Peter Fisher
Strategic Advisor
Former Board President
he/him/his
Peter Fisher joined the Friends of the San Juans Board in 1987 and served as Board President from 1988 to 1991. During the 1980s, Peter played a pivotal role in shaping San Juan County’s history by imagining, initiating, and stewarding transformative “Healthy Community” projects:
As President of Friends of the San Juans, Peter led the creation of a region-wide coalition that successfully preserved Madrona Point on Orcas Island through a $2.2 million Congressional appropriation in 1989. Madrona Point, a sacred burial ground for the Lummi Nation, also held three white and mixed-blood cemeteries. In the 1980s, when a Seattle developer proposed a dense condominium project on the site, Peter’s leadership ensured the protection of this sacred land, preserving it for future generations.
Recognizing the growing need to balance rapid development with environmental conservation, Peter initiated and led the effort to create the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank. Established by popular vote in 1990, the Land Bank is funded by a real estate excise tax—where growth helps fund conservation. To date, it has generated over $125 million, preserving beloved farms, landscapes, and beaches across the islands while protecting fragile forests and water resources for public enjoyment and ecological health.
Inspired by his experiences living and studying in Norway, Peter also worked to establish OPAL Community Land Trust, which officially incorporated in 1989. Through the efforts of many, the trust has raised over $50 million to create more than 200 permanently affordable housing units on Orcas Island, providing rental and ownership opportunities that strengthen the community.
Peter also integrates art into his community-building efforts. A professional fine art photographer since 1975, Peter will celebrate his 50th anniversary with an exhibition at the Orcas Center in June 2025. Learn more about his work at www.petercfisher.com.
