Preservation Trust campaign to save Guemes mountain saves it!

Guemes Mountain (on right) connects to nearly 500 acres of continguous open space and wildlife habitat, much of which is protected by the San Juan Preservation Trust. (photo by Mark Linnemann)

The Campaign to Save Guemes Mountain is a success! Kathleen from the San Juan Preservation Trust reports:

Dear Ian,

“We Did It!” That’s the phrase heard from the San Juan Preservation Trust, Skagit Land Trust, and other Save Guemes Mountain Campaign leaders and supporters who have succeeded in raising $2.2 million to purchase and permanently protect Guemes Mountain, 70 acres of rocky balds and conifer forest rising serenely over picturesque Guemes Island.

An amazing outpouring of support from the Guemes community and beyond (including more than 550 donations from individuals, families, foundations, and businesses), made this campaign a success. In addition to donations, volunteers gladly stepped to the plate to host or assist with many varied events– from house parties to the rollicking “Picnic in the Park”– helping raise awareness of this special piece of land and encourage people to invest in their own backyard.

So…what’s next for the Mountain, now that it has been saved from development? Skagit Land Trust will own the property, while the San Juan Preservation Trust will hold a conservation easement on the land.

Stewardship funds still needed
The Boeing Charitable Fund has granted $50,000 towards stewardship of the property. A neighbor of the property has agreed to donate a trail easement allowing access to the mountain, and both land trusts will work together to establish walking trails to favorite vew sites. While we are very grateful to the Boeing Charitable Fund and to the Anacortes Parks Foundation (who also granted funds for stewardship) we are continuing to seek donations for long-term care of the property.

For more information on the campaign, to make a stewardship donation, or to view public access details, please visit the Guemes Mountain Campaign web site.

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