EVERSON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An Everson farm is going to be a conservation site.

Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) announced last week they accepted interim ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center, taking over later this month.

Nearly all of the property’s 20 acres will be under permanent protection during the interim ownership through a conservation easement.

That means development will be limited on the property, protecting the farmland forever and allowing for habitat protections along the stream.

WLT will seek a long-term owner for the farmland with the help of Whatcom Community Foundation after the easement is in place.

“Whatcom Land Trust is excited to permanently protect this farmland, which is so special to our agricultural community and local food systems. The Land Trust was founded in 1984 to protect agricultural land from development, and this remains an important part of our mission today. We look forward to input and support from community members in evaluating the long-term ownership needs for Cloud Mountain,” said Whatcom Land Trust Executive Director Rachel Vasak.

My Bellingham Now previously reported Cloud Mountain closed this spring after operations were significantly culled by owner Sustainable Connections.

Now, WLT says they are committed to allowing community partners to continue to use the facilities on the property, such as Twin Sisters Mobile Market.

WLT will not operate Cloud Mountain as a farm or retail operation.