01/09/2007: "Public Is Welcome on Turtleback Mountain"

The San Juan County Land Bank has announced that Turtleback Mountain Preserve is officially open to the public for pedestrian access. The purchase of Turtleback on November 16 was the culmination of a six month, $18.5 million fundraising campaign, a partnership between the San Juan Preservation Trust, the Land Bank, and the Trust for Public Land.

Visitors can expect a steep, rugged hike, exceptional views, and tranquility. Two trailheads provide parking for about 4 cars each. From the parking areas, pedestrians can ascend the mountain on improved gravel roads leading to rustic trails. Signage and maps mark each trailhead, with occasional wooden markers indicating trails. There are no toilets, garbage cans, or other facilities. Minor trail work is anticipated over the next few months.

The Preserve is open to foot-traffic only. In addition, no fires, camping, or hunting are allowed; dogs must be leashed; take nothing and leave no trace. With many neighbors living near the trailheads, everyone is asked to respect private property boundaries.

Turtleback Mountain is an exceptional natural area, one of the few undeveloped, dark ridgelines in the San Juan archipelago. From its open meadows and rocky ledges a visitor can seek views in all directions. Grasslands and Garry oak woodlands cover the mountain's dry southern slopes, while conifer forest blankets the remainder. Scattered wetlands provide crucial habitat for wildlife and moisture-loving plants. Seasonal drainages nourish the fertile wetlands of Crow Valley and the priority near-shore marine habitats of West Sound.

An interim management plan has been written to guide stewardship of the preserve. Over the next year, the Land Bank will focus on learning more about the property and hearing ideas from neighbors and the public. Once the mountain's resources are better known and documented, a detailed, final management plan will be written. Public input will be an essential part of that process. No major changes or projects will be attempted until this final plan is in place.