Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman on environment, conservation

||| FROM KATHRINE BRYANT FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY COUNCIL |||

Protecting the environment is essential to preserving San Juan County’s way of life, economy, and natural beauty. Clean water, healthy forests, productive farmland, thriving marine ecosystems, and access to our shorelines are central to what makes these islands such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

One of my top priorities is protecting our finite water resources. As island communities, we depend on healthy aquifers, lakes, streams, and marine waters, and we need thoughtful planning that balances growth with long-term environmental sustainability, including a robust plan and partnerships for oil spill prevention and response. I also believe protecting agricultural lands is critical. Our farms provide local food, support our economy, preserve open space, and are a valuable part of our island identity. We need policies and partnerships that help keep farmland in production and support the next generation of farmers.

Supporting Southern Resident orca recovery must remain a priority as well. Orcas are deeply connected to the identity, culture, and economy of San Juan County. Protecting shoreline habitat, water quality, and the broader health of the Salish Sea benefits not only wildlife but also the fishing, recreation, and tourism industries that help sustain our communities.

I support the implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan through practical, community-focused solutions that improve resilience while recognizing the realities of island living. Priorities include coastal resilience, watershed protection, forest health, energy efficiency, and strategic investments in renewable energy.

I am also a strong supporter of the County’s Environmental Stewardship Department and the key partnerships that bring grant funding and resources into our community. I’m deeply disappointed to see the Environmental Stewardship department be dissolved and will work strategically to bring that department back together. Environmental protections and policy need to be fully integrated into each department to be successful. 

Our Parks Department, Land Bank, Environmental Stewardship programs, and Noxious Weed Department all play important and interconnected roles in protecting habitat, preserving working lands, managing invasive species, supporting recreation, and safeguarding the natural landscapes that define San Juan County. I want to protect the work that is ongoing in each of these departments. 

Environmental protection and economic vitality are not competing priorities. Our tourism economy, farms, fisheries, public lands, and overall quality of life all depend on healthy lands and waters. By investing in conservation, strengthening partnerships, and planning responsibly for the future, we can protect the character of our islands while building a more resilient and sustainable San Juan County for generations to come.

To learn more, visit katherinebryantingman.com.