At
Offshore Properties all of our realtors are proud of the fact that we
live in a place of such incredible natural beauty. As individuals and as
realtors we believe and support local conservation and preservation
organizations throughout the county that encourage Low Impact
Development. We understand that it is important to find a balance, a
balance between development, population increases and our natural
environment.
We believe in planning that protects existing natural features of
development; landscaping to encourage wildlife and reduce the use of
water and toxic chemicals; designing buildings to reduce energy
consumption and increase the efficient use of resources; selecting
materials to minimize resource and manufacturing impacts and taking
advantage of opportunities to recycle or reuse materials; using
practices that reduce waste and pollution during construction.
We believe that organizations such as the San Juan County Land Bank have
made vital contributions to the sustainability of the San Juan Islands'
beauty, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. These organizations are
used to protect natural features of the County, and maintain open space
and view corridors that the public wishes to save, while allowing for
smart, managed development.
The San Juan County Landbank
Islanders created the San
Juan County Land Bank in 1990 to preserve the islands' unique natural
heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. In 1999, by
a nearly 73% majority, the Land Bank was renewed for 12 more years.
This public program, guided by the San Juan County Ordinance, Chapter
16.54, Citizens Conservation Land Bank, is funded by a 1% real estate
transfer tax paid for by purchasers of property in San Juan County.
The funds are used to purchase conservation easements and to acquire
land outright. The Land Bank is committed to protecting its conservation
purchases forever with the establishment of a Stewardship investment
fund.
A Commission of seven citizen volunteers representing all islands meets
in a public forum once a month. Using local public opinion as a guide,
the commission and staff work to identify and protect areas in the
county with important scenic or low intensity recreational value,
existing or future sources of potable water, and lands of agricultural,
environmental, scientific, historic and cultural importance.
Stewardship means caring for properties to protect and preserve their
special features. Stewardship is a high priority for the Land Bank. The
Land Bank engages in a range of stewardship activities designed to
protect the community's investment and to be a good neighbor.
San Juan County Low Impact Development
Learn how to apply the
principles and practices of Low Impact Development (LID) for the
islands. Site provides resources for homeowners, builders, architects,
landscapers, realtors, contractors, planners and students in the San
Juan Islands.
1000 Friends of Washington
1000 Friends of
Washington is the only statewide organization in Washington that brings
citizens together to manage growth and stop sprawl. Our work focuses on
a strategic set of programs aimed at achieving the changes required to
protect Washington's quality of life.
Friends of the San Juans
To protect and promote the health and future of the San Juan Islands
land, water, natural and human communities. To support comprehensive
planning. To encourage individual and community participation. To foster
a stewardship ethic.
Islanders for Community Preservation
ICP is a non-partisan organization dedicated to developing realistic,
common-sense strategies to choose and achieve a future for the county
which honors the vision for the county crafted by citizens during the
official Comprehensive Plan development process and adopted by the
county commissioners. San Juan County is a beautiful, as yet unspoiled
archipelago. It is the fastest growing county in the State of
Washington. Without intervention, the current growth trends will result
in a community similar to every other small beautiful community in
America which has been discovered and developed: Aspen, Jackson Hole,
Martha's Vineyard.
The Marine Ecosystem Health Program
Focusing on the North American Pacific Ocean. Presently, emphasis is
given to issues facing the Inland Waters of Washington state and British
Columbia, Canada (the Puget Sound/Northwest Straits/Georgia Basin
region).
Marine Resources Committee
The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee is working to: protect
and restore nearshore, estuarine and rocky reef habitats, support salmon
and bottomfish recovery, establish marine protected areas, and promote
public awareness about marine resource issues.
The San Juan Islands Natural Areas
Project
Conceived by Terry Domico about 20 years ago. There are many small
ecologically important areas in the San Juan Islands that escape the
attention of the public, government policy makers, and even
environmentalists. This web site is intended to heighten public
consciousness about the value these areas and about the significance in
preserving them.
The San Juan County Conservation District
A local non-profit organization committed to protecting and enhancing
the natural resources of San Juan County. It is a legally constituted
arm of the State government, but is non regulatory and is governed by
five volunteers, the District Board of Supervisors, who establish local
priorities and set policy.
The primary responsibility of the District lies in maintaining and
building strong relationships and providing technical assistance to
local landowners and users of natural resources. Through these
relationships, the District acts as a link between individuals and
federal, state, and local agencies who provide technical and financial
assistance to local citizens for resource conservation including
forestry, wildlife, wetlands, pasture management, soil erosion, water
quality, & water conservation.
San Juan Nature Institute
Dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of the
unique natural history of the San Juan Archipelago through education,
research, and active involvement in Stewardship.
The San Juan Preservation Trust
The San Juan Preservation Trust is dedicated to helping people protect
the wildlife, scenery, and traditional way of life of the unique San
Juan Islands through the preservation and careful use of land.
The Trust believes that this legacy carries with it a responsibility of
stewardship, for this natural bounty is not ours alone, but a birthright
of future generations. It is now, while the San Juans are largely
unspoiled, that we must preserve its special beauty and natural value.
San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge
A group of 83 islands in the San Juan archipelago, totaling 454 acres.
Islands are categorized into four major habitat types: reefs, rocks,
grassy islands, and forested islands.
Westcott Bay Reserve
The Westcott Bay Institute (a non-profit organization) was formed as a
volunteer effort to create the Westcott Bay Reserve. The Reserve
officially opened on September 8th, 2001. The Reserve was made possible
through the generous dedication of the land for open space, by Roche
Harbor Resort. A site map is available at the entrance showing the
location of trails, and listing the artists and their sculptures. A new
birding brochure is also available at the entrance that identifies
nearly 120 birds found at the Reserve.
Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation
Center
Promotes the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through
rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife, public education and
non-invasive research.
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