The goal of this proposal is to acquire development rights on two adjacent farms within rural zoned land (one development unit per 10 acres) within central Whatcom County. Both properties are actively farmed and are predominately grass based livestock agriculture. Two development rights (one per property) would be reserved for one existing residence and one current residence. Totaling 103 acres the Joneli and Dickson farm properties will assist Whatcom County in achieving its agriculture protection goals. In September of 2001, the Whatcom County Council initiated the Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Program (WCC 3.25A) in an effort to curb the loss of agricultural lands. Whatcom County's Comprehensive Plan has set a general goal of protecting 100,000 acres of agricultural land. The current agricultural zoning applies to only 88,000 acres of land. The remaining acres required to meet preservation goals must come from rural zoned lands, such as the Joneli and Dickson farm properties. The primary benefit of the proposed project is to ensure the permanent preservation and maintenance of a large block of rural land as agricultural land and open space.