Conservation leaders want to protect more land on Central Whidbey and they’re looking at the federal government to help foot the bill.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen announced recently that $1 million was included in the fiscal year 2011 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill that goes to the full House for a vote, according to a news release.

“Ebey’s Landing is one of Washington state’s natural and historical treasures and a vital resource for the community,” said Larsen in a news release. “This funding will help ensure that farmers can keep good agricultural land in production and families can enjoy access to scenic trails and views for years to come.”

Mark Preiss, manager of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, said staff is working with officials from the Whidbey Camano Land Trust to preserve prime farmland in the northern and central parts of the reserve. He didn’t identify any specific properties because negotiations with landowners are still in the preliminary stages.

“We have willing participants and willing sellers,” Preiss said Tuesday morning.

When Ebey’s Reserve was created in 1978, $5 million was given to place conservation protections on such key parts as Ebey’s Prairie, Smith Farm, central portions of Crockett Prairie and Grassers Hill, Preiss said. He said the original money used up but more land needs protection.

Preiss said when the potential new funding went through the legislative process it was chopped from the desired $3 million. He hopes to work with Sen. Patty Murray to get that amount restored when the Senate takes up the issue later in 2010.