Bill would allow federally recognized tribes to receive Conservation Futures funds

Senate Bill 6097 would add federally recognized tribes to the list of eligible entities that may receive Conservation Futures program funding, a county property‑tax based tool used to preserve open space, farms and habitat.

Jeff Olson provided the staff report explaining that counties may levy up to 6.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the Conservation Futures program and use those revenues to acquire land, easements or development rights. The Department of Revenue prepared an implementation estimate testified as about $273,000 to amend rules, update forms and conduct tribal consultation.

Nathaniel Lewis (Washington Farmland Trust) told the committee adding tribes would facilitate partnerships and cited a Snohomish County project where Tulalip Tribe participation would have been aided by access to county conservation funds. Joe Sambataro (Tulalip Tribe Natural and Cultural Resource Department) said tribes already hold and steward conservation interests and that adding tribes as eligible recipients is voluntary for counties and landowners and would expand options for long‑term stewardship.

Supporters said the competitive grant process remains with counties and that including tribes would help leverage federal and state grants for multi‑benefit projects. The committee took public testimony and closed the hearing without immediate action.