06/20/2006: "County Granted Time To Pursue Options On DNR Land"

The possibility of State land on Lopez and San Juan being sold and developed has both public and private groups scrambling to come up with a solution that will allow it to remain under public control. The land in question is acreage owned by the Wa State DNR (Department of Natural Resources). The possibility of the transfer of ownership by sale to the private sector of 400+ acres of Lopez Hill, and 300+ acres of Mitchell Hill on San Juan Island has resulted in discussion between the County and the state as to how DNR land can remain in public ownership. Obviously the basic problem is one of money. DNR is charged with managing it's holdings to produce money for the state, and the land that it controls is not producing revenue, so the best thing for the state to do is sell it.

The intention of DNR to sell Mitchell Hill and Lopez Hill became a major concern when it was rumored that a controversial land developer may have an interest in purchase and development of the properties. (Past story) The threat of a possible sale resulted in a meeting on Friday, June 16, between State Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland and staff from the Department of Natural Resources with representatives from the County Council and the Land Bank to discuss methods by which the DNR lands may be able to remain under public control, and at the same time generate the revenue for the state that is required by law.

There are currently only five properties in the county that could be sold, and the meeting explored different options for these properties that would protect them from development.

According to a press release issued after the meeting, "it was agreed that pursuing federal options regarding Mitchell Hill and state options for Lopez Hill seemed to be the best route". The good news is that Commissioner Sutherland is willing to give the County three or four years to attempt to pursue "federal options regarding Mitchell Hill and state options for Lopez Hill" to keep the properties in public ownership; or to come up with a local solution that would protect the properties.

Commissioner Doug Sutherland was quoted as saying that "I'm delighted with the working relationship we've developed with San Juan County and look forward to continuing to work together while addressing this issue," Representing the County Council at the meeting, Kevin Ranker is quoted as stating "It is obvious to me that Commissioner Sutherland is committed to helping our communities preserve these beautiful areas for the public."

What the various options may be that will allow the protection of the land has not been stated, but it is expected that the County Council will soon have the subject as a topic of discussion for possible action.