know we made the right decision. From purchasing on option from the dairy owners, the Brown family, in July 2008 to three recent votes of economic support, Chimacum Dairy remains at the top of Jefferson Land Trust’s conservation priorities. 1. On June 8, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners approved $270,000 in funding for acquisition of a conservation easement on the Chimacum Dairy Conservation ($82,500); Quimper Wildlife Corridor Winona Basin Acquisitions ($137,500); and additional acquisitions in the Tarboo Bay area ($50,000). 2. The same day we were notified that Jefferson Land Trust is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Peach Foundation that is the last bit of match necessary for the conservation easement purchase from the Brown family. (The Seattle-based Peach Foundation was established with funds from the estate of the late Patsy Bullitt Collins.) 3. And the next day, June 9, JLT learned that the $88,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) for Chimacum Dairy was funded. These funds will help cover costs of assessing the feasibility of bringing the dairy back to life, allowing Mount Townsend Creamery, Jefferson Land Trust, and Shorebank Enterprise Cascadia to develop a plan to restore dairy infrastructure, explore development of a nutrient management system, and develop innovative investment strategies. All of these activities combined will result in a revitalized Chimacum Dairy at the Chimacum crossroads. With conservation of Chimacum’s Glendale Farm—one of the two original dairies in Jefferson County–completed last month (see story below) all eyes are focused across Center Valley Road on the Chimacum Dairy. In fact, there is a great view of the dairy from the farm stand on Red Dog Farm just down the road. Website   More Info   Document    Contact Barbara Arnn barnn@saveland.org