The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time competitive process for cities, nonprofits and other organizations to access conservation futures funds for the acquisition of parks and open spaces.

The resolution was approved Jan. 27 and establishes eligibility, application requirements, process and scoring criteria for the funding, according to a county press release. Up to $100,000 is available per project.

Applications may be submitted to acquire open space, farm and agriculture property or timberland for future public use. Eligible applicants include cities, metropolitan park districts, nonprofit historic preservation corporations and nonprofit conservation organizations.

Applications will be scored against multiple criteria including the property’s near-term risk of conversion, public access opportunities, inclusion in regional open space or preservation plans and viability of long-term maintenance. Applications for this funding will be accepted March 1 through April 30 with funding decisions made by the board of commissioners in September. The board will be limited to approving up to $300,000 in total awards.

For more information, contact Policy Manager Eric Baker in the commissioners’ office at 360-337-4495 or ebaker@co.kitsap.wa.us.