Land Bank shares highlights of 2016

Submitted by the San Juan County Lank Bank

Shoreline Habitat Protected with Land Bank Conservation Easement

With a grant from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, the Land Bank was able to permanently protect 34-acres, which includes over 2,500 feet of barrier beach and feeder bluff in Boundary Pass.

Turtleback Mountain Preserve Turns Ten

November 2016 marked the 10th Anniversary of preserving the iconic 1,578-acre property on Orcas Island, as well as the biggest acquisition that the San Juan Preservation Trust and the Land Bank have ever entered into together: $18.5 million!

Let No Dock Go Unturned

The dilapidated dock from The Spit at Fisherman Bay Preserves found a new purpose at Hummel Lake Preserve. The Lopez Island Conservation Corps flipped it over with hand power, then set it in place, leveled it and constructed the ramps, using more of the salvaged dock materials. It covers an area that is wet every winter along the trail. Be sure to check out their handy work in the new year!

Discover San Juan Island Scavenger Hunt

The island-wide exploration of environmentally, culturally and historically significant sites was a hit! The San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Island Library joined together in hosting the summer-long event, handing out over 350 discovery kits to adventurers of all ages.

Governor Inslee Tours Mount Grant Preserve

Governor Inslee spent part of his Labor Day weekend touring Mount Grant Preserve. The governor’s visit was motivated by the Land Bank’s submittal for grant funds from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. The Land Bank applied for $1 million in the Local Parks category for Mount Grant and should hear results next spring.

Mount Grant Preserve 2017 Winter Gate Hours

Weather permitting, driving access to the summit will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the upcoming dates: Jan. 1, Jan. 15, Feb. 19 and April 16.