Ag PDR Program

What is an AG PDR?

The loss of farmland throughout the country has become an increasing concern in recent years. One of the tools in use to protect agricultural lands is the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR). PDR easements limit the uses of property in order to protect fertile soils so they remain available to grow food and fiber.  The limitations established by the easement apply to all future owners of the property, thus preserving farms and ranches forever.

Since 2002, WLT has been in partnership with Whatcom County to establish a local Agricultural PDR program to conserve farmland.  WLT co-holds  AG PDR easements with the county and is responsible for the stewardship of the conservation easements. 

• The farms remain in production
• The farmers may sell, lease or pass-on the farm
• The farmers help create the terms of the easement

The following are several  of the properties WLT has helped conserve through this program:

The Groen Farm, 124 acres

This idyllic dairy northwest of Lynden has been in the Groen family for generations. The latest generation began exploring conservation options through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a federal program that encourages farmers and ranchers to voluntarily “retire” streamside (riparian) tracts of their farms from grazing and crop production. The Groens agreed to restrict their herd’s access to the streams that meander through their land,and planted the riparian zone with native plants that promote soil retention and shelter the waterways.

Later, the Groens decided to take a bigger step and approached WLT about a conservation easement through the Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, to ensure that their family’s heritage –the farm – will endure. They continue to work their land as always and have the right to pass it on to their children or sell it to another farming family.  WLT’s job is to ensure that the farm is never developed, that neighbors do not encroach on the protected property, and that future farming activity is consistent with the Groen’s intentions.

Alamwala Property, 90+ acres

This is known as the Townline Berry Farm.  It is in an area of increasing pressure from residential development.  Several large homes on five-acre lots have been built nearby.

Purchase of the development rights ensures that the land is protected from non-agricultural uses, although this particular agreement does allow for the addition of a two-acre farmstead.  There are some forested areas at the central and western portions of the farm which the owners may clear to make room for more crops.

Bouchard Property, 20 acres

One of four farms now conserved in the Dakota Creek watershed, the Bouchard farm is currently leased by Ebe Farms. Potatoes are grown here every 3 years, with winter wheat and hay rotations occupying the land between potato crops. Prior to the establishment of the easement, the property could have been divided into 5-acre parcels with a house built on each. 

 Dickson Property, 40 acres

The Dickson family has permanently protected their fertile 40-acre dairy farm on the corner of East Hemmi and Noon Road. The late Paul and Elsie Dickson had farmed the property for 60 years where they raised 40 to 50 Jersey cows.The soils throughout the farmland north of Tenmile Creek have been identified as premium agricultural soils for the production of food and fiber and are targeted for protection due to the threat of development throughout Western Whatcom County.  The farmstead offers spectacular views of Mt. Baker, the Twin Sisters and the Coast Range in British Columbia.  The farm is currently leased to a local farmer who continues to raise Jersey cows on the lush pastures.

Ebe Property, 40 acres