Friends of the San Juans unanimously endorses renewal of our Land Bank

For clean water, healthy forests, and a better quality of life for all

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

Friends of the San Juans’ Board of Directors is proud to officially and unanimously endorse the renewal of the 1% Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) paid by home buyers, which will be on the November 2024 ballot. Voting YES for this smart one-time tax supports key priorities for Friends of the San Juans: 

• Protecting our islands and shoreline ecosystems 
• Supporting affordable housing for island community members
  

Our Land Bank has been instrumental in preserving green spaces that facilitate groundwater recharge, enhance community recreation, and provide natural areas where diverse ecosystems can flourish. This conservation effort mitigates climate impacts and supports clean air and water quality, which are critical for the San Juan Islands. By maintaining our natural areas, we address climate change and protect the unique rural working farms and biodiversity of our Islands.  

“As new home buyers on San Juan Island, Brock and I were glad to contribute to the protection of our island biodiversity and funds for affordable housing, two priorities for our family,” said Eva Schulte, Executive Director for Friends of the San Juans. “We are committed to supporting our Land Bank and affordable housing through the continuation of the Real Estate Excise Tax. We deeply appreciate the work being done to protect this special place and support proactive measures to safeguard marine ecosystems, island communities, and resources, as well as the future of the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea.” 

Friends of the San Juans encourages members and island communities to vote ‘YES’ to Renew Our Land Bank. This support is essential for conserving at-risk habitats, sensitive lands, and shorelines, and developing affordable housing. 

The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank has been crucial in preserving vital and biologically important areas, while also providing cultural, recreational, agricultural, and scenic benefits. Friends of the San Juans collaborates with the Land Bank to prioritize shorelines for salmon recovery in their management plans and supports the implementation of necessary restoration projects. “We are grateful for all that the Land Bank does that complements Friends’ strategic protection priorities,” says Tina Whitman, Friends’ Science Director. 

Reauthorization is required to continue the crucial conservation of special places and the construction of critically needed affordable housing for our community members. The current authorization will expire in 2026 unless reauthorized by San Juan County voters. For in-depth information on this issue visit renewourlandbank.com. For more information about Friends of the San Juans, please visit sanjuans.org or email friends@sanjuans.org.