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07/26/2005: "Cady Mountain Forest Land Protected"

By Eliza Habegger

The San Juan County Land Bank has signed an agreement with the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the purchase of 40 acres on Cady Mountain, San Juan Island. Old-growth and mature forest groves, secluded wetlands, and rocky outcrops with views of Mt. Baker are among the property's special features. This purchase will keep the land in public hands, and will enhance the Land Bank's adjoining 80 acre Cady Mountain Preserve. Closing of the transaction is expected by the end of 2005.

"I feel like I've gone back into the wilderness when I walk over that hill," said Cady Mountain resident Tom Small. "This land, with its huge trees and beautiful forest, supports a sense of peace for me. It's one of the few remaining untouched places on this island."


In spring 2005, DNR notified the Land Bank that unless they could buy the property, it would be sold at a public auction in the fall 2005. The Land Bank and DNR agreed to a purchase for the appraised value of $500,000. If the land were sold to a private owner, rezoning could allow for the development of up to 7 homes. Under Land Bank ownership, it will be managed as a nature preserve and for its low-intensity public access opportunities.

The Land Bank is in the process of creating a management plan for its existing 80 acre Cady Mountain Preserve as well as the anticipated 40 acre addition. "We want to protect the beauty and ecology of this natural area, and eventually invite islanders to enjoy the peaceful setting." said Land Bank Acting Director Eliza Habegger. "We look forward to providing a low-key destination with one or more primitive walking trails. Right now we're seeking public comments as we plan how best to do that." The preserve is not open to the public at this time.

DNR School Trust Lands
The Cady Mountain DNR parcel is one of many "School Trust Land" properties owned and managed by the state to produce income (usually from the sale of timber) for Washington's public schools. Totaling hundreds of acres in San Juan County, many of these lands also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation or contain significant wildlife habitat. Mitchell Hill on San Juan, Point Lawrence on Orcas, and Lopez Hill on Lopez are some of the better known and loved School Trust Lands in the County.

Alarm bells sounded in 2001 when DNR notified the County that the School Trust Land properties were slated for sale because of their low timber harvest value. Sale of the properties, preferably to other public agencies, would help DNR meet their fiduciary responsibility to public schools. The Land Bank and other public agencies – including Washington State Parks, The National Park Service, San Juan County Parks, and the Bureau of Land Management - joined together to create a plan for the future protection of these properties. Shark Reef was transferred to San Juan County earlier this year through a state-funded program. The Land Bank purchased the 40 acre Diamond Hill property on Orcas Island, and helped protect a 30 acre Shaw Island parcel with a "forever wild" conservation easement. Recreation sites on Upright Channel and Griffin Bay are in the process of being transferred to Washington State Parks.

But other DNR lands may still be auctioned off to private purchasers if acquisition funds cannot be found. Finding sufficient sources of funding to maintain public ownership of these important lands is an ongoing challenge. For more information contact the Land Bank office at 378-4402.

About the Land Bank
The Land Bank program was approved by San Juan County voters in 1990. In 1999, the program was renewed for 12 more years by a nearly 73 percent vote of support. The program is funded by a one percent real estate excise tax paid by purchasers of property in the county. Land Bank funds are set aside expressly for the purpose of preserving the natural heritage of the San Juan Islands. The Land Bank's mission includes preserving and maintaining open space and providing opportunities for low-impact recreation.