Letter to the Editor: The Land Bank Saves More than Turtleback

To The Editor:

We just returned from a six day camping trip up near Mt. Baker so I could get my mountain hiking in. I finally broke down and bought a new hiking book entitled “Day Hiking North Cascades.” It also covered day hikes in the San Juans as well. I was moved to see a page called “Saving the Turtle” which gave the reader some history as how Turtleback Mountain was acquired and saved for the people of this county and those who visit our islands.

It mentions the joint efforts of the citizens of this county, mostly on Orcas Island, the San Juan Preservation Trust, The Trust for Public Land and The San Juan County Land Bank.  The Land bank owns the property while the SJ Preservation Trust retains a conservation easement. It made me realize just how important the San Juan County Land Bank is.

It has worked jointly and by itself to acquire many easements and land that has benefited this county immensely. As we drive down Orcas Road and see pasture land, as we walk at Crescent Beach, as we hike Turtleback and look up at Turtleback, as we hike or enjoy Watmaugh Bay on Lopez…..the list is endless, we are enjoying the efforts of the Land Bank.

We have been able to have the island beauty and scenery that we all love, that exemplifies “Island Living” and that visitors come to enjoy. I was proud when I read the passage in this book that many others will read of “Saving the Turtle.”

It also inspired me to write this letter and urge all voters in this county to vote for the renewal of the San Juan County Land Bank. It is brought to the voters every 12 years for renewal and will be on our November ballot.

Most of you know this, but when I was gathering signatures to get it on the ballot, I was surprised at some of the confusion a few people had about the Land Bank. To me, to be able to have a stretch of undeveloped land next to my land that was purchased through an easement freely sold by other concerned property owners would only enhance my property and its value.

The land Bank is funded by a 1% property tax levied at the time property is sold. This in turn is used by the Land Bank to acquire and maintain additional conservation areas. It is a win win situation for us all.

When you drive down Orcas Road and look up at Turtleback, think proudly of your own efforts and what a wonderful thing it is, to have Turtleback Mountain and the many other properties to enjoy, for the public and for our children’s children in the years to come.

Please vote to renew the San Juan County Land Bank this November.

Thank You,

Patty Pirnack-Hamilton