San Juan Preservation Trust Acquires 80-acre Preserve on Blakely Island

The Crowley Preserve (outlined in red) provides a stunning backdrop for Willow Island

From the San Juan Preservation Trust

It took over six years, but the San Juan Preservation Trust is pleased to announce the addition of a new 80-acre preserve on Blakely Island. Adjacent to 2,310 acres of land already conserved by the Preservation Trust, this spectacular waterfront property – which towers above Willow Island along the west coast of Blakely – is a familiar site along the Washington State ferry route between Anacortes and Lopez Island.

With over half a mile of shoreline, Garry oak grasslands, abundant clumps of Prickly Pear cactus, and old growth forest, this has long been one of the Preservation Trust’s top conservation priorities. Working closely with Tom & Christine Crowley (the adjacent landowners) on a creative cost-sharing conservation solution, the Preservation Trust paid $350,000 for the property – a little more than 1/3 its appraised market value.  The difference in value was donated to the project by the Crowley family.

This new preserve will be maintained in its natural state in perpetuity.  Including adjacent properties previously protected by the Crowley family with Preservation Trust easements, this addition creates a network of 2,390 acres of conservation land on Blakely Island.  Altogether, the Crowley family and the Preservation Trust have worked side-by-side to permanently protect over half of this 4,435-acre island (the 5th largest island in San Juan County).

Our conservation work depends on the generosity of our membership. We remain grateful for your support.