Learn how to guide the discussion and help keep your family farm or forestland in the family.

ARLINGTON, Wash. – Studies show over 60% of landowners never discuss their plans for succession with anyone in their families! When planning for the future of family-owned forest and farmland, many folks don’t consider that their future business partners sit down with them at the family dinner table. This fall, Washington State University Snohomish County Extension will present Ties to the Land, a two-part workshop designed to help landowners plan thoughtfully for the future of their land and legacy.

Part one is Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; part two is on Thursday, April 1, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Location for both sessions is at Hadley Hall in the Arlington Boys & Girls Club, 18513 59^th Ave NE, Arlington, WA.

Landowners often dream of having their children inherit their land and manage it with the same care they have taken. Unfortunately, this rarely happens without thoughtful planning. Those who fail to plan risk a final outcome they may not like—loss of the land and loss of a legacy.

Originally developed by landowners, extension agents, and business experts from Oregon State University, Ties to the Land explores succession planning—the “human side” of estate planning. The award-winning program stresses the importance of formulating a plan with the entire family, involving all generations in management decisions early on, and holding family meetings to understand everyone’s goals. You’ll learn how to start and continue the conversation, as well as tips for guiding the process so that everyone feels part of the final result. In addition, estate planning experts will help provide the voice of experience during a panel discussion on the second evening.

Local landowners Don and Florence Theoe recently participated in the seminar and stress its importance. “Talking about these tough issues as a family is critical, especially when multiple heirs with varying levels of interest and engagement in the family business are involved,” says Don. “The Ties to the Land workshop and associated materials provide excellent guidance on how to get these conversations going.”

Advance registration is required and class size is limited. The cost for the two-part workshop is $75 per family. To register, contact Karie Christensen at (425) 357-6039 or at klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.

For more information on the series, contact Kevin Zobrist at (425) 357-6017, email kzobrist@wsu.edu, or visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/TTL2010.htm.

The Washington State Conservation Commission will begin accepting applications for proposals seeking Commission sponsorship of Farmland Preservation Program grants.  Applications will be accepted by the Commission beginning February 23 and concluding on March 12 at 5:00pm for grants to protect farmland.

In 2009, the legislature amended the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) within the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to include the eligibility of the State Conservation Commission (SCC) to apply for funds through the program.  According to the new statutory language, a match is not required for proposals from the SCC.

Grants may be used to buy conservation easements to protect valuable farmland from being converted to another use. Portions of grants may also be used to enhance the agricultural production of preserved farmland or to help restore or enhance ecological functions, including providing benefits to wildlife.  Eligible farmland may include ranch land and irrigated or dry cropland.

The pre-proposal process is open and competitive. Pre-proposals are reviewed and scored by SCC staff based on criteria established by the SCC.  Staff will submit a prioritized list of projects to the SCC commissioners who will then determine how many projects to advance.

To download the announcement, go to: 2010 WWRP-SCC Announcement

To download a pre-proposal form, go to: 2010 SCC Pre Proposal

For information on the WWRP Farmland Preservation program, please see: RCO WWRP Farmland Preservation Policy Guide

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Josh Giuntoli at jgiuntoli@scc.wa.gov 360-407-7474, or Ron Shultz at rshu461@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-7507

The National Rural Assembly will host a National Rural Youth Assembly on April 22-25, 2010, at the Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Assembly seeks 50 young adults from rural communities across the country who will gather to discuss the issues they see as critical to their lives and communities.

The National Rural Assembly Steering Committee asks rural leaders and mentors to nominate young people who are interested in rural issues and invested in making an impact in their local communities.

The National Rural Youth Assembly will engage young people on the key policy areas of the Rural Assembly including the quality of education, stewardship of our natural resources, investment in our communities, and the health of rural people.  Youth will represent the diversity of rural America in geographies, races, cultures, genders, incomes and sexual orientations.

Criteria:
Nominated participants must 18-25 years old and represent a rural community.  For further criteria, please review the Youth Assembly application packet.

Deadline for Applications:
All application packets are due Friday, February 26^th by 5 p.m. EDT.

Click here to download the Youth Assembly Application Packet