Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Thurston County Accepting Applications for Conservation Futures Projects

March 23, 2026
aerial photo of an open grassy field in the middle of a forested area along a waterbody

CONTACT: Susan Melnyk, Chief Communications Manager, (360) 867-2097 or susan.melnyk@co.thurston.wa.us  
 
Thurston County Accepting Applications to Fund Conservation Projects 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. 

OLYMPIA – Thurston County is seeking qualified projects to apply for Conservation Futures funding for 2026. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. This is a great opportunity for landowners who want to keep their land undeveloped but would like the financial benefits of selling their property. Applications must be sponsored by an eligible organization like a land trust or city government. 

Conservation Futures is a land preservation program that allows landowners to sell property or future development rights to a qualified conservation organization. To be eligible, a property must have unique or valuable wildlife habitat, agricultural, forestry, historical, or recreational features.  

This year’s cycle includes updated administrative guidelines for project sponsors. The guidelines have been changed to provide more information on how the program is administered and clarify specific situations and questions that have arisen over time.  

For more information or to download the application: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/incentives-conservation-futures.aspx 

How to Apply 

Complete the application and submit: 

  • Submit via email: andrew.deffobis@co.thurston.wa.us 
  • Submit in person: Board of County Commissioners Office, Suite 200 of the Atrium Building, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia 
  • Submit via mail: Thurston County, ATTN: Andrew Deffobis, CPED, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501  

 The program is made possible by a Conservation Futures tax levy first authorized by the legislature statewide in 1971. Thurston County began collecting the tax levy in 1989 and uses these funds to make conservation purchases, resulting in approximately 5,900 acres of preserved farmland, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat.  

Photo Courtesy: Capitol Land Trust