How We Conserve Land
Skagit Land Trust protects land by purchasing and accepting donation of land and conservation easements, and by assisting partners and agencies with land conservation projects. Our expertise and reputation for partnership building, creative solutions, and nimble land protection uniquely positions Skagit Land Trust to be effective at a critical time in Skagit County’s history.
Our Conservation Strategy
Our work is guided by science and local knowledge to identify and save the most important places in Skagit County. We choose land protection projects that align with carefully considered elements and priorities outlined in our Conservation Strategy.
Our Conservation Priorities
Land
- NATIVE FOREST: Low elevation forest with a preference for large blocks of mature forest with high habitat complexity.
- SPECIES: Habitat that supports important wildlife and plant species.
- LANDSCAPE: Lands that provide linkages between protected areas, including working farms and forestlands.
Saltwater
- MARINE LIFE: Nearshore habitat, eelgrass meadows, and salt marshes for priority species such as forage fish, juvenile salmon, shellfish, and waterfowl.
- SHORELINES: Estuaries, tidelands, and natural bluffs and beaches that support habitats and increase coastal resiliency.
Freshwater
- WATERSHED: Headwater basins and streams that protect water quality and areas that provide for groundwater recharge.
- WETLANDS & LAKES: High quality and rare wetlands and unmodified lake shoreline.
- RIVERS, STREAMS, & FLOODPLAINS: Land important to river processes. These areas provide quality instream and streamside habitat for fish and wildlife and also reduce the impact of flooding on our community.
Nature for People
- BELOVED PLACES: Lands that provide a sense of place in Skagit County and preserve our scenic views and natural heritage.
- ACCESS: Linkages to connect people with the natural environment including parks, trails, and wildlife viewing areas.
- CLOSE TO HOME: Lands within and near Skagit towns and cities that provide greenspace for our community.
