This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
County Council Discusses Ferry Service with Governor Ferguson at Orcas Community Meeting
The San Juan County Council attended a community meeting on Orcas Island, hosted by Governor Bob Ferguson, to address questions about Washington State Ferry (WSF) service in the San Juan Islands. “The Council–” said WSF Deputy Assistant Secretary John Vezina, “They are such strong advocates for you all and telling us what’s going on. It’s really important.”
Read the details of the Q&A here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
In Review: County’s Marine Transport Services Pilot Project
After 10 weeks of service, the County’s Marine Transportation Services Pilot Project is complete. During the July 15 Council meeting, staff reviewed data from the project including ridership statistics, contractor feedback, and next steps.
During the length of the project, the daily service to Anacortes transported 2,399 passengers, 114 pets, and 465 bikes while the emergency service completed 12 round trips that transported 127 passengers.
The County is interested in your experiences, feedback, and ideas! Take the short, 10-minute follow-up survey: https://engage.
Local Public Health Department Offers Back to School Immunization Clinics
With the new school year just around the corner, San Juan County Health & Community Services is making it easier for families to get their children up to date on required vaccines. Throughout August, your local public health department will be holding a series of immunization clinics across the County. Sign up for an immunization appointment online or call our office at 360-378-4474!
- San Juan Island: Aug. 1, Aug. 7, Aug. 11, and Aug. 27
- Orcas Island: Aug. 12, Aug. 25, and Aug. 26
- Lopez Island: Aug. 13 and Aug. 20
Schedule your appointments here: https://
The 2025 San Juan County Fair is Just Around the Corner!
With the theme “Into the Future, True to Our Roots,” this year is an exciting blend of age-old favorites and new additions. This year’s food court welcomes back favorite fare alongside new nibbles and both stages showcase local talent and alongside fresh tunes. Head to the San Juan County Fair to celebrate all that makes the islands so special from Thursday, August 14 through Sunday, August 17.
This year, the Fair is introducing two new offerings to help make everyone feel more welcome: a “calm down” tent and a “sensory-friendly” morning. By decreasing sounds, motion, or lights to create a calmer environment, this programming can help provide an environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorder to join in on all the fair fun!
Fire Danger in the Islands is ‘Very High’
San Juan County’s fire danger is upgraded to VERY HIGH. At this level recreational, residential, and commercial fires are not allowed, including charcoal. This means that campfires, even in a fire ring or bowl that is no more than three feet in diameter, are no longer permitted. Residential fires of yard debris are closed for the season and large commercial fires are not permitted.
Reminder: burn barrels are not allowed at any time due to a prohibition by the State Department of Ecology. Learn more about fire risk in the islands: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Douglas/Bailer Hill Rd Improvement Project Nearly Complete
The project is progressing ahead of schedule and crews are working diligently to prepare the road for pavement. Crews anticipate chip sealing the road near the end of August and packing up equipment before Labor Day Weekend. Until the project is complete, the speed limit will remain at 25 MPH while vehicles travel on a gravel surface. Bicycle and motorcycle traffic are still encouraged to use alternate routes until the project is finished.
Potential Purchase by the County of Property on Decatur Island to Support Barge Landing Access
San Juan County’s Public Works Department is seeking to purchase property on Decatur Island, adjacent to the only developed public marine facility on the island – the barge landing.
The County has entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition of 458 Davis Beach Rd on Decatur Island for the list price of $750,000. The purchase and sale agreement included a $10,000 earnest money deposit and provides the County with a two-month feasibility period which will conclude on August 29, 2025. Councilmember Jane Fuller and Public Works Director Colin Huntemer will be hosting a community meeting at the property on August 12 from 12-1:00pm. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-
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