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County accepts deed for 225-acre Blakely Island conservation parcel from Department of Natural Resources
Summary
The council adopted a resolution accepting a deed from the Washington Department of Natural Resources that transfers a 225-acre former school trust parcel on Blakely Island to San Juan County for conservation. The transfer is part of the state trust-land conversion program and was approved by the Board of Natural Resources,
The San Juan County Council on July 15 adopted a resolution accepting deeded conservation title to a 225‑acre parcel on Blakely Island transferred by the Washington Department of Natural Resources through the state’s trust‑land transfer program.
Why it matters: The parcel is the last significant school‑trust property in the county to be transferred to local conservation ownership and brings the county land-bank total of protected acres to roughly 2,410 acres. The transfer was funded through state legislation that purchases the school‑trust asset and provides replacement funding to the trust.
Staff and action: Lincoln Borman, director of the county land bank, briefed council and described the property as a steep, largely inaccessible yet visually prominent parcel that fronts navigation channels and receives public attention. The board of natural resources approved the transfer and county staff prepared the resolution to accept the deed. The council voted to accept the deed and authorized the county manager to complete recording and administrative tasks.
Outcome and next steps: The acceptance is administrative — staff will finalize closed‑file recording and incorporate the property into the land‑bank portfolio for long‑term stewardship. No purchase price was required from the county; the property was transferred under the state trust‑land transfer program.
