LAND BANK EXPANDS CRESCENT BEACH PRESERVE

Land Bank Photo
The Land Bank has announced the acquisition of 10 acres and 450 feet of shoreline at Crescent Beach, Orcas Island. This purchase expands the Land Bank's Crescent Beach Preserve, adding conifer forest, wetlands, a potential off-road parking area, and possibilities for future trail connections. The land was purchased from Scott McKay for $890,000 and included settlement of a longstanding shoreline property dispute. $700,000 was paid at closing, with an option for the remaining $190,000 to be paid for in land of equal value in lieu of cash.

"Scott McKay must be thanked for enabling this special land to be protected," said Land Bank Acting Director Eliza Habegger. "Without his perseverance and commitment , the deal would never have come together."

"Crescent Beach has been a top conservation priority for the Land Bank since the community voted to establish the Land Bank program in 1990," said Gene Knapp, Land Bank Commissioner and Orcas Island resident. Located just east of Eastsound, Crescent Beach Preserve protects a stunning sweep of beach, southerly views down the Eastsound Preserve, rich intertidal habitat, and an extensive wetland complex. The beach above the oyster beds is open to the public for walking, nature viewing, and other low impact activities. To date, the Land Bank has protected 131 acres of forest, meadow and wetland and over 2,000 feet of shoreline at Crescent Beach. An additional xx acres of wetland are managed by the private non-profit San Juan Preservation Trust.

"This land has been in my family for over forty years. As a child, I spent hours uncovering crabs and other curiosities among the driftwood. I'm pleased that the Land Bank will be caring for the land and giving others a chance to explore and enjoy the natural world," said former property owner, Scott McKay.
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