Latest from Lekanoff | Yellow Island

It’s already August! I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a beautiful Washington summertime. In this newsletter, I’d like to share some upcoming legislative priorities from mine, as well as hear about legislative priorities from you!  

I want to ensure that your voice is heard, and your priorities are represented. Please take a few moments to complete this multiple-choice survey to help guide my efforts in advocating for policies that matter most to you in the 40th Legislative District of Washington State. 

I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Nature Conservation for organizing the Legislative Tour to Yellow Island. It was truly an eye-opening experience that reaffirmed the importance of responsible land management for our natural resources and environment.  

During the tour, I was struck by the delicate ecosystem that exists on this tiny island, and it made me realize that the entire San Juan islands, indeed the heart of the Salish Sea, are similarly precious and require our utmost care. As we face challenges like growth, climate change, and the need for sustainability, it becomes clear that developing policies based on sound science and in collaboration with local governments and Tribes is crucial for the future of the San Juan islands. 

Our tour was not only an opportunity for me, as your representative, to witness the beauty of Yellow Island but also to gain valuable insights into the on-the-ground stewardship and scientific research efforts by the Nature Conservation. As members of the policy committees leading on natural resource and environment issues, we saw firsthand how the work of organizations like TNC contributes significantly to our decision-making process in Olympia. 

On the tour, we had the privilege of exploring Yellow Island alongside Matt Axling, the Preserve Manager. We learned about the island’s rich history and discovered its diverse wildlife, including over 50 species of wildflowers and numerous birds and marine mammals. Participating in the collection of camas, chocolate lily, and fawn lily seeds was not only rewarding but also contributed to the restoration efforts on the island and fostered partnerships with our Coast Salish partners. 

Yellow Island, an 11-acre wildlife and ecosystem preserve, has been under the management of TNC since 1980, with an underlying history of stewardship by the Coast Salish peoples spanning millennia. The island’s native grasslands, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife serve as a reminder of the need to continue exploring innovative conservation methods while ensuring ongoing land stewardship. 

As we move forward, I remain committed to applying the concepts and lessons from this tour to inform policies that benefit not only our district but also other rural areas with pristine natural spaces. Our growth as a state must be balanced with the preservation of these unique environments, and the protection of our natural resources must be a shared endeavor among all governing bodies, citizens, and organizations. 

Once again, I express my gratitude to the Nature Conservation for providing us with this invaluable experience. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for all Washingtonians who call this place home. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community. Have a wonderful rest of the summer—and I hope to see you soon as one of our coffee chats!