Whatcom County, Conservation Easement Program

The Conservation Easement Program (CEP) is a voluntary program that compensates property owners for the value of their unused development rights and protects the land through the placement of permanent conservation easements. We co-hold all of our conservation easements with the Whatcom Land Trust. Funding for conservation easements comes from Whatcom County's Conservation Futures Fund, as well as federal, state, and local grants. The program is guided by an oversight committee composed of farmers, local citizens and business people. As we continue to protect valuable natural areas and working lands, the oversight committee focuses on six conservation goals. These goals serve as a framework to ensure the program is focused on protecting lands that provide the greatest community and public benefit.