Land Conservation Strategy

Snohomish County consistently ranks second statewide in population gains with continued growth expected into the foreseeable future. Balanced with this growth is the vital role that natural habitat, agriculture, and open space play in our health, economy, and quality of life.

As part of its mission to protect and enhance Snohomish County’s environment, the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) is developing a Land Conservation Strategy (LCS). This strategy will help Snohomish County focus its efforts to preserve important park, habitat, agriculture, forest, and open space into perpetuity.

How is the LCS being developed?

DCNR is working with a consultant team to develop the LCS through a collaborative and iterative process of research, engagement, and refinement. Work began in summer 2023 with the aim of producing a final LCS by the end of 2024. 

The LCS is being developed through engagement with tribes, convened stakeholder groups, surveys, and a virtual open house to solicit broader community input. Staff from multiple Snohomish County departments will also contribute to the LCS’s goals and strategies. 

The LCS’s value will be measured by the credibility and integrity of its design process, and a successful strategy will reflect the diversity of Snohomish County’s communities and interests. 

Funding

In 2022, Snohomish County Council funded the Land Conservation Initiative for the purpose of providing a cohesive strategy to protect high conservation value lands. This plan is part of that initiative.

Get involved

A survey and virtual open house are planned for 2024 to collect community feedback on the draft LCS’s goals and strategies. Subscribe to the project mailing list here to make sure you hear about opportunities to provide input.