Land Bank to sell a portion of Frazer Homestead Preserve to National Park Service

To more fully tell the story of the Pig War

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

During this week’s meeting, Council held a public hearing and spent time with Conservation Land Bank staff reviewing the sale of a portion of the Frazer Homestead Preserve to the SJI National Historical Park.

“We’re excited to support our local National Park by helping them retrieve an important piece of the puzzle to more fully tell the story of the Pig War,” said Conservation Land Bank Director Lincoln Bormann.  

About the Frazer Homestead Preserve 

The Land Bank purchased the eastern portion of the Frazer Homestead Preserve in 2006 with the express goal of conserving views, creating an opportunity for continued agriculture, and creating a roadside trail connected to American Camp.  The Land Bank Commission also stated its intention of considering a resale of all or a portion of the property.

The National Park Service (NPS) initiated discussions with Land Bank staff several years ago, expressing interest in purchasing the southern two lots for inclusion into the San Juan Islands National Historical Park. NPS believes this portion of the property encompasses the homestead of Lyman Cutler, best known for his role in the dispute between the British and United States governments, known as the “Pig War.”

Funding has been granted and the property was appraised in 2024.  NPS is now ready to proceed with the acquisition. The Land Bank Commission has approved resale of these two parcels to NPS for the appraised value.

During the public hearing on March 18, 2025 at 9:00am, Council accepted public comment on the matter. After a brief follow-up discussion, Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing a direct sale of a portion of the Frazer Homestead Preserve to the National Park Service.

Questions about the Land Bank? Reach out to Tanja Williamson, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, tanjaw@sjclandbank.org, 360-378-4402

About San Juan County’s Land Bank

San Juan County’s 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 department offices are located at 328 Caines Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Land Bank, visit www.sjclandbank.org.