Skip to main content
close

KingCounty.gov is an official government website. Here's how you knowexpand_moreexpand_less

account_balance

Official government websites use .gov

Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.

King County Logo
May
30

Overview: King County Conservation Futures

Conservation Futures is the primary source of funding for the Land Conservation Initiative (LCI). The LCI has a goal to preserve our most important natural lands and urban green spaces. The LCI also seeks to add open spaces in underserved communities. Learn more about the Land Conservation Initiative goals in this short video.

Snoqualmie River Trail view
Snoqualmie River trail

Conservation Futures protects many types of open spaces across King County 

Conservation Futures protects many types of open spaces across King County

Urban green space

Neighborhood green and open space to create more livable neighborhoods

Trails

Land to connect trails and communities to increase livability & inspire healthy living

Natural lands

Natural lands for wildlife, recreation, & resilience in an uncertain future

Rivers

River corridors to sustain salmon and reduce flooding

Farmlands

Farmlands and community gardens for healthy local food

Forests

Forestlands to support clean air, clean water, cooler summers, and recreation.

» Learn more about Conservation Futures grant application process and policies

Since 1982, Conservation Futures grant funding has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of land in King County as open space, including
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
Duwamish Waterway Park
Duwamish Waterway Park
Sammamish River Trail
Sammamish River Trail
Discovery Park Capehart Forest
Discovery Park Capehart Forest1
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park2
Clark Lake Park
Clark Lake Park3
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Duwamish Hill Preserve 4
Map of county-wide Conservation Futures funded property interests
Funded property interests

» Learn more about recent acquisitions

Maury Island Marine Park
Maury Island Marine Park

Fifty years ago, Washington State authorized the Conservation Futures Tax levy (CFT), allowing counties to collect a small levy from landowners to protect open space. King County is one of 14 counties statewide that levy a conservation futures tax – protecting forests, shorelines, farms, greenways, and trails for future generations to enjoy forever.

Thank you to King County voters who approved Proposition 1 in November 2022, restoring Conservation Futures to its authorized rate of 6.25 cents per $1,000 Assessed Value. In 2023, the owner of a median priced home pays about $50 per year into Conservation Futures.

News archive

May 19, 2022
Dow Constantine proposes raising King County property taxes to preserve rivers, forests, natural spaces

May 26, 2021
Protecting and restoring Bear Creek watershed, one of the most productive salmon habitats in all of King County

July 9, 2020
New park with trails coming to urban unincorporated King County, delivering on Executive Constantine’s commitment to equitable access to open space

June 27, 2019
Executive Constantine triples down on open space protection, takes action ensure greenspace access for all King County residents

June 20, 2019
Executive Constantine’s plan will ensure all King County residents have access to open spaces

Photo credits

1 Discovery Park: Friends of Discovery Park (Source)
2 Olympic Sculpture Park: Spinstah
3 Clark Lake Park: Bryan Higgins
4 Duwamish Hill: Heidi Rose Watters (Source)

Related information

Grants and partnerships

Natural Resources and Parks opportunities for funding and collaboration.

Land Conservation Initiative

Conservation effort to protect the last best places in King County.

Comprehensive Plan

Policy document that guides how growth and development will occur.

Sustainable building

Resources for developers, builders, architects, and homeowners interested to build toward a sustainable King County
expand_less