Friends of the San Juans — Protecting the San Juans and Salish Sea

||| FROM ELISE COPE for FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUANS |||

The San Juan Islands and Salish Sea are like no other place on earth. That’s why we must protect them! As election season is upon us, we are all reminded of what is at stake if we were to lose what we all love about this place. Loving the environment is not enough—protecting this place takes science, education, policy, and law.  

Who we are 

Friends of the San Juans is a charitable organization that does not endorse candidates but does advance issues. We are dedicated to protecting and restoring the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea for people and nature. Advocacy and justice are at the heart of our work. We believe in the power of science, educational outreach, and community-driven initiatives to influence environmental policies and protections. Our efforts focus on equipping the community to drive systemic change and advance environmental restorative justice.  

How we equip our communities to act 

Our volunteers and professional staff proactively engage in San Juan County’s planning processes, where some of the most consequential environmental decisions are made. Friends’ outreach has resulted in the mobilization of thousands of public comments submitted to government leaders on all levels, especially within San Juan County. We are proud that our consistent and collective voice for climate adaptation, and guardianship of agricultural and forest lands has helped to protect this special place. We continue to work with partners and the community to weigh current opportunities and future needs. 

Our Protector Platform  

We published our Protector Priority Platform (sanjuans.org/protector) for the community to consider. This educational platform was shared with San Juan County Council candidates and will also be shared with current elected officials. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities for San Juan County leadership to protect the Salish Sea, island resources and communities, shoreline ecosystems, and our collective future.  

Vote Yes to Renew Our Land Bank 

Friends of the San Juans’ Board of Directors unanimously endorsed continued support to renew our Land Bank for clean water, healthy forests, and a better quality of life for all. Read about it here. (sanjuans.org/friends-endorses-renewal-of-our-land-bank) 

Friends of the San Juans is proud to be protectors of these cherished lands, waters, and communities, working tirelessly to ensure they thrive for generations to come. It is a region that hosts immense biodiversity, cultural heritage, and touches the heart and soul.  

Vote No on I-2117  

We also know how critically important it is to defend the Climate Commitment Act. Friends of the San Juans’ Board unanimously endorsed a NO position on I-2117. We encourage Friends members to vote NO on I-2117 which misleads Washington families with the promise of reduced energy and gas costs. This dangerous initiative would roll back funding in wildfire management, slash billions of dollars from state transportation, impact ferries, and undercut sustainable farming. We need to protect our air, water, forests, and farmland and a NO vote on I-2117 does so while also protecting our future.

Are you passionate about advocacy and environmental justice? Join us! We’re actively recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles, including members of our Comprehensive Plan Action Team, and Green Boating Ambassadors. Whether you have a specific skill set or simply want to lend your voice, there’s a role for everyone. Explore all our volunteer opportunities here (sanjuans.org/volunteer) and discover how you can make a difference. 

If you are not currently a member of Friends of the San Juans, consider renewing or starting your membership today at sanjuans.org/donate! Our members receive first-dibs access to special field trips and updates about the latest science, policy, and education opportunities that protect this special place! For more information about our initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit sanjuans.org or email friends@sanjuans.org. 

Friends of the San Juans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office, nor engage in political endorsements. As a nonpartisan organization, we cannot speak to individual candidates’ qualifications, and any endorsements made by current or former employees do not represent the organization’s official stance. Contributions are not used to support or oppose candidates.