Short's Family Farm

Short’s Farm – Request for Proposals is Open

Short Farm Request for Proposals by 1/31/27

The Port of Port Townsend invites proposals from farmers, agricultural businesses, nonprofit organizations, educators, conservation partners, community groups, and other qualified parties interested in using, managing, or partnering on one or more portions of Short’s Family Farm.

The Port welcomes practical and creative proposals that strengthen Jefferson County agriculture and the local food system, improve habitat and environmental conditions, provide public benefit, and contribute financially or operationally to the long-term stewardship of the property.

Proposals may address a single field, structure, or other designated area; combine several areas; or present a coordinated strategy for a substantial portion of the property. The Port may select one proposal, multiple complementary proposals, or no proposal.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Heron Scott, Lease and Contracts Administrator, at the Port of Port Townsend. Email: hscott@portofpt.com Phone: 360-316-1201

RFP Document

History

In the summer of 2023, the Port acquired the 253-acre Short’s Family Farm in Chimacum, one of the largest contiguous agricultural land holdings in the County. The Commission authorized the purchase of the farm with the objective of developing and maintaining infrastructure and establishing uses of the property that will help sustain and expand agriculture in Jefferson County.

The Port Commission directed that a “Farm Plan” be prepared to provide a clear vision and implementation actions to guide future use and development of the property in a way that supports the local ag community, advances the public interest, and addresses the Port’s financial needs. On September 27, 2023, the Commission adopted Resolution No. 797-24 to guide the process. The resolution outlines four clear planning objectives, a schedule for plan development, and establishes a committee of local experts (a Farm Steering Committee (FSC)), to prepare the plan. The FSC is comprised of nine (9) members: six (6) local farmers; and one (1) representative each from the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative, Jefferson County Conservation District, and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition.

The Port obtained special process facilitation help from master’s degree students and faculty from the University of Washington’s Department of Urban Design (UW). The UW assisted the FSC and Port staff with the visioning process, community engagement, meeting facilitation, and aided the FSC in preparing its recommendations for Commission consideration. The planning effort spanned from January to July of 2024. All meetings of the FSC were open to the public.

The series of Short’s Farm meetings and events is listed below. FSC meetings in the period January through March of 2024 meetings focused on developing a common understanding of existing site conditions and identifying issues requiring additional information and research. Community and FSC meetings in the period April through June concentrated on developing a vision for future use of the site, a choice of alternatives for future use and development, and selection of a “preferred” alternative. At the July meeting, representatives of the FSC presented their recommendations to the Port Commission.

Public Access and Hunt By Reservation

Short’s Farm is open for Hunt By Reservation managed through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Please review WDFW website for details: