San Juan Businesses urge President to Declare National Monument

From Tom Reeves,  San Juan Islands National Conservation Area

Momentum grows as local leaders join Sen. Cantwell, Rep. Larsen, Gov. Gregoire, San Juan County Council and San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau in call for preservation

Washington State—Over 150 local business owners in the San Juan Islands have signed a letter urging President Obama to declare a swath of lands across the islands as a national monument. The move would protect 955 acres that play a critical role in both the economy and culture of the San Juans. The letter, which makes the case for maintaining the economic health of the islands, comes on the heels of significant public support, including recent support letters from Governor Gregoire on April 25th and the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau on May 9.

“The recreational opportunities provided by these public lands attract the residents and visitors that keep our businesses vibrant,” said Brent Snow, Roche Harbor Resort General Manager. “I am proud to stand with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and my fellow local business owners in support of designating a monument here in the San Juan Islands. It will have a positive effect for generations to come.”

The letter (attached) is signed by local business owners ranging from realtors, grocery store owners, and outdoor recreation shops to hotel operators, innkeepers and artists who depend on the land for the recreation business and visitors it attracts to the islands. Currently the land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Community leaders have been fighting to protect the critical acreage and ensure that it isn’t taken out of public ownership. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has voiced his support and proposed that the President declare a national monument in the San Juan Islands. Both Senator Cantwell and Representative Larsen have been leading the charge on this issue locally.

“Maintaining the beauty and accessibility of these lands is critical to our economy. As a business person I wholeheartedly support creation of a national monument and I welcome the chance for local people to play a key role in managing these places,” said Wally Gudgell of Windermere Orcas Island. “It’s going to be a fantastic partnership.”

The proposed lands include dozens of the small islands and reefs that provide breeding grounds for birds and safe refuges for everything from harbor seal pups to rare plants. These lands also shelter historical sites – from ancient fishing sites and camas gardens to pre-automation lighthouses on Patos Island and Turn Point. And they include popular recreation destinations in the islands like Iceberg Point, Chadwick Hill and Watmough Bight on Lopez, the state park on Patos Island and the Cattle Point lighthouse on San Juan Island.

The momentum comes as the 106th anniversary of the Antiquities Act approaches on June 8th. Beginning with Teddy Roosevelt, 15 of the past 18 presidents, Republican and Democrat, have used the Act to designate 119 National Monuments.

More can be learned about the effort at www.SanJuanIslandsNCA.org.

The letter to President Obama follows:

Dear President Obama,
As business owners we have a strong interest in the economic health of the San
Juan Islands. The economy of the San Juans depends on the natural beauty and
recreational opportunities that attract residents, visitors and businesses to these
islands.
We are writing today to express support for protection of the BLM lands in the San
Juan Islands as either a National Monument or National Conservation Area.
These lands are key pieces of the landscape that defines our islands – places like
Cattle Point, Turn Point, Patos Island, Watmough Bight and Indian Island. The
natural landscape and recreational opportunities provided by these public lands
attract the residents and visitors who keep our businesses vibrant.
Designation of these BLM lands as a National Monument or National Conservation
Area would protect nationally significant ecological, historical, scientific, cultural
and recreational resources. These lands are already in federal ownership. We want
to ensure they are managed with the best interest of the local community in mind.
A conservation designation would ensure that the lands are managed for their
natural and recreational value and give the local community a strong voice in
planning for their management.
By protecting the natural and recreational values of our public lands you can
support and protect our economy by ensuring that the San Juan Islands continue to
attract and retain the visitors, residents, young families and retirees that keep our
economy healthy.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Businesses of the San Juan Islands
CC: The Honorable Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senate
The Honorable Patty Murray, U.S. Senate
The Honorable Rick Larsen, U.S. House of Representatives
Ann Lister
A. Lister and Associates
Orcas Island, WA
Jenny Prescott
Acanthus Fine Antiques, Decorative
Arts & Interior Design
San Juan Island, WA
Sandra Braun
Adventure Associates of WA
Seattle, WA
Kari Schuh
Alder Bungalow Vacation Rental
Orcas Island, WA
Jacob and Kristi Angel
Angel’s Food
Orcas Island, WA
Anne Dawson
Anne Dawson Quilt Restoration
Lopez Island, WA
Robyn Hampton
Arawak
Lopez Island, WA
Archipelago Press
San Juan Island, WA
Lee Brooks
Arctic Raven Gallery
San Juan Island, WA
Jim Skoog
Arrowhead Property Care
San Juan Island, WA
Donna Hasbrouck
Authentic Stone & Brickwork, Inc.
Lopez Island, WA
Barbara L. Nason
Barbara L. Nason, CPA
Lopez Island, WA
Lauren Stephens
Bay Inlet Beach Cottage
Lopez Island, WA
Beach Haven Resort
Orcas Island, WA
Shannon Hoffman
Beachcombers Artwork
Lopez Island, WA
Steffi Wehner
Bird Rock Hotel
San Juan Island, WA
Anne Whirledge Karp
Blooms and Brushes
Lopez Island, WA
Brian Kvistad
Blossom Grocery
Lopez Island, WA
Lorraine & Tom Lewis
Blue Fjord Cabins
Lopez Island, WA
Bogdan and Carol Kulminski
Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast
Orcas Island, WA
Brad Buchanan
Buchanan Consulting
Lopez Island, WA
Caroline Buchanan
Buchanan Watercolors
Orcas Island, WA
Gayle Keith-Ashley
C&C Equipment Company
Orcas Island, WA
Robert Herrmann
Caffé La Boheme
Lopez Island, WA
Carolyn Cameron
Carolyn Cameron Photography
Lopez Island, WA
Christa Malay
Ch Malay Studio & Gallery
Lopez Island, WA
Ward Fay
Classic Daysailing
Orcas Island, WA
John Ashenhurst
Classics Unbound
Orcas Island, WA
David Pass
Coho Restaurant
San Juan Island, WA
Colin and Moira Goode
Colin Goode Gallery & Studio
Lopez Island, WA
John Sinclair
Concepia
San Juan Island, WA
William Gregory
Cozy Cabin on Lopez Island
Lopez Island, WA
Craig Withrow
Craig Withrow LLC
Lopez Island, WA
Jeffri Coleman and Michael Rivkin
Crow Valley Pottery
Orcas Island, WA
Liz Scranton
Custom Wood Finishes
Lopez Island, WA
David Svilar
David Svilar Photography
Lopez Island, WA
Davis Autobody
Orcas Island, WA
Diana G. Hancock
Diana G. Hancock, Attorney at Law
Lopez Island, WA
Richard Swanson
Discovery Sea Kayaks
San Juan Island, WA
Jami Mitchell
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
Orcas Island, WA
Daphne Morris
Dragonsfly
Lopez Island, WA
Steffi Wehner
Earthbox Inn & Spa
San Juan Island, WA
David Lutz
Emerald Isle Sailing Charters
Orcas Island, WA
Dennis and Meg Ryan
Environment Design
Lopez Island, WA
Eric A.Kessler
Eric A. Kessler Photographer
San Juan Island, WA
Faith Van De Putte
Faith Van De Putte, LMP
Lopez Island, WA
Liz Malinoff
Flat Point Beach Cabin
Lopez Island, WA
Sally & Tom Reeve
Flint Beach Ohana Farm
Lopez Island, WA
Irene Blomberg
Flower Mountain Services
Lopez Island, WA
Paul Sheridan
Four Winds * Westward Ho
Orcas Island, WA
Howard Rosenfeld
Friday Harbor Art Studio
San Juan Island, WA
Jeff Nichols
Galley Restaurant
Lopez Island, WA
Ana Malinoff
Green Heart Seeds
Lopez Island, WA
Joe and Nancy Greene
Greene Partners architecture and
design
Lopez Island, WA
Wally Gudgell
Gudgell Properties
Orcas Island, WA
Anna Maria de Freitas and David Pass
Harrison House Suites
San Juan Island, WA
Donna Hasbrouck
Heart of the Garden
Lopez Island, WA
Ken & Kathryn Akopiantz
Horse Drawn Farm
Lopez Island, WA
Julia Rogers
Isabel’s Espresso
Lopez Island, WA
Paul and Martha Ahart
Island Bicycles
San Juan Island, WA
Maxine Bronstein & Debbie Hayward
Island Fibers
Lopez Island, WA
Michele Morrissey
Island Healing Arts
Lummi Island, WA
Helen Machin-Smith
Island Stage Left
San Juan Island, WA
Matt Bailey
Islands Home Technology
Lopez Island, WA
Kirk Fuhrmeister
Isle be Jammin’/Mellowoods and
Music Store
San Juan Island, WA
Juniper Maas
Juniper Lane Guest House
San Juan Island, WA
MarJoe Davidson and Natalie Wilson
Just Heavenly Fudge Factory
Lopez Island, WA
Kate Scott
Kate Scott Design
Lopez Island, WA
Paul Lacrampe & Katie Hover
Lacrover Farm
San Juan Island, WA
Lauren Stephens
Ledger Investments
Lopez Island, WA
Julienne Battalia
Lopez Acupuncture & Integrated
Health
Lopez Island, WA
Jeff Hein
Lopez Island Electric Company
Lopez Island, WA
Tina Finneran
Lopez Island Jewelry
Lopez Island, WA
Brent Charnley
Lopez Island Vineyards
Lopez Island, WA
Aaron and Christine Dye
Lopez Village Market
Lopez Island, WA
Povl Lasbo
Lopezrocks Web Design
Lopez Island, WA
Colleen McCrory
Lummi Island Realty
Lummi Island, WA
Lydia Lukahnovich
Lydia Arts
Lopez Island, WA
Mike and Robin Bergstrom
MacKaye Harbor Inn
Lopez Island, WA
Peggy Stratton
Maedeup Jewelry
Lopez Island, WA
Lisa Salfridge
Maritime’s Marine Center
Anacortes, WA
Martin Taylor
Martin Taylor Photography & Edna
Gallery
Orcas Island, WA
Matthew Gray Palmer
Matthew Gray Palmer Fine Arts
San Juan Island, WA
Jo-Ann Lange
Meadow Wood Cottage
Lopez Island, WA
Meg Partridge
Meg Partridge LLC
Lopez Island, WA
David Bill
Midnight’s Farm
Lopez Island, WA
Bruce & Colleen Howe-Gregory
Mitchell Bay Farm & Nursery
San Juan Island, WA
Molly Preston
Molly Preston Arts
Lopez Island, WA
Eric Moore & Jane Hobbs
Moore Woodworks
Lopez Island, WA
Nancy Bingham
Nancy Bingham Pottery
Lopez Island, WA
Peter Whiting
Northwest Yachts
Anacortes, WA
Nicole de Marval
Old Trout Inn Bed & Breakfast
Orcas Island, WA
Jerry Weatherman
Olga Pottery
Orcas Island, WA
David & Susan Corbin
One Clay Hill Farm
Lopez Island, WA
Ed and Amy Masters
Orcas Island Shuttle
Orcas Island, WA
Eric Whitehead and Karen Plunkett
Orcas Island Taxi
Orcas Island, WA
Teresa Chocano
Orcas Montessori School
Orcas Island, WA
Barb Brunius
Orcas Oasis Vacation Rental
Orcas Island, WA
Martin Taylor
OrcasDigerati.com
Orcas Island, WA
Clark Casebolt
Outdoor Odysseys Kayak Tours
San Juan Island, WA
Michael & Jean Peterson
Pacific Wind Designs
Lopez Island, WA
Ron Hall
Paper Scissors on the Rock
Lopez Island, WA
Jeff Hanson
Pawki’s – For Pets
Orcas Island, WA
Sandie Pope
Perch Design
Orcas Island, WA
Peter C. Fisher
Peter C. Fisher Gallery
Orcas Island, WA
Mary Bywater Cross
Quilt Artist, Historian and
Consultant
Lopez Island, WA
Ross Matteson
R.M. Diversified Art
Olympia, WA
Asha Lela
Ravens Rook Lodging
Lopez Island, WA
Bruce & Christina Orchid
Red Rabbit Farm
Orcas Island, WA
Robert Stavers
Robert Hare Stavers Photography
San Juan Island, WA
Robert Harrison
Robert S. Harrison Photography
Lopez Island, WA
Scott J. Rozenbaum
Rozewood Environmental Services
Lopez Island, WA
Jon Baker
Sail the San Juans
Bellingham, WA
San Juan Golf & Country Club
San Juan Island, WA
Capt. Hobbes Buchanan
San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife
Tours
San Juan Island, WA
Tim Thomsen
San Juan Kayak Expeditions
San Juan Island, WA
Stephan Schneider
Schneider Design
Lummi Island, WA
Scott Hatch
Scott Hatch Design
Lopez Island, WA
Doug Withers
Seacliff Cottage
Orcas Island, WA
Wally Gudgell
SeaStar Lofts
Orcas Island, WA
Cynthia Dilling
Seraphim Soap
Lopez Island, WA
Carol Jackson
Serendipity Used Books
San Juan Island, WA
Mary Ann Sircely
Sircely Marketing & Design
Orcas Island, WA
Sandy Playa & Carl Burger
Spring Bay Inn
Orcas Island, WA
Jim McCorison
Starfish Marine
Orcas Island, WA
Esa Turunen
Start to Finnish Painting
Lopez Island, WA
Manya Pickard
Sterling Silver Jewelry
San Juan Island, WA
Steve Horn
Steve Horn Photography
Lopez Island, WA
David & Susan Corbin
Stonecrest Jam
Lopez Island, WA
Sheila Metcalf
Sunnyfield Studio
Lopez Island, WA
Debbie & Tom Collins
SunPenny Creations
Lopez Island, WA
Todd Goldsmith & Diane Dear
T&D Farms
Lopez Island, WA
Parvin Baharloo
Taste of Persia
Lopez Island, WA
Ellie Roser
The Bay Company
Lopez Island, WA
Meg Partridge
The Imogen Cunningham Trust
Lopez Island, WA
Steven Anderson
The Place Restaurant and Bar
San Juan Island, WA
Tom Cowan
Tom Cowan Consulting
Lopez Island, WA
Tom Hoffmann
Tom Hoffmann Watercolors
Lopez Island, WA
Josh and Jen Ratza
Treebone Pottery
Lopez Island, WA
Sandy Playa & Carl Burger
Treehugger Timber Products
Orcas Island, WA
Anna Maria de Freitas
Tucker House Inn B&B
San Juan Island, WA
William & Susan Fletcher
Turtleback Farm Inn
Orcas Island, WA
Village Cycles
Lopez Island, WA
Virginia Erhardt
Virginia Erhardt, Ph. D. – Licensed
Psychologist
Orcas Island, WA
Morgan L. Meadows
Vision Accomplished Services
Orcas Island, WA
Bruce Botts
Vita Wildly Delicious
Lopez Island, WA
Linda Ann Vorobik
Vorobik Botanical Art
Lopez Island, WA
Jean Perry
Vortex Cafe and Juice Bar
Lopez Island, WA
Ruth Offen
WaterWorks Gallery
San Juan Island, WA
Western Prince Whale and Wildlife
Tours
San Juan Island, WA
Susie Teague
Whispers of Nature
Lopez Island, WA
Willow Rose
Willow Rose Studio
San Juan Island, WA
Janet Yang
Willow Studio Jewelry
Lopez Island, WA
John Gibb
Willows Inn
Lummi Island, WA
Wally Gudgell
Windermere Real Estate
Orcas Island, WA
Steven R. Hill
Windswept Fine Art Studio and
Gallery
Lopez Island, WA