In an effort to improve beach access, Island County is attempting to buy 300 feet of waterfront property.

The property, which is located next to a county-owned boat ramp at Utsalady Bay on Camano Island, will improve public access to the waterfront and will also be utilized for the county’s conservation programs.

“The 323 feet is a benefit to the citizens of Island County,” said Island County Parks Director Lee McFarland who, added that the stretch of land is also a prime surf smelt beach.

One issue that concerned one county commissioner is the steep price tag for the property.

“The purchase price is considerably greater than the appraisal value,” said Commissioner Mac McDowell.

McFarland said that the property is appraised at $150,000 but the lowest the owner of the property would go is $250,000. He added that the owner has had similar offers from private interests.

Of the negotiated value, the county will end up paying $125,000 which will be funded through the Conservation Futures Fund, derived from a small property tax.

The other half of the money comes from the Department of Natural Resources’ Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, McFarland said.

The state money lowering the county’s obligation was the reason commissioners Mike Shelton and William Byrd approved the resolution.

The Conservation Future’s fund can pay up to 50 percent of an acquisition of a property for the purpose of habitat protection and/or public access.

McFarland said that there are five projects vying to receive money from the Conservation Future’s Fund this year, which is more than previous years. The deadline for applying for the funds was March 1.

Other projects that are being considered this year are:

Davis Slough heron rookery and purchasing a conservation easement near the Kristoferson Creek Beaver Marsh on Camano Island.

On Whidbey Island, the county will consider purchasing land at the trail head at Scenic Heights Road and at the Heller/Crosby marsh.

The price tag for all projects the conservation fund is asked to support runs around $690,000. The county has approximately $600,000 in funds it could disperse this year.

McFarland said that if the county decides that the five projects are important enough to be funded this year, then a loan can be taken out against the amount that will be collected next year.

The county receives approximately $440,000 in conservation funds through a 6.25 cent per $1,000 assessed value on homes.

Island County, towns, municipal corporations and non-profit organizations are among those eligible to receive such funds.

You can reach News-Times reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewstimes.com or 675-6611.