Jefferson County and Jefferson Land Trust are seeking funds for the acquisition of a conservation easement on Finnriver Farm, located in the fertile, agriculturally zoned Center Valley. Finnriver Farm is a 33-acre certified organic farm, regionally known for its U-Pick blueberries, other mixed berries and vegetables. Farm owners have recently planted over 900 apple and pear trees and are in the process of establishing an artisan - scale winery and cider production facility. The farm is platted into four parcels, each of which can be developed under current regulations. Finnriver farm landowners are faced with financial hardship after their original partners in farm ownership decided to sell last year. Landowners have explored selling one of the platted parcels for residential development, however, this would divide the farm and jeopardize long term plans, since the barn, greenhouse, future site of the winery infrastructure and vegetable gardens are located on this parcel. Sale of a conservation easement on the farm would reduce the financial burden of making land payments while also attempting to expand operations, allow them to concentrate on long-term farm viability, and provide them the assurance that the land will be preserved as farmland for future generations. Conservation values include prime agricultural soils, over 1300' of Chimacum Creek, scenic vistas and habitat for salmon, beaver, trumpeter swans, bear, eagles, hawks and many other species. The easement will be co-held between the County and Land Trust.