Applications available to fund Thurston County conservation projects
Nisqually Valley News Staff
Thurston County opened a second round of Conservation Futures funding for 2023, and is seeking qualified projects to apply. The funding is described as an opportunity for landowners who wish their land to remain undeveloped but would like the financial benefits of selling their property.
Conservation Futures is a land-preservation program, allowing for landowners to sell their property for future development rights to a qualified conservation organization. In order to be eligible, the property must contain valuable or special wildlife habitat, agricultural, forestry, historic or recreational features.
Applications must be sponsored by an eligible organization, including a city government or land trust.
The deadline for the application is 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and can be submitted via email to andrew.deffobis@co.thurston.wa.us or in person at the Board of County Commissioners Office, Suite 200 of the Atrium Building at 3000 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia.
Applications can also be mailed to Andrew Deffobis, CPED, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
The application can be accessed at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/incentives-conservation-futures.aspx.
The program is made possible thanks to a Conservation Futures tax levy, which was authorized by the state Legislature in 1971. Thurston County began collecting the tax levy in 1989 and uses these funds to make conservation purchases. This has resulted in over 5,600 acres of preserved farmland, historic sites, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat.
State fire marshal’s office provides vehicle fire
safety tips
Nisqually Valley News Staff
Vehicle fires accounted for 13% of all fire incidents reported between 2018 and 2022 in Washington State, the state fire marshal’s office reports.
During that time frame there were 17,565 vehicle fires accounting for losses of more than $181 million. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has offered tips on what to do during a vehicle fire, and how to prevent them.
If a vehicle catches on fire, the fire marshal’s office directs motorists to pull over as soon as it is safely possible. After stopping, people should turn off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicle.
“Never return to a burning vehicle and do not try to fight the fire yourself,” the fire marshal’s office stated in a press release.
Once out, motorists should call 911 immediately. If there is a fire under the hood or trunk, motorists should not open it, the office stated. That can cause the fire to grow and result in burn injuries.
Everyone should move at least 100 feet from a burning vehicle and well away from traffic, according to the fire marshal’s office.
Regular service at a qualified mechanic is one of a number of steps to prevent vehicle fires that the fire marshal’s office gave. Safe driving to avoid accidents is another recommended practice.
Gas cans and propane tanks should be separated from passengers, tightly sealed and placed on a flat surface to make sure they’re upright, according to the fire marshal’s office. If gas cans or propane tanks need to be stored in a vehicle, motorists should keep windows open to stop fumes from accumulating.
For electric vehicles, motorists should follow manufacturer’s instructions for using and charging them, the fire marshal’s office stated. Installing a residual current device with the electric vehicle charger will shut off the power if it detects an electrical fault.
More information is available by calling the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.
State to accept applications for park maintenance grants
Nisqually Valley News Staff
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office will begin accepting applications Aug. 15 for a new grant program to help maintain local parks.
The Local Parks Maintenance grant program provides funding to help address maintenance backlogs in local parks. The grants may also be used to fund labor, materials and equipment. Grant applications are due Sept. 18.
RCO is offering a free application webinar on Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. to showcase the grant opportunities and explain application requirements. Attendees must register online via the RCO website.
Cities, counties, towns and Native American tribes are eligible to apply, as well as parks and recreation districts, port districts and special facilities districts.
“More people than ever are visiting local parks,” said Megan Duffy, director of RCO, in a press release. “Lack of funding for maintenance and additional visitors means increased wear and tear on well-loved local parks and their amenities. These grants will help parks catch up on backlogged maintenance projects and create better experiences for residents.”
Grants specifically are for deferred maintenance activities such as fixing a leaky picnic shelter, patching or repainting a basketball court and replacing rotted tables and fences. Routine maintenance tasks such as mowing fields or cleaning bathrooms are not eligible for funding, nor are development or renovation projects such as creating a new sports field or adding lights to a facility.
