In March of 2001, the Methow Conservancy was awarded a $1,290,000 grant by the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) for conservation easement acquisition in the Methow watershed, WRIA 48. Public interest in the project has surpassed any expectation that the Methow Conservancy could predict. Twenty-two property owners have committed to Letters of Understanding (LOU) with the Conservancy and nine more are expected by 10-30-2001. These properties are in the areas of highest interest to the Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team and the limiting factors analysis of the Methow Watershed, and represent a total of 1,479 acres and 57,800 feet of riverfront, nearly eleven linear miles! (See maps.) We are very sure that additional properties will move to LOUs with a small amount of outreach. This will exceed that SRFB award of March 2001. Our analysis of the current funding shows a shortfall of at least $500,000 if all existing inquiries were to come to settlement. We are requesting $500,00 for additional easement acquisition.
