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San Juan County Council approves conservation easement for North Shore Preservation Property on Orcas Island
Summary
The San Juan County Council voted to convey a conservation easement to the San Juan Preservation Trust for the North Shore Preservation Property on Orcas Island, finalizing a project that began in 2021. The council also approved two letters of support earlier in the meeting.
SAN JUAN COUNTY — The San Juan County Council on Tuesday, March 11 approved a resolution to convey a conservation easement deed to the San Juan Preservation Trust for the North Shore Preservation Property on Orcas Island, council members said.
The action completes a multiyear effort led by the San Juan County Land Bank to purchase and protect the North Shore property. Lincoln Borman, director of the Land Bank, told the council the project began in 2021 and called the conveyance “the final step in this incredible project.”
The easement will transfer permanent conservation rights on the property to the San Juan Preservation Trust to “protect this property in perpetuity and for everyone to enjoy,” Borman said. Council member Paulson, who identified themselves only by title in the record, said they had followed the project closely — including planting plants in the property wetlands — and thanked the Preservation Trust and Land Bank staff for the transformation.
The council opened and closed a public hearing on the item without any public testimony. After discussion, Council member Paulson moved to approve the conveyance; the council approved the motion by voice vote. The minutes recorded two audible “ayes” and the chair declared the motion passed and closed the public hearing with the right to reopen.
Earlier in the same special meeting the council approved two letters of correspondence: one in support of the Lopez Island Food Center and a second supporting transportation funding and a referenced “house bill 19 23” related to marine transportation funding. Council member Paulson moved approval of the correspondence; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Votes at a glance - Convey conservation easement deed to the San Juan Preservation Trust for the North Shore Preservation Property (Orcas Island): Motion moved by Council member Paulson; voice vote recorded as “Aye. Aye.” Outcome: approved. - Approve letters of correspondence (support for Lopez Island Food Center; support to Washington State transportation committee regarding "house bill 19 23"): Motion moved by Council member Paulson; voice vote recorded as “Aye.” Outcome: approved.
The meeting adjourned immediately after the conservation-easement vote.
