Washington family preserves nearly 40 acres of farmland after 70 years of farming

For a family that has worked the property for more than 70 years, the arrangement preserves both the land and its role in the valley's agricultural landscape. For more than seven decades, the Foster family has worked the same stretch of Washington farmland, raising dairy cattle, producing hay and opening its operation to visitors through agritourism. Now, nearly 40 acres of that family-owned property will remain farmland permanently, giving the land a future that extends well beyond the current generation, states an online press release by Forterra Org. Scroll down to read the details of the farm owned by Brian and Connie Foster.Nearly 40 acres protected foreverThe farmland along State Route 530 NE in the Stillaguamish Valley has been placed under permanent conservation through a partnership involving Forterra and Snohomish County, with support from the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, states the press release. As per the release, the agreement prevents future development on the protected acreage while allowing the Foster family to retain ownership. The land can continue to be farmed, but its conservation status means it cannot be converted to residential or other development in the...