Lori Momchilovich Reflects on Archiving Friends’ Legal and Environmental Advocacy
Last spring, Friends welcomed Lori Momchilovich as our Document Archivist, a role focused on organizing and digitizing decades of paper records. With 15 years of experience in public and private libraries, and a background in education, Lori brought both skill and passion to the monumental task of cataloging the Friends’ legal archives. Over hundreds of hours, she carefully sorted and scanned more than fifteen boxes of documents, uncovering stories that trace Friends’ deep history of advocacy and impact. Since moving to Friday Harbor in 2022, Lori has been eager to learn more about her new home, whether through hiking the island trails, exploring local plants and wildlife, or, in this case, diving into the roots of the environmental movement on the San Juans. In the process, she gained a new appreciation for landmark victories, the importance of land use planning, and the lasting role Friends and it’s members have played in shaping the islands we know today. We recently sat down with Lori to hear more about what she discovered.
Q: What inspired you to join the Friends team, and why were you interested in working on this project?
When I saw the ad in the local paper for the Document Archivist job, I thought to myself, “I would be perfect for this job!” I have 15 years’ experience working at various public and private libraries and love organizing things. I also wanted to learn more about the Friends of the San Juans. Scanning and organizing historical documents from Friends’ legal archives sounded like a fantastic way to learn about the history of the San Juan Islands and the unique and important organization that is Friends.
Q: What were some of the most interesting legal cases that Friends was involved in?
I knew that there had been a gravel pit where the LaFarge Open Space is now, but I had no idea the extent of the operations. Historic aerial photos show the site extending to essentially the entire area of Jackson Beach. But today, Jackson Beach is a favorite spot for swimming and picnicking. Friends collaborated with local groups to determine the best way to utilize the space once the land was reclaimed.
Living on San Juan Island, I had heard of the San Juan County Comprehensive Plan but didn’t appreciate its true importance until I started working at Friends. None of us want to see the disappearance of the island’s rural character, beautiful forests, shorelines, and waterways due to overuse. The Comprehensive Plan is designed to manage growth and implement regulations that protect our local environment while addressing the community’s needs. During the County’s first Comp Plan process, Friends opposed the unrestricted allowance of detached ADUs in rural and resource lands to maintain compliance with the policies set by the state of Washington’s Growth Management Act. This action is one of the reasons we continue to have healthy habitats, rural character, and plenty of forests, wetlands, and farmlands today.
Q: Did any cases particularly surprise you?
I didn’t realize that the Navy performs training exercises so near to the San Juan Islands. Parts of the Salish Sea are within the boundaries of the Northwest Training Range Complex (NTRC). The training exercises include the use of high-frequency and mid-frequency sonar, as well as conducting weapons testing and exercises. Several studies have concluded that the use of underwater sonar can cause injury and even death to whales and other marine life. The Navy sought permits to intensify and accelerate the tempo of training exercises in the NTRC. The Friends became involved with other groups to request that the National Marine Fisheries Service reassess permits for naval training activities.
Q: What is something you want people to know about Friends?
Reviewing years’ worth of Friends’ documents has really opened my eyes to everything the organization has done to protect the inhabitants of the Salish Sea! Whether initiating policy and legal action, collaborating with other groups to raise awareness, or educating the community about an endangered species or threatened habitat, we are fortunate to have this passionate group working to protect the San Juans and Salish Sea.
Working for the Friends of the San Juans has definitely given me a more informed perspective on environmental issues, both in the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest.
For nearly 50 years, Friends’ members have advanced the advocacy, science, and legal victories that protect these islands. Become a member today and help write the next chapter in this story of community action and resilience.
