County Acquires 100-acre Odlin South from State DNR

— from San Juan County Communications —

Odlin Park South, Lopez Island

After a persistent year-long effort by San Juan County, the Odlin South property sale was approved by the WA Board of Natural Resources on December 5, 2017. Council members Jamie Stephens and Rick Hughes, along with County Manager Mike Thomas, made the trip to Olympia to testify in support of the sale to the County. The 100-acre Odlin South property will now become a permanent part of the County’s Park system when the County reimburses the State $194,000 for the remaining fair market value of the property in January 2018. “This valuable addition to our county’s park system creates more places for people to enjoy low-impact recreation while preserving a unique natural environment,” said Jamie Stephens, San Juan County councilmember.

The Odlin South property contains important ecological and wildlife habitat features, including an eagle and osprey nest, and its immediate proximity to the 80 acre Odlin County Park provides potential for easily accessible trails with possible connection to the Fisherman Bay community trail.

Many Lopez residents supported the initiative to save the property from possible development and to gain permanent public ownership by the County. Beginning in 2011, WA DNR entered into a 50 year lease with the County for Odlin South, with management responsibility assigned to the Parks, Recreation and Fair Department. During 2015 and 2017 County Parks and the Parks & Recreation Commission developed the Odlin South Management and Stewardship Plan. Along with gathering resident input, the planning process included an ecological assessment of the property, development of management and stewardship goals and objectives, and an action plan.

The relatively flat topography and mosaic of high quality wetland systems, along with a large aspen grove, old growth trees and large snags, Odlin South has a rich environment for wildlife.