Land Bank seeks input on Draft Stewardship Management Plan

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank is seeking public input on its recently completed Draft Stewardship and Management Plan (SMP) for North Shore Preserve on Orcas Island. The purpose of this SMP is to identify overarching goals and management objectives for the Preserve’s natural, historic and cultural resources. In general, SMPs guide decision-making, work planning, and promote transparency. For the 76 percent of Land Bank properties that are open to the public, SMPs also define the level of public access in ways that meet our mission to provide opportunities for low-intensity recreation. These plans are revised periodically in response to changing environmental and social conditions.

You can download a copy of the Draft North Shore Preserve SMP from the Land Bank’s website by following this link: DRAFT Stewardship and Management Plan for North Shore Preserve.

• Public Comment Period: October 17 – November 17, 2024
• Please submit your comments by November 17, 2024.

After the thirty-day comment period closes, Land Bank staff and commissioners will review comments and consider revision to the draft plan. An initial overview of comments will be provided at the November 15, 2024, commission meeting.

How to Submit Comments: Email Tanja Williamson at tanjaw@sjclandbank.org or Mail: 350 Court Street, No. 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Questions? Email tanjaw@sjclandbank.org or call the Land Bank Office: 360-378-4402.

About San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank

San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank, funded by a 1% real estate excise tax paid by purchasers of property at closing, acquires and preserves areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic, or low-intensity recreational value. The Land Bank offices are located at 328 Caines Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank, visit www.sjclandbank.org.