san juan county land bank annual report 2016

Transcription

1 san juan county land bank annual report 2016

2 from the chair ACQUISITIONS 2016 As I finish up my two-year stint as Chair of this fine organization, one thing stands out as a shining example of what healthy community is all about. That thing is the notion of working in partnership with other people and other organizations towards common goals. And this year s cover perfectly illustrates that concept. Every community starts out with the same building blocks, the same generic black and white plans of infrastructure, but it is the citizens that bring life to the community. It is the humanity that brings color. Over twenty-five years ago, in 1990, the citizens of San Juan County came together to create the Land Bank and keep the rich colors of our island community vibrant. It was a visionary community act. It was doing the right thing. This richness comes in the form of projects spread across the archipelago: New s on Orcas and Henry Islands and a conservation easement on Waldron Island; continuing efforts to raise funds for Mount Grant and Zylstra Lake, and a trail easement donation on San Juan Island. It is seen in our many partners and volunteers from federal, state, and local agencies, non-profits and island based youth conservation corps, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds. And of course, it is seen in the diversity of experiences for those visiting the properties spectacular vistas of Turtleback, the soft sand of the Spit at Fisherman Bay, the quiet forest of Limekiln... So, once again, what are you waiting for Get Outside! Jim Skoog Land Bank Commission Chair (360) mobile arrowhead@rockisland.com Lower Cascade Creek at the new Coho on Orcas Island. Huntley Conservation Easement, Waldron Island In March 2016, the Land Bank purchased a conservation easement from the Huntley family on Waldron Island s north shore. The 34-acre property includes over 2,500 feet of undeveloped barrier beach and feeder bluff. A buffer of native forest extends inland, providing additional ecological function and habitat richness. Intact shoreline is critically important for salmon that depend on terrestrial food sources; particularly Chinook. Feeder bluffs contribute nutrients into marine systems, and arthropods that dwell in the tree canopy, shrub layer, and soils comprise a significant portion of juvenile salmon s diet. The acquisition connects existing preserved parcels, resulting in over 6,300 feet of natural shoreline. The Boundary Pass/President Channel area has the highest salmon abundance and longest undeveloped shoreline in the county, and is a regional priority for salmon recovery efforts. The conservation easement will ensure that the ecological functions of this land is honored into the future. The project was funded through a nearly $300,000 grant from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board. A portion of now permanently protected barrier beach along Boundary Pass. Photo credit: Kurt Thorson Gladstein Trail Easement Donation, San Juan Island Since 2009, the Land Bank has been working with the San Juan Island Trails Committee to secure trail easements and licenses along Cattle Point Road extending from Friday Harbor to the American Camp Unit of San Juan Island National Historical Park, a distance of roughly 5.5 miles. In June, Michael and Kristina Gladstein purchased a property with 1,000 feet of frontage along Cattle Point Road; four months later, they generously donated a trail easement, expanding the total of completed trail to 5 miles. We are indebted to them. 2 3

3 FEATURED ACQUISiTION: COHO PRESERVE Peek a boo view of Haro Strait through a mature Garry oak tree. HART DONATION, HENRY Island At the end of 2016, the Land Bank received a spectacular gift of an 80-acre property on Henry Island. The new has two shorelines extending over 3,100 feet. The western shore on the Haro Strait hosts cormorant rookeries; and in the upland, Garry oak savannah reaches to the summit with expansive views to Vancouver Island. To the east, dense forests of the interior yield to Open Bay with several pocket beaches nestled amidst rocky outcrops. I have been honored to take my turn stewarding this special place and now to ensure that it stays conserved for the foreseeable future, said donor Sarah Hart. I am so grateful it will remain possible for visitors to see it much as it appeared to the Coast Salish peoples who first camped and fished here so long ago. Sarah has donated the Coho : A WORLD OF WONDER Imagine a place where, surrounded by towering forest, you can watch droplets of waterfall spray alight like sparks on the fringed leaves of maidenhair fern; where a soft, climbing path leads you to the sanctuary of wrens and warblers, their songs echoing from a massive rock cleft. Continue along and the buoyant energy of a dipper, foraging with purpose midst stony riffles, may catch your eye, while elusive denizens the Cooper s hawk and wood duck, the barred owl and Swainson s thrush take silent note of your passage. In the creek, salmon and trout spawn, feed, shelter and grow in the precious water that is their lifeblood. Coho is a small (24 acre) yet exceptional natural area. It is a place of beauty, biologic diversity, and ecologic significance. The acquisition, which utilized funding from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, ensures that upland forest buffer and essential habitat are permanently protected. The public will be able to experience and enjoy the preserve from a 1/2 mile hiking trail. AMERICAN DIPPERS He is the mountain streams own darling, the hummingbird of blooming waters, loving rocky ripple-slopes and sheets of foam as a bee loves flowers, as a lark loves sunshine and meadows. ~ John Muir American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus) sometimes referred to as water ouzels, make their year-round home along Cascade Creek at Coho. These stout, dark, shortwinged birds have a characteristic bobbing motion when perched hence the common name dipper. Their calls are loud and high-pitched. underlying fee interest in the property to the Land Bank, along with a conservation easement to the San Juan Preservation Trust. While the is not yet open to the public, the Land Bank will be starting its management planning effort soon and hopes to create access for paddlers and others as early as As one of the conditions for the donation, the Land Bank will provide the opportunity for Coast Salish peoples to use the site for ceremonies and other culturally important events for short periods each year. Dippers rely almost solely on rushing, unpolluted rivers and streams where they forage on aquatic insects and larva, worms, small fish, fish eggs, and flying insects. They have unique physical adaptations that allow them to feed underwater, including solid bones, dense plumage, and nasal flaps. Their nests are built near or over moving water in a confined space where they use moss, grass and rootlets to cradle a clutch of three eggs. While Dippers are not endangered, they may be threatened by water pollution, acidification and turbidity caused by erosion, as well as human disturbance of nesting and foraging sites. The Land Bank is thrilled to be hosting these special birds at Coho. 4 5

4 STEWARDSHIP Spring time view along Turtleback Mountain s Morning Ridge Trail. TURTLEBACK TURNS TEN 2016 marked the 10-year anniversary of Turtleback Mountain, a beloved 1,576 acre natural area on Orcas Island. When this local landmark went up for sale in 2006, community response was swift and clear: Turtleback must be saved! The Land Bank pledged 10 million dollars, while the The San Juan Preservation Trust and the Trust for Public Land raised a stunning 8.5 million dollars in less than 6 months from over 2,000 donors. Instead of being developed into 40 home sites, the land was secured as our enduring community treasure. (right) Bare stem lomatium (Lomatium utriculatum) seeds (below) Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) pods Public participation in creating a management plan for the mountain was strong and diverse. As a result, three management zones were created: one for pedestrian trails, one for multiple use trails, and one trail-less reserve area dedicated to Turtleback s silent users its resident plants and animals. The Land Bank now stewards over 8 miles of trails. Several thousand visitors enjoy the mountain each year. 20 acres of rare Garry oak savannah have been restored for the birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and ancient trees that need this habitat. Annual expert-led interpretive walks explore topics ranging from forest ecology to insects to wildflowers. Turtleback Mountain is a place to greet friends along the trail, to bask in the sun, to admire from the valley and waterways below. Join the Land Bank in gratitude for Turtleback and for the privilege of taking part in its story. SALISH SEEDS PROJECT GROWS AGAIN The Salish Seeds Project produces plants, bulbs, and seeds of native island wildflowers and grasses for Land Bank preserves and other local restoration projects. Managed by the Land Bank, the project is centered in a nursery located at the San Juan Preservation Trust s Red Mill Farm in San Juan Valley. A surprise private donation of $25,000 in 2016 gave the Salish Seeds Project a huge boost. The funds are being used to further improve the nursery facility, allowing the Land Bank to expand production. Interested partners and landowners will be able to purchase plants at cost by prior arrangement. To learn more, contact nursery manager Eliza Habegger at (360) Monthly volunteer work parties are another great way to get involved. Chocolate lily (Fritillaria affinis) seeds 6 7

5 PRESERVES & conservation easements Eastsound Waterfront Park Stonebridge-Terrill Land Bank s WALDRON Coffelt Farm Crescent Beach Conservation / Historic Preservation Easements Purchase Pending 50-year lease from WA State DNR Turtleback Mountain Judd Cove ORCAS Labeled preserves provide public access. Deer Harbor Waterfront HENRY CRANE SAN JUAN Beaverton Marsh SHAW Upright Head BLAKELY Limekiln Mount Grant King Sisters Fisherman Bay s Deadman Bay Westside Scenic LOPEZ Hummel Lake Our Mandate To preserve in perpetuity areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic or low-intensity recreational value and to protect existing and future sources of potable water. Frazer Homestead Third Lagoon Lopez Hill NORTH Watmough Bay 8

6 Improvement & TRAIL UPDATES ACQUISITIONS FUNDING UPDATE FARM AND HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS ON FALSE BAY CREEK Last summer, drivers on Bailer Hill Road took note of crews and machinery at work on the Land Bank s False Bay Creek, located across from the junction with False Bay Drive. This was the second and final phase of a project designed to improve water quality, stream habitat, and water supply and distribution for livestock. The is managed for both farming (it is currently leased for seasonal cattle grazing) and native habitats. To achieve habitat and water quality goals, streams were fenced to exclude cattle, and hundreds of trees and shrubs were planted. Also, an improved livestock watering system was installed, which included deepening an existing pond, installing a solar-powered pumping station, and burying a pipeline to convey water to a storage tank and three watering stations. All work was made possible with grant funds offered through the San Juan Islands Conservation District. Anyone interested in having a look at the installation is encouraged to contact the Land Bank. We are always looking for ways to stretch taxpayer funds for Land Bank projects. In 2016 there was a flurry of activity focused on Mount Grant and Zylstra Lake on San Juan and great results from our shoreline and stream conservation projects on Waldron and Orcas as well as the Hart donation on Henry. We secured nearly $800,000 for what is now the Coho along the lower stretch of Cascade Creek on Orcas and for a conservation easement on the Huntley property (see page 2 for details). On San Juan, we applied for $1 million from the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program which we learned was funded just after the start of the New Year! We also applied to the state Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) for $1 million for Mount Grant and nearly $1.1 million for Zylstra Lake. WWRP is highly competitive, but both of our proposals ranked very highly and we re eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Capital budget process in Olympia (which likely won t be known until April or May). Local artists raised $3,900 for Mount Grant at the San Juan County Fair! Birds-eye view of False Bay Creek. Photo credit: christerenphotography.com San Juan Island American Camp Trail An additional 1000 section of the trail completed Limekiln Trail New trail is approximately 300 Lopez Island Hummel Lake Dock repurposed to boardwalk Mount Grant UPDATE The Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust closed on this 141-acre San Juan property in March of 2015, but over $2 million was still owed to the seller and we also wanted to establish a $1 million endowment fund to manage the property. The Land Bank committed $1 million of this and the Trust embarked on a public campaign to raise the final $2.2 million. As 2016 came to a close and nearly 900 individual donations later, this goal had been whittled down to only about $10,000! Final success came a few days into Over the coming year, the Land Bank, in conjunction with the Trust, will be working with the community to crystallize our collective vision on providing access and facilities while maintaining the natural integrity of the

7 the numbers add up! our volunteers Volunteer preserve stewards, Peggy and Ed, in their happy place. Tending Turtleback: Stellar Volunteers Ed Lutz and Peggy Elston (above) Northwest Youth Corps and SJI Conservation Corps wipe out weeds on Mount Grant. (below) Great Islands Clean-Up volunteers at Third Lagoon. Part of the joy of meandering along trails is that moment of discovery a blooming wildflower, a peek-a-boo view, the unexpected shaggy mane. These are the moments that we take away and reflect upon later, and what draws us back to that favorite spot again and again. In 2016 more than 85 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours tending to your favorite Land Bank spots. Some of those hours were spent improving over 1,300 feet of trail, repurposing a 4,000 lb dock into a boardwalk, and sowing approximately 1 million native plant seeds in various restoration sites on Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Their efforts help support not only the Land Bank, but the community as a whole, as we all reap the rewards of their generosity. Join our cadre of committed caretakers! Contact Tanja Williamson at (360) or tanjaw@sjclandbank.org to learn more about current volunteer opportunities. More than 85 volunteers improved over 1,300 feet of trail, repurposed a 4,000 lb dock into a boardwalk, and sowed approximately 1 million native plant seeds in various restoration sites on Orcas and San Juan Island. From the beginning, Ed and Peggy have been part of a small group of dedicated volunteers who help care for Turtleback Mountain, providing an invaluable complement to Land Bank staff, season after season, year after year. We have always believed in giving back to the community, and feel fortunate to volunteer on Turtleback Peggy explains. We are grateful the land is preserved and believe it is important to keep it as pristine as possible. We are grateful the land is preserved and believe it is important to keep it as pristine as possible. When asked what they enjoy most, Ed and Peggy agree. We enjoy the changing seasons, and the Garry oaks are more spectacular each time we visit. It is also fun to meet visitors and share the story of the Land Bank, Preservation Trust, and community working together with foresight and determination to make preserving the mountain possible. What makes an exemplary volunteer preserve steward? They show up, observe, and keep in touch. They follow the rules (stay on trails, leash the dog, leave no trace) and, with thoughtful diplomacy, remind others to do so as well. They cherish the place. And we cherish them

8 2016 financials agricultural projects MATCHING FUNDS FOR 2016 PROJECTS 250, ,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 Hart Henry Island Property Sarah Hart Donation Cascade Creek Acquisition Washington State Salmon Funding Recovery Board: $ 492,500 Land Bank: $ 88,500 Land Bank Agricultural s and Easements The Land Bank continues to protect and provide farmers access to hundreds of acres of farmland on both preserves and easements, while protecting surrounding critical habitat and resource areas. These lands produce a diversity of local products including hay, grain, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In addition to producing food, farmers maintain farm infrastructure, water access and quality, soil health, and control noxious weeds. Their stewardship will help keep these lands in cultivation for generations. For more information on our farm lease program contact Phil Shephard at shephard.phil@gmail.com. Waldron Island Conservation Easement Washington State Salmon Funding Recovery Board: $ 286,400 Land Bank: $ 50,600 False Bay Creek Management Project San Juan Islands Conservation District: $ 50,000 Land Bank: $ 16,625 Land Bank funds Partner grants and donations 2016 Conservation Grant funds received Hart Henry Island Property 80-acres on Henry Island which includes shoreline on both Open Bay and Haro Strait. Property has unique ecological features which include pocket beaches and two cormorant rookeries as well as Garry oak savannah and contiguous forest. It provides dramatic and sweeping views over Haro Strait and Vancouver Island and southwest across Open Bay to San Juan Island and beyond. Cascade Creek Acquisition 24 acres on the lower reaches of Cascade Creek near Olga on Orcas Island, ensuring preservation of a unique 2,100 foot stretch of riparian corridor with adjacent upland forest. Waldron Island Conservation Easement An exceptional stretch of undeveloped coastline on Waldron Island s north shore. False Bay Creek Management Project $36,375 in second year of a two year project ($50,000 in total) to enhance possible fish presence, improve habitat for waterfowl and other terrestrial wildlife while utilizing and managing livestock in the high priority False Bay Watershed. Local cattle enjoying the sunshine at Frazer Homestead on San Juan Island. Washington State University Extension Pasture Enhancement Study Our local WSU Extension director, Brook Brouwer and partners, began utilizing approximately 1/2 acre of the Beaverton Marsh for a pasture management pilot study to test forage response to soil amendments. The objective is to quantify the impact of lime and organic fertilizer on forage yield, forage quality, soil nutrient availability, and plant species composition in an established hay field. This study aims to provide a demonstration site to discuss forage management options for landowners in San Juan County. For more information contact Brook Brouwer: brook.brouwer@wsu.edu

9 summer calendar of events SAVE THE DATES! For more information on an event listed below, please contact Tanja Williamson at or visit our events calendar online at: www. sjclandbank.org/events. San Juan Island April 22 Third Lagoon Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up Great Islands Clean Up April 29 Red Mill Farm Nursery Seeds and Bees: A Salish Seeds Nursery Tour with Eliza Habegger, SJCLB Land Steward and Thor Hanson, Biologist May 7 Cady Mountain Volunteer Event: Oak Team Work Party May 21 Cady Mountain Volunteer Event: Oak Team Work Party May 20 American Camp Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up Wildflower Walk with Ranger Raena Parsons June 3 Roche Harbor Trails Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up National Trails Day Hike with Theresa Simendinger, SJI Trails Committee (left) Ceanothus Silkmoth among the thistle. (right) Happy haulers after a beach clean-up on Lopez Island. June 18 Cady Mountain Volunteer Event: Oak Team Work Party Aug San Juan County Fairgrounds San Juan County Fair Aug 21 South Beach Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up Solar Eclipse Sept 30 Red Mill Farm Nursery Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up National Public Lands Day with Eliza Habegger, SCJLB Land Steward Orcas Island May 13 Diamond Hill Native Plant Hike with Land Bank Staff June 10 Coffelt Farm National Get Outdoors Day: Birding with Kim Middleton, Ornithologist Forest floor along President Channel. July 8 Turtleback Mountain What s Happening with the Oaks? with Land Bank Staff Aug 26 Judd Cove Lime Kiln Interpretive Walk with Boyd Pratt, Historian Lopez Island April 22 TBD Great Islands Clean Up June 4 Cady Mountain Volunteer Event: Oak Team Work Party June 18 Cady Mountain Volunteer Event: Oak Team Work Party July 22 Deadman Bay Family Nature Club Monthly Meet-Up Tidepooling with Erika Iyengar, Biologist May 13 Hummel Lake Garter Snake Interpretive Walk with Leonard Jones, Biologist June 3 Lopez Hill National Trails Day Hike with Tim Clark, SJCLB Steward Sept 30 TBD National Public Lands Day 16 17

10 (360) Court Street, No. 6 Friday Harbor, Washington Commissioners 2016 Jim Skoog, District 1, position 1, Chair Matthew Wallrath, District 2, position 2 (Jan Feb) Marlis Sandwith, District 2, position 2 Amanda Wedow, District 3, position 3 Brian Wiese, at large, position 4 Douglas Strandberg, at large, position 5, Finance Officer Amanda Azous, at large, position 6 Christa Campbell, at large, position 7, Vice-Chair Staff Lincoln Bormann, Director Tim Clark, Lopez Island Steward Judy Cumming, Program Coordinator Ruthie Dougherty, Orcas Island Steward Eliza Habegger, Land Steward Doug McCutchen, San Juan Island Steward Tanja Williamson, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator Casey Hons, Field Assistant, Orcas Island Ethan Schmidt, Field Assistant, San Juan Island (Jan June) Charlie Behnke, Field Assistant, San Juan Island (July Dec) Interior photos by staff and volunteers unless noted. Design by Partners in Design Printed on 30% post-consumer waste stock ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 744