Topic: Environment
Zylstra Lake Preserve – Open for Public Comment
Written on August 11, 2020 at 2:45 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
San Juan County Land Bank is seeking public input on its updated Interim Stewardship and Management Plan (SMP) for the Zylstra Lake Preserve on San Juan Island. This updated interim plan details the Preserve’s abundant wildlife and habitat areas; provides a collaborative strategy for engaging with agricultural interests; and proposes opening approximately two miles of trail this Continue Reading
Record $5.2 Million Gift Expands Turtleback Preserve
Written on July 31, 2020 at 1:03 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Great news from San Juan Preservation Trust! Record gift expends Turtleback Preserve plus the precedent-setting donation also returns land to the Lummi Nation. The San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust today announced the acquisition and permanent conservation of a 36-acre addition to the Turtleback Mountain Preserve on Orcas Island. Concurrently, an Continue Reading
FHFF Virtual Cinema Presents The Story of Plastic July 16-19
Written on July 13, 2020 at 6:02 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s Summer 2020 Virtual Cinema will present a FREE virtual on-demand screening of The Story of Plastic anytime on July 16, 17, 18, and 19, followed by a hosted Q&A on July 19 at 6 pm PDT. To view the film and participate in the virtual Q&A, RSVP at www.fhff.org. Once you Continue Reading
Volunteer Opportunity
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
COVID 19 is creating many unique challenges for literally everyone and the Land Bank is no exception. The Land Bank typically uses a variety of strategies to achieve stewardship activities including volunteer work parties, collaborating with partners, engaging special interest groups, and leveraging help from youth conservation corps type organizations. At this time we are Continue Reading
Discover San Juan Islands 2020
Written on June 10, 2020 at 6:25 am, by Tim Dustrude
Your Conservation Land Bank turns 30 this year and is celebrating with a multi-island exploration. Every preserve has a story – gather your family and get outside this summer to discover what your public lands have to say! The San Juan County Land Bank teamed up with the Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island libraries Continue Reading
Surface Water in a Subarctic Desert
Written on June 10, 2020 at 6:16 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… Nearly every molecule of water that now covers 70% of our planet was spewed in awesome volcanic eruptions or carried frozen in asteroids or comets that pummeled a lifeless earth for eons. Any given water Continue Reading
A Photographic Journey: Iconic Birds of the World – Zoom Presentation with Peter Cavanagh
Written on June 9, 2020 at 11:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
We are living in a time of unprecedented trial. In an effort to bring you a much-needed reconnection to the natural world, Friends of the San Juans would like to invite you to attend an upcoming Zoom presentation with Peter Cavanagh. Are you experiencing travel withdrawal after months of lockdown and cancelled travel plans? Peter Continue Reading
The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is hiring an Executive Director
Written on June 8, 2020 at 10:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Applications are being accepted for the Executive Director of the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA). Complete details on position and how to apply are available online at: https://iosaonline.org/employment/ As part of IOSA’s ongoing rebuild, this position will be responsible for day to day operations of the organization. This includes overseeing volunteers and future paid staff, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 7, 2020 at 4:56 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fact Check of Whalen Petition Dear Editor and Community, We recently received in the mail Mr. Ron Whalen’s request to have us sign a petition to eliminate the Land Bank by December 2020. The request was loaded with falsehoods and outrageously attempted to dupe our community into thinking that a yes or no answer meant Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 1, 2020 at 6:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Hurd, Former Trustee of the San Juan Preservation Trust… I am writing to share my concern about an initiative petition being circulated in San Juan County for the purpose of putting a measure on the November ballot to close down the San Juan Continue Reading
Residential And Commercial Burning Closed
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter. Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn Continue Reading
Land Bank and OPALCO Collaborate on Turtleback Powerline Improvements
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:33 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Tailgater Session June 10th – Come Chat OPALCO will soon be undertaking a a project on Turtleback Mountain to remove Douglas fir along the powerline corridor and replace power poles. This project, in collaboration with the San Juan County Land Bank, will serve two purposes: securing the safety and reliability of the power supply to Continue Reading
Spring Black Bears on the Yukon River
Written on May 26, 2020 at 8:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… After gritting through another sub-arctic winter, there was celebratory pleasure in first plying the roiling, wood-strewn waters of the Yukon River in spring. The boat season followed seven to ten days of heavy running ice. Continue Reading
Protect What You Love: Green Boating in the San Juan Islands
Written on May 21, 2020 at 7:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and soon our anchorages will begin to fill with local and visiting private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. One of the Salish Sea’s most critical and sensitive marine habitats is Continue Reading
Plans Being Developed For Oil Spill Response Base In Friday Harbor
Written on May 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In a joint effort between the Port of Friday Harbor, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA), and San Juan County, plans are underway for construction of an oil spill response operations base in Friday Harbor, Washington. The intent of the project is to provide office space, maintenance bays for upkeep of boats and trailers, storage Continue Reading
Build an Asian Hornet Bottle Trap
Written on May 19, 2020 at 10:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
As you may have heard, asian hornets (a.k.a: Murder Hornets) have found their way to the United States and have been detected in Washington. They are an invasive species and will decimate honey bee hives. If you would like to help the State of Washington, here is a project you can do on your property Continue Reading
Did You Feel It?
Written on May 15, 2020 at 9:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
There was a 3.0 earthquake last night, about 1:15 in the morning, just south east of Roche Harbor. See more info on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network website.
“Just a Minute”
Written on May 11, 2020 at 12:55 pm, by Tim Dustrude
60-Second Videos from the Preservation Trust The San Juan Preservation Trust has developed a series of quick, easy-to-watch videos featuring the wonder-filled nature in our own backyards as spring unfolds around us. If you could use some vicarious doses of nature’s medicine, click to watch the video above and then look for more of the Continue Reading
Town sponsors another successful Spring Cleanup
Written on May 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor helped its customers jump start their spring cleaning with free pickup of oversized refuse the week of April 27-May 1. This is the fifth year the Town has offered the Spring Cleanup service to its residential refuse customers. Refuse employees Dave Smith and Jon Munn picked up a total of Continue Reading
Scotch Broom Census Set for May
Written on May 4, 2020 at 9:24 am, by Tim Dustrude
Need an excuse to get outside? (safely and and while maintaining self-distancing, of course…) OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council, state agencies and researchers are calling for a census in May to help determine the location of Scotch broom throughout the state. “We need everyone’s help to size up the problem,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator Continue Reading
Forest and Tree Health Webinar
Written on April 15, 2020 at 6:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dead and dying conifers have proliferated throughout the Salish Sea area, especially with cedars and hemlocks, causing concern for many property owners. This webinar will talk about why so many trees are dying right now and how to recognize when there’s a problem on your property. Topics include insects, diseases, and drought, and what property Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean Up becomes Month-long Individual Effort
Written on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary this April, Islanders are encouraged to use the whole month to help tidy our roads and beaches during wellness walks. Due to health concerns, the Spring Great Islands Clean-Up has been cancelled as a group activity, and has pivoted to be an individual or household month-long event. Islanders Continue Reading
Zylstra Lake Preserve – Open for Public Comment
Written on August 11, 2020 at 2:45 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
San Juan County Land Bank is seeking public input on its updated Interim Stewardship and Management Plan (SMP) for the Zylstra Lake Preserve on San Juan Island. This updated interim plan details the Preserve’s abundant wildlife and habitat areas; provides a collaborative strategy for engaging with agricultural interests; and proposes opening approximately two miles of trail this Continue Reading
Record $5.2 Million Gift Expands Turtleback Preserve
Written on July 31, 2020 at 1:03 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
Great news from San Juan Preservation Trust! Record gift expends Turtleback Preserve plus the precedent-setting donation also returns land to the Lummi Nation. The San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust today announced the acquisition and permanent conservation of a 36-acre addition to the Turtleback Mountain Preserve on Orcas Island. Concurrently, an Continue Reading
FHFF Virtual Cinema Presents The Story of Plastic July 16-19
Written on July 13, 2020 at 6:02 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s Summer 2020 Virtual Cinema will present a FREE virtual on-demand screening of The Story of Plastic anytime on July 16, 17, 18, and 19, followed by a hosted Q&A on July 19 at 6 pm PDT. To view the film and participate in the virtual Q&A, RSVP at www.fhff.org. Once you Continue Reading
Volunteer Opportunity
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
COVID 19 is creating many unique challenges for literally everyone and the Land Bank is no exception. The Land Bank typically uses a variety of strategies to achieve stewardship activities including volunteer work parties, collaborating with partners, engaging special interest groups, and leveraging help from youth conservation corps type organizations. At this time we are Continue Reading
Discover San Juan Islands 2020
Written on June 10, 2020 at 6:25 am, by Tim Dustrude
Your Conservation Land Bank turns 30 this year and is celebrating with a multi-island exploration. Every preserve has a story – gather your family and get outside this summer to discover what your public lands have to say! The San Juan County Land Bank teamed up with the Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island libraries Continue Reading
Surface Water in a Subarctic Desert
Written on June 10, 2020 at 6:16 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… Nearly every molecule of water that now covers 70% of our planet was spewed in awesome volcanic eruptions or carried frozen in asteroids or comets that pummeled a lifeless earth for eons. Any given water Continue Reading
A Photographic Journey: Iconic Birds of the World – Zoom Presentation with Peter Cavanagh
Written on June 9, 2020 at 11:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
We are living in a time of unprecedented trial. In an effort to bring you a much-needed reconnection to the natural world, Friends of the San Juans would like to invite you to attend an upcoming Zoom presentation with Peter Cavanagh. Are you experiencing travel withdrawal after months of lockdown and cancelled travel plans? Peter Continue Reading
The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is hiring an Executive Director
Written on June 8, 2020 at 10:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
Applications are being accepted for the Executive Director of the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA). Complete details on position and how to apply are available online at: https://iosaonline.org/employment/ As part of IOSA’s ongoing rebuild, this position will be responsible for day to day operations of the organization. This includes overseeing volunteers and future paid staff, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 7, 2020 at 4:56 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fact Check of Whalen Petition Dear Editor and Community, We recently received in the mail Mr. Ron Whalen’s request to have us sign a petition to eliminate the Land Bank by December 2020. The request was loaded with falsehoods and outrageously attempted to dupe our community into thinking that a yes or no answer meant Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 1, 2020 at 6:11 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from Alice Hurd, Former Trustee of the San Juan Preservation Trust… I am writing to share my concern about an initiative petition being circulated in San Juan County for the purpose of putting a measure on the November ballot to close down the San Juan Continue Reading
Residential And Commercial Burning Closed
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:36 pm, by Tim Dustrude
All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter. Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn Continue Reading
Land Bank and OPALCO Collaborate on Turtleback Powerline Improvements
Written on May 29, 2020 at 5:33 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Tailgater Session June 10th – Come Chat OPALCO will soon be undertaking a a project on Turtleback Mountain to remove Douglas fir along the powerline corridor and replace power poles. This project, in collaboration with the San Juan County Land Bank, will serve two purposes: securing the safety and reliability of the power supply to Continue Reading
Spring Black Bears on the Yukon River
Written on May 26, 2020 at 8:14 am, by Tim Dustrude
FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a new regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… After gritting through another sub-arctic winter, there was celebratory pleasure in first plying the roiling, wood-strewn waters of the Yukon River in spring. The boat season followed seven to ten days of heavy running ice. Continue Reading
Protect What You Love: Green Boating in the San Juan Islands
Written on May 21, 2020 at 7:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and soon our anchorages will begin to fill with local and visiting private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish and wildlife find food and shelter. One of the Salish Sea’s most critical and sensitive marine habitats is Continue Reading
Plans Being Developed For Oil Spill Response Base In Friday Harbor
Written on May 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In a joint effort between the Port of Friday Harbor, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA), and San Juan County, plans are underway for construction of an oil spill response operations base in Friday Harbor, Washington. The intent of the project is to provide office space, maintenance bays for upkeep of boats and trailers, storage Continue Reading
Build an Asian Hornet Bottle Trap
Written on May 19, 2020 at 10:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
As you may have heard, asian hornets (a.k.a: Murder Hornets) have found their way to the United States and have been detected in Washington. They are an invasive species and will decimate honey bee hives. If you would like to help the State of Washington, here is a project you can do on your property Continue Reading
Did You Feel It?
Written on May 15, 2020 at 9:59 am, by Tim Dustrude
There was a 3.0 earthquake last night, about 1:15 in the morning, just south east of Roche Harbor. See more info on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network website.
“Just a Minute”
Written on May 11, 2020 at 12:55 pm, by Tim Dustrude
60-Second Videos from the Preservation Trust The San Juan Preservation Trust has developed a series of quick, easy-to-watch videos featuring the wonder-filled nature in our own backyards as spring unfolds around us. If you could use some vicarious doses of nature’s medicine, click to watch the video above and then look for more of the Continue Reading
Town sponsors another successful Spring Cleanup
Written on May 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm, by Tim Dustrude
The Town of Friday Harbor helped its customers jump start their spring cleaning with free pickup of oversized refuse the week of April 27-May 1. This is the fifth year the Town has offered the Spring Cleanup service to its residential refuse customers. Refuse employees Dave Smith and Jon Munn picked up a total of Continue Reading
Scotch Broom Census Set for May
Written on May 4, 2020 at 9:24 am, by Tim Dustrude
Need an excuse to get outside? (safely and and while maintaining self-distancing, of course…) OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council, state agencies and researchers are calling for a census in May to help determine the location of Scotch broom throughout the state. “We need everyone’s help to size up the problem,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator Continue Reading
Forest and Tree Health Webinar
Written on April 15, 2020 at 6:56 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dead and dying conifers have proliferated throughout the Salish Sea area, especially with cedars and hemlocks, causing concern for many property owners. This webinar will talk about why so many trees are dying right now and how to recognize when there’s a problem on your property. Topics include insects, diseases, and drought, and what property Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean Up becomes Month-long Individual Effort
Written on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary this April, Islanders are encouraged to use the whole month to help tidy our roads and beaches during wellness walks. Due to health concerns, the Spring Great Islands Clean-Up has been cancelled as a group activity, and has pivoted to be an individual or household month-long event. Islanders Continue Reading