livable communities

Check out the June issue of our e-newsletter – Highwater Marks! You’ll learn about: where our waste goes in San Juan County from two Spring Street International School students, engaging in important actions for Southern Resident killer whales, how to get involved with the County’s Comprehensive Plan update – and lots more! Read it here.

Judging by construction permits and real estate transactions, the pressure and speed of development in San Juan County has never been greater. Fortunately, the County’s Comprehensive Plan, or Comp Plan, can be a key tool for managing growth and protecting our County’s rural character. Right now, citizen interest is growing in how this tool can ... read more

When our members consider how they can support Friends of the San Juans, it is more often than not through contributions like annual gifts, memberships and recurring donations. If you’re a member, your dedication is admirable, and your contributions are critical for the immediate availability of funds that help us meet our mission and protect ... read more

For many decades, working on behalf of and with our members, Friends of the San Juans has been diligently engaging in updates to San Juan County’s official Comprehensive Plan. Known as the “Comp Plan,” it guides how our community will look in the future. The County’s Comp Plan sets goals and priorities that guide the ... read more

Ballots for the 2020 election should be in your mailbox any time now. At times like this, when all eyes are on the national elections, it can be easy to forget that it’s our local elections that have a bigger impact on our day-to-day lives, in many ways. Friends of the San Juans’ staff and ... read more

The staff and board of Friends of the San Juans stands in solidarity with those demanding justice for George Floyd, along with countless other Black lives taken too soon. We all must play a part in dismantling the violent and racist system that has defined our country for far too long. Our mission to protect ... read more

The staff of Friends of the San Juans stands in solidarity with those demanding justice for George Floyd along with countless other Black lives taken too soon and too often. Our mission to protect and restore the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea includes our human communities and we stand for the health, safety, ... read more

Keeping safe and healthy during the COVID-19 global pandemic is removing much of the gains we have made in reducing plastic use and is creating new waste issues. Grocery stores around the country are not allowing re-usable bags (and bans are being put on hold), coffee shops are refusing to refill personal mugs, and as ... read more

As of summer 2019, there are currently over 1,000 permitted vacation rentals in San Juan County, WA. Currently there is no limit on the number of vacation rentals in the county, and permits convey with the sale of a property. Unlike official businesses like bed and breakfasts, hotels and resorts, licensing constraints are minimal for ... read more

Approximately 150 people attended the second Community Conversation on Vacation Rentals, held at the Orcas High School Cafeteria on Wednesday evening September 25, 2019. Introductions and a review of the agenda and process were presented by Diane Berreth. Yonatan Aldort, the appointed leader of the Vacation Rentals Working Group, delivered an opening comment. Five presentations ... read more