Programs & Events

Shoreline Stewardship Program Eelgrass Protection Program Workshops & Events Tribal Partnerships Anti-Litter Program

Shoreline Species & Habitats

Forage Fish Eelgrass Kelp Salmon Coastal Forests

Human Impacts

Shoreline Armoring Docks Clearing & Grading Stormwater Toxins in Our Water Voluntary Conservation Programs

Long-term Protection Programs - A gift of conservation interest in land is one of the most significant impacts a family or an individual can make to the scenic and natural future of the San Juan Islands.  In addition, preservation may entitle property owners to significant tax breaks!

In San Juan County, a number of voluntary conservation options are available to interested landowners including: the donation of land, placement of a conservation easement on your land or placement of your property in Washington States Open Space tax incentive program.  A conservation easement is one of the more flexible options available for the property owner and can be tailored to protect the unique resource values of your land.

Conservation Easements are legal, recorded documents that provide a versatile way to protect key scenic and natural features of a property while the property remains in private ownership.  Conservation Easements guide where and what development occurs on a piece of land.  In some cases, the landowner is paid to place these restrictions on the property.  In other cases, economic compensation is achieved through tax benefits.  Because the property remains in private ownership, there is no public access unless the owner desires it.

Improved Shoreline Management

In addition to enrolling in long-term habitat protection programs, there are often many things landowners can do to protect or restore their shoreline habitat.  For more information, contact FRIENDS or the San Juan Islands Conservation District for sire specific technical assistance.

The easement is recorded with the county auditor just like any other formal document that affects title to land.  The property owner continues to own the land and pays the property taxes.  The owner can sell the land, or give it away; but no matter who owns the land, the easement always remains in effect.  The restrictions apply in perpetuity.