Land Bank Closes On Two Properties

(Orcas: Stonebridge outlined, other Land Bank properties labeled)

On Friday October 28th, the Land Bank purchased Stonebridge Farm on Orcas Island and a conservation easement on Crane Island, adjacent to Pole Pass.

The 74-acre Stonebridge Farm connects two existing Land Bank holdings, Crescent Beach Preserve, to the south, and the Terrill Beach Wetlands, to the north. Stonebridge Farm is best known for its expansive hay field to the north of Mt. Baker Road and for the covered bridge constructed by the previous owner, Burton Burton. The Land Bank acquired the site for its scenic and ecological values and recreational potential. The purchase price was $1,825,000.00.

"With this purchase, it could be possible to walk from Crescent Beach up to the Terrill Beach wetlands," stated Lincoln Bormann, Land Bank Director. "It also gives us the opportunity to restore the wetland areas on Stonebridge and on the former Greer property running to the north," Bormann added. "This is a key purchase for the residents and for the ecology of Orcas Island."

Under the Conservation Buyers Program, the Land Bank has the option of reselling a portion of the property to help defray purchase costs. Any portion of the property sold would likely be encumbered with a conservation easement to protect views and open space values.

67-acre Pole Pass Easement

(Pole Pass property

The Pole Pass conservation easement eliminates development potential from the headlands adjacent to the narrow passage between Crane and Orcas Islands. Although the easement covers only.67 acres, the property is highly visible from the water, including the ferry route through the Wasp Passage. "The residents of Crane Island took it upon themselves to protect this area," said Bormann. "They raised nearly all the money for its acquisition and approached the Land Bank to put them over the top. This is a great public/private partnership." The purchase price of the conservation easement was $70,000.00. Total acquisition costs for the parcel exceeded $300,000.00.


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.

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