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01/10/2008: "One Step Closer to Public Access On Cady Mt."

The San Juan County Land Bank purchased 10 acres from Bruce Clark in December 2007 adjacent to its existing Cady Mountain Preserve on San Juan Island.

The Clark acquisition has added a shady fern-filled ravine and a fringe of Garry Oak woodland to the Preserve’s existing Garry Oak savanna, mature forest and open meadows. “Perhaps more importantly”, said Land Steward Eliza Habegger, “it takes the Land Bank one step closer to its goal of a primitive, public trail that could one day lead from the county road to the mountain’s top.”

Land Bank efforts to protect forest land on Cady Mountain began in 2002 with the purchase of 40 acres. The effort continued in 2005 when an acquisition from the Department of Natural Resources kept an additional 80 acres in public hands. With the new purchase the preserve now consists of 130 acres and features outstanding views.



The Land Bank has worked in recent years with the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program to restore Garry Oak habitat on the Cady Mountain Preserve. The area was identified in the 1975 study of San Juan County Natural Areas as being of the highest priority for conservation due to its oak stands.

Eliza Habegger was assisted on the project by Thom Pence a Land Bank Commissioner and retired forester with a lifelong dedication to conservation. “This addition to the Cady Mountain Preserve is a Commissioner’s dream!” said Pence. “Not only does it provide the possibility to extend scenic hiking access to the mountain, but also incorporates one of the best, biologically diverse pieces of Garry Oak habitat remaining on the mountain. Such opportunities are rare and we fully appreciate our good fortune.”

The preserve also features various plants including the wildflower, Jeffrey’s shooting-star. While the preserve is not currently open to the public, photos of the view, the forest and the flowers can be seen on the Land Bank’s web site www.co.san-juan.wa.us/land_bank .

About the Land Bank
The Land Bank Program was approved by San Juan County voters in 1990. In 1999, the program was renewed fro 12 more years by a nearly 73 percent vote of support. The program is funded by a one percent real estate transfer tax. Paid by those who purchase property in the County, this tax expressly funds preservation of the natural heritage of the San Juan Islands. Through conservation easements or outright purchases, the Land Bank protects special properties in the County. These include marine shoreline, woodlands, farmland, wetlands, and historic homesteads.
The Land Bank has protected over 4,800 acres of important conservation lands throughout the San Juan Islands.

Public is invited to share their ideas and comments by email at sjclandbank@rockisland.com or by calling the Land Bank office at 360-378-4402.