The San Juan Preservation Trust

Home , Waldron Island

Christine Chan photo tional fires oncesetby Native Americans low fire scarsonthebark suggestinten- lime kilns.Other remaining trees with wood andhauledtotheRoche Harbor tocord-horses, thetimberconverted was cleared longagoby ateam of the majorityremains forested. The field land have beenloggedover theyears, old blacksmithshop. ofthe While parts piece ofmetalfrom theHannah family’s steaming,” helaughs. oldpilejustnever stopped pile. “That through pipesinthesteamingmanure beneath thehayloftandvented out arena, anda“white lightning” stillhoused horse stalls,milkingcows, afullboxing now gone. He describeshow itcontained old barn,oncethelargestonisland, Lots ofmemories.” grandmother before that. granddad, andmygreat- dad (Alvan Hannah), my belonged tomeandmy stay afarm,”hesays.“It’s committed toprotecting. woven intothelandhe’s tory. It’s arichhistory Island farmhasmuchhis- evident thathisSan Juan dated February 1883,it’s Homestead Certificate including theoriginal tos, andfarmrecords, clippings,pho- newspaper By ChristineChan W Now andagainthesodwillreveal a As hewalksthepasture, herecalls the “I wantthisplaceto T  sift through old Hannah, 75, atching Bernie S  A Deep Responsibility totheLand Bernie Hannah Protects hisSan Juan Island Farm the San Juan PreservationTrust. agreement landconservation farm, whichisprotected by with avoluntary Bernie Hannah proudly displayssomeofthebountyfrom his163-acre A Quarterly ReportA Quarterly • Winter 2005•www.sjpt.org J  open space.Ican seethegeeselandin to have thespacetowalkaround –the island.” He looksaround. “It’s just great that manyplaceslikethislefton the farm remain inonepiece. There aren’t he wantstoavoid forhisacreage. Heights. Bernie saysthat’s exactlythefate oped intoasubdivisionknown asHannah land onceowned by anuncle,now devel- field provides avividcontrast tonearby forest, pondandpasture. Bernie’s open tated wetlands, seasonalstreams, mixed richly vege-idential densityandtopreserve agreement isdesignedtoreduceuntary res- the San Juan Preservation Trust. This vol- easementwith protected by aconservation camas fields. to facilitatehuntingandmaintain ad&Legacy Land & “It wasmygrandfather’s wishthatthe Bernie’s 163-acre farmisnow largely P  ing thelandhewantstopreserve. of thesmallwaysBernie cankeepwork- freeze and sellover thesummer. It’s one ending upwithmore than150gallonsto get inontheciderpressing action,often Each autumnheletstheneighborkids trees, itstillproduces plentyofcider. smaller thantheoriginalorchard of400 orchard, Bernie notesthatalthoughit’s and amemberof thePreservation Trust. Christine ChanisaneighborofBernie’s can behealthyifyou live offtheland.” den. Got the landtograze livestock. You organic orchard andabigorganic gar- sufficient,” hesays.“You’ve gotan ground where self- you canbesomewhat matic side.“Iseethelandasapieceof Ambling through the100-tree apple tion tolocalwaters. and theinevitableconnec- adventures, snowstorms, bit andquailhunting early lifeonthefarm,rab- lore isthickwithstoriesof great-grandmother. Family Minerva Hannah, Bernie’s Zigler’s marriageto Hannah familythrough and acquired by the homesteaded by Ed Zigler the distance.” see theweather changein down inthefield. You can pond andthedeerbed also hasahighlyprag- and hisforefathers, he responsibility totheland Bernie feelsadeep T While it’s clearthat The landwasoriginally  –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The San Juan Preservation Trust is a private voluntary organization whose Protecting a mission is to preserve and protect open spaces, scenic views, forests, agricultural San Juan Island Mountaintop lands, habitats, watersheds, riparian corridors, wetlands and shorelines in Private-Public Partnership Will Establish Nature Preserve the San Juan Archipelago. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Board of Trustees Decatur Island Nick MacPhee Fidalgo Island Dale Hazen Rick Machin, Secretary Lopez Island David Ashbaugh, Vice President David Black Eliza Habegger, Ivaly Hoedemaker Acting Director of Sally Reeve the San Juan Orcas Island County Land Bank, Alan Davidson enjoys the view Alan Fritzberg, Treasurer from Mt. Ben. Anne Hay Harvey Himelfarb Mary Riveland he San Juan Preservation Trust “Jean Walkinshaw and Martha Jonathan White and the San Juan County Land Wheeler, along with their husbands, must San Juan Island TBank announced in January that be thanked for protecting this land,” said Karin Agosta, President they have jointly acquired 21 acres on Mt. Dennis Shaffer, outgoing director of the Debra Clausen Ben, a hilltop on the southern shoulder of Land Bank. “Without their generosity Roger deRoos San Juan Island’s Mt. Dallas. The acquisi- and relentless enthusiasm for protecting Shaw Island tion protects the property from future this beautiful place, the deal would never Fred Ellis development, and is the first step in creat- have come together.” e Waldron Island ing a nature preserve and public walking The Preservation Trust has also Judie Wilgress trail system that accesses sweeping, unob- reached an agreement with a landowner Wasp Islands structed views of the San Juans and adjacent to the newly acquired property Malcolm Goodfellow beyond. to purchase the eastern flank of Mt. Ben. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Preservation Trust will share own- Combined, these properties will create a Land Counselors ership responsibilities with the Land nature preserve that will protect more Rachel Adams Morris Dalton Bank, which will manage public access on than 30 acres of rolling meadows, unde- Bob Dittmer the preserve. Input from the public will veloped ridgelines, mixed-age forests Dodie Gann guide the creation of primitive walking (including old growth specimens), and Betty Gilson trails and other preserve management exceptional views of islands, mountains, Oakley Goodner guidelines. The complex transaction surrounding waters, and the city of Mitchell Hoyt included a significant price reduction Victoria. Patsy Sangster from Jean Walkinshaw and Martha Eliot Scull Wheeler, the previous landowners, who Bob Weaver approached the Land Bank and the Fred Whitridge Preservation Trust early in 2004 to discuss Andy Wickstrand options for conserving the property. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “We had decided that we would sell Staff the property, but in our hearts we just did Executive Director not want to see it developed,” said Jean Tim Seifert Walkinshaw, a longtime San Juan Islander Director of Development and Outreach and member of the Preservation Trust. Sven Haarhoff “Martha (Wheeler) and I originally Office Manager bought the land in 1978 because we treas-

Sheri Miklaski San Juan County Land Bank photo ured the wildflowers, old trees, splendid Director of Stewardship Dean Dougherty hiking and views that the property offers. Education and Volunteer Coordinator We always thought that we had something Kathleen Foley special here, and that the public might also enjoy the same experience. We’re so –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mt. Ben on the west side of San Juan Legal Counsel pleased that the Preservation Trust and the Island. Julian C. Dewell Land Bank felt the same way.”

2 The San Juan Preservation Trust | www.sjpt.org | Winter 2005 PRESERVATION BRIEF

he Preservation Trust and the Land Bank now consult with each other “Tfrequently, always searching for those rare opportunities when the potential of our combined forces might exceed the sum of our individual efforts.”

fter seven years of dedicated serv- vote will be required to re-authorize the maximize the pace and quality of land con- ice to land conservation in our agency in 2014. This is a rare and pro- servation in the San Juans. A islands, Dennis Shaffer left his gressive concept, one that is the envy of While we do not work together on post as Director of the San Juan County land conservationists in virtually every every project, the Preservation Trust and Land Bank in early January. The Trust for other region in the nation. Only a few the Land Bank now consult each other Public Lands, a national land trust that other land banks exist, including, most frequently, always searching for those rare focuses on providing public access to notably, the comparably popular - and opportunities when the potential of our open space, recognized his tremendous expensive - islands of Martha’s Vineyard combined forces might exceed the sum of capabilities and lured him back to his and Nantucket. our individual efforts. home state of Vermont to manage their While both organizations protect In addition to the countless accom- northern New England office. It is with important natural areas within the islands, plishments of the Land Bank under his heavy hearts that we say farewell to a man we have, until recently, worked independ- tenure, Dennis led the charge on a num- that has made such a significant and last- ently from one another. To be certain, ber of successful collaborations with the ing contribution to the natural integrity there are some clear differences between Preservation Trust, including Mt. Disney of these islands. our missions and mandates. The Land on Waldron Island; Hogback Mountain, If you’re a little hazy about the differ- Bank, as a government agency, serves the the Orcas tidelands, Buck Bay on Orcas ence between the Preservation Trust and general public. As such, its priorities often Island; Mosquito Pass Preserve on Henry the Land Bank, you’re not alone. The San reflect its responsibility to provide the pub- Island; Mt. Ben on San Juan Island (see Juan Preservation Trust (that’s us!) is a lic with access to both their protected page 2); and, most recently, a jointly-pro- private, non-profit organization that lands and their decision processes. duced conservation plan that will serve as raises money for operations from private The Preservation Trust, on the other our guidebook for future acquisition sources. While we do receive occasional hand, is not beholden to public access or activities. Perhaps most importantly, grants from public entities for our land public process, and is free to take on con- Dennis is also leaving behind a legacy acquisition projects, we rely on the sup- servation projects that – while critical to that includes a strong appetite for collab- port of our members for most of our rev- the future of our island environment – oration among our organizations and a enues. On the other hand, as its name may not garner much notice from the blueprint for achieving a tremendously implies, the San Juan County Land Bank general public. Priorities at the successful public-private conservation (where Dennis worked) is an agency Preservation Trust are shaped by the partnership in these islands. within San Juan County government that capacity of its donor base, its fiduciary On behalf of the board of trustees, draws almost completely upon tax rev- and regulatory responsibilities as a non- staff, and membership of the San Juan enues to fund its work. The Land Bank, profit, and its own conservation mission. Preservation Trust, we wish Dennis and which collects a one percent excise tax It was Dennis Shaffer at the Land Bank, his family a successful and productive from every buyer of real estate in the with the support of his able commissioners new life in Vermont. His time in our county, was first authorized for a 12-year and staff, who deserves credit for recogniz- islands was relatively short, but the fruits term by a vote of the citizens in 1990, ing that our two organizations could effec- of his work will be enjoyed for many gen- and then re-authorized in 2002. Another tively leverage our respective strengths to erations to come. David Ashbaugh photo David

Conservation Easements, Land Protection, Education & Stewardship 3 Contaminated Logs Removed From Guemes Island Shoreline

n September, the Preservation Trust received an offer it couldn’t refuse. IThe Skagit County Marine Resource Committee (MRC) was removing toxic creosote logs from area beaches and wanted to work on the south shore of Guemes Island, the site of our 42-acre Peach Preserve. Naturally, we were pleased to have this work done to further protect the preserve’s 2,000 feet of shoreline and 13-acre freshwater wetland. The work began on November 3 and continued for several days. Creosote soaked logs of all sizes were marked, dragged offshore with a small tugboat, and then stacked onto a barge. Preservation Trust Director of Stewardship, Dean Dougherty, said he didn’t realize the scope of the problem on The Preservation Trust and the Skagit County Marine Resource Committee work together the Peach Preserve until he looked down to remove toxic creosote logs from Preservation Trust-owned land on Guemes Island. the shoreline and saw dozens of blue flags marking the creosote logs. “There was osote logs are no longer used in new con- The log removal project is ongoing. So one about every 30 feet,” he noted. “By struction, old logs have been washing up far, contaminated logs have been removed the end of the first morning, the MRC’s on beaches for decades. from the south shore of Guemes Island barge was already full and we had to call The Preservation Trust purchased the and parts of Fidalgo Bay and the it a day.” Peach Preserve in 2000 thanks to a gener- Swinomish Channel, but many more Creosote is a black, sticky, toxic, tar- ous donation from the late Patsy Collins. areas need to be tackled. The Preservation like substance used to preserve wood. As “Since the purchase, the stewardship staff Trust thanks the Skagit County Marine the logs decay, the compounds leach into has worked hard tackling invasive Scotch Resources Committee, the Northwest the water and then make their way up the broom growth on this site,” said Straits Commission, The Washington food chain where they can be concen- Dougherty. “I’m very pleased we could DNR and the Padilla Bay Reserve for trated in larger marine animals. As little as extend our protection efforts to the shore- funding this project. half a part per billion of creosote is lethal line. This is not a problem we would ever to herring fish eggs and larvae. While cre- have been able to tackle alone.”

Annual Membership Drive Update We Still Need You

hanks to the support of new and tions. So far, our annual appeal for mem- 2005, we hope those of you who have not long-time members last year, the bership contributions (we only do one a yet renewed your membership will do so San Juan Preservation Trust year) has received a positive response. A today. T th marked its 25 year of service to the hearty thank you goes to the individuals, This archipelago offers magnificent islands by protecting 405 acres through families, and organizations that support natural beauty, diverse wildlife, working 10 transactions. This brings the number our conservation programs for the San farms, and tranquil open spaces. As you of permanently protected acres to 9,722 Juan Islands. know, many important island landscapes (15 square miles). Donations continue to arrive at our are vulnerable to the pressures of increas-

Your membership contributions fuel Lopez Island office, and our list of new ing popularity. The Preservation Trust can Dean Dougherty photo our conservation work. We receive no members is growing. As the Preservation protect more cherished island places, but government or tax support for our opera- Trust begins new conservation projects for we can’t do it without you.

4 The San Juan Preservation Trust | www.sjpt.org | Winter 2005 MEMORIAL GIFTS Former Trustee Leads

Bird Watching Trip In Memory of Dr. August Swanson Peter O. Ways n a bone-chilling Emilie and David Long November morning, ——— Oa hearty group of In Memory of Susan Lawrence islanders gathered in the parking lot next to the theater in Wendy and Ken Ward Friday Harbor. Their goal: ——— crisscross San Juan Island in In Memory of Larry Morrow search of black-bellied Syd and Jamesetta Stibbard plovers, hooded mergansers, northern flickers, and a host ——— of other avian species that In Memory of Betty Whitridge seem to love the San Juans as Anne Hay and Joe Floren much as we do. ——— San Juan Island bird expert, former national park In Memory of Maude McKinley ranger, and former San Juan Anne Hay and Joe Floren Preservation Trust trustee Audra and Eric Adelberger identifying waterfowl. ——— Barbara Jensen (our guide) spotted the first bird of the In Memory of Thomas Johnson day before everyone even stepped out of their cars. And it was a good one. Right there in Jonathan Brock and Elaine Chang a tree between the parking lot and the theater sat a merlin, a hawk that uses sudden ——— bursts of speed to catch and kill other birds in flight. True to its name, the merlin disap- In Memory of Beatrice Kroesche peared as quickly as Barbara spotted it, and only a few people could add it to their list. However, since more than 440 birds have been recorded in the state of Washington Jane Kroesche over the years, the group of novice and expert bird watchers would not be disappointed. ——— By the end of the day, some 35 birds had been spied and identified, including eagles and In Memory of Yoshiko Daniel various species of ducks, shorebirds, gulls, and sparrows. Jim and Bev Smith When the damp cold finally broke through to the skin, the birdwatchers gathered at the home of Karin Agosta, President of the San Juan Preservation Trust board of trustees, ——— to compare notes and ask more questions of Barbara. In Memory of Earl Smith “The San Juan Islands’ spectacular natural areas attract more than 250 species of Jim and Bev Smith birds,” said Dean Dougherty, San Juan Preservation Trust Director of Stewardship. “The presence of these birds, and other wildlife, is one of the reasons that the Preservation ——— Trust and its members work so hard to preserve and protect the natural features of these In Memory of Larry Wold islands.” Sally Wold ——— In Memory of Lee O’Malley Margaret Philbrick ——— In Memory of Tony Surina David and Roberta Moorhouse ——— In Memory of Randy Smith Carolyn and Roger deRoos ——— In Memory of Frank Wilson Carolyn and Roger deRoos David and Roberta Moorhouse

Bird expert Barbara Jensen points to an eagle perched in a tree at False Bay on San Juan Island during a recent Preservation Trust birding trip. Sven Haarhoff photo Haarhoff Sven

Conservation Easements, Land Protection, Education & Stewardship 5 OTHER GIFTS Education and Volunteer IN HONOR OF Coordinator Joins the Trust

Rita O’Boyle and Dick Root’s Marriage Cynthia Moffitt ——— Ed Carlberg Karen Carlberg ——— David Will Carolyn Cruso ——— Thomas Kroesche Jane Kroesche ——— Bart and Anne Walton Nancy and Michael Mason Kathleen Foley is our new Volunteer and Education Coordinator. ——— Harold Kawaguchi Benjamin Kawaguchi new part-time Education and Volunteer Coordinator joined the San Juan Preservation Trust in January. Kathleen Foley, a resident of San Juan Island, will ——— focus on building a strong volunteer program that will benefit our various con- Marilyn Kennell and Alan MacMurray’s A servation programs. She also will coordinate our public education efforts, which include Wedding providing private landowners with assessments of the natural and wildlife attributes of Carol and Michael Herbert their properties. Kathleen earned a BA in business and marketing from Washington State University, ——— and recently received her degree in Wildlife Science from the University of Washington. Nancy Taylor and Fritz Levy She eventually became a PAWS wildlife rehabilitator, a job that required her to deal Sarah and Jim Levy with the daily triumphs and heartbreaks of caring for thousands of injured and orphaned ——— wild animals. After a difficult decision to leave rehabilitation work to earn a second bach- elor’s degree, she returned to PAWS as a volunteer and helped develop the group’s Jack H. Seeley’s Birthday Habitat Assessment Program, which was designed to help staff determine habitat suitabil- Arlene Wechezak ity of privately owned land for rehabilitated wildlife. ——— “Kathleen is a great addition to our staff,” said Tim Seifert, Executive Director of the Preservation Trust. “Her combined background in volunteer management, habitat sur- Jocelyn and Ray Perry veys, and public outreach will be a great service to the Trust, and to the community.” Clark and Lisa Palmer Kathleen is a Washington native who has spent many summers exploring the water- ——— ways and islands of the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands, first as a young girl on her In Celebration of the Swanson Family parents’ boat, and now on the boat she shares with her own family. “Living on San Juan Island and joining the Preservation Trust make me feel as though Jenni Swanson Voorhees and James Voorhees I have come full circle,” says Kathleen. “Experiences I had in these islands as a child are ——— etched indelibly into my memory. Now I have the opportunity to help protect the very Eric Swanson and Devon Hodges places that meant so much to me growing up; the same landscapes that I now am blessed Becky and Simon ffitch to call home and that continue to inspire me.” Kathleen and her husband, Chad, and their 2 1/2-year-old son, Evan, live on San Margaret and Kurt Vance Juan Island. She takes pride in the fact her son can tell the difference between a raven Jenni and Jim Voorhees and a crow. “He’s been the first recipient of my love for wildlife and natural history,” she August Swanson says. “Now I look forward to sharing my passion with others.” Emilie and David Long ——— Gretchen and Tom Seifert Chad Foley photo Pat Thrasher

6 The San Juan Preservation Trust | www.sjpt.org | Winter 2005 BUSINESS & How to Put the FOUNDATION GIFTS Preservation Trust Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund in Your Will The Seattle Foundation Microsoft Giving Campaign

growing number of members are helping to create a legacy of protected lands by Cottons including the Preservation Trust in their wills and living trusts. Such legacy gifts San Juan Safaris A help save special island places and inspire future generations of conservationists. Bequests to the Preservation Trust are fully deductible for estate tax purposes. You can Professional Forestry Services use the bequest provisions in your will to endow an annual contribution, or to make a special gift that will enhance the Trust’s ability to protect more land on the San Juan Gerald H. Kumata & Associates Islands. Another option is to use your will to establish a life income gift that will provide income to your heirs, and long-term support to the Trust. Coldwell Banker – San Juan Island Bequests may be for a specific dollar amount, personal property, or land. They also Sherman Physical Therapy may be for a portion of the residual estate – that portion of the estate that is left after other gifts have been made. Finally, a contingent bequest can provide for a gift if one or Friday Harbor House more of your other named beneficiaries doesn’t survive you. What follows is sample bequest language for you and your attorney to consider: San Juan Naturals

Specific Bequests: In a specific bequest, you leave a specified amount of money or prop- C & C Equipment Company erty, or a specified percentage of the estate to the beneficiary: Sam Stitt & Associates

“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the San Juan Preservation Trust, a non-profit char- J R Zukin Corporation itable organization with offices in San Juan County, Wa., (the sum of $______) or (___ percent of my estate) or (specific items of property) to be used for its general purposes and Orcas Island Community Foundation use at the discretion of the San Juan Preservation Trust’s board of trustees.” Coldwell Banker – Orcas Island

Residuary Bequests: In a residuary bequest, the donor leaves all or part of the balance of the Peninsula Community Foundation estate to a beneficiary after all of the specific bequests have been satisfied: Fagerholm Properties LLC “I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the San Juan Preservation Trust, a non-profit charitable organization with offices in San Juan County, Wa., all (or indicate a specific dollar D.R. Stephens & Company amount) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for its general purposes and Islanders Insurance use at the discretion of the San Juan Preservation Trust’s board of trustees.” APT Environmental Solutions, LLC Contingent Bequests: A contingent bequest provides for the disposition of the estate if one or more of the named beneficiaries fails to survive the donor. It can be used in con- Turtleback Farm Inn junction with a specific or residuary request. Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

“If any of the above-named beneficiaries should predecease me, I hereby bequeath his or Washington Women’s Foundation her share to the San Juan Preservation Trust, a non-profit charitable organization with offices in San Juan County, WA.” HealthVision International

For additional information, please contact Sven Haarhoff at 360-468-3202, or at Black Herefords-JT [email protected]. Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center

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Conservation Easements, Land Protection, Education & Stewardship 7      Non-Profit Organization T S J P T U.S. POSTAGE Conservation Easements, Land Protection, Education & Stewardship PAID Lopez Island, WA Box 327 Lopez Island, WA 98261 T. 360.468.3202 www.sjpt.org PERMIT No. 3

Address Service Requested

Inside: Bernie Hannah Protects his San Juan Island Farm San Juan Island Mountaintop Protected How to Put the Preservation Trust in Your Will

Inside This Issue:

Bernie Hannah’s Farm Protected ...... 1 San Juan Island’s Mt. Ben Protected...... 2 Preservation Brief...... 3 Creosote Log Removal on Guemes ...... 4 Annual Membership Drive Update ...... 4 San Juan Island Bird Watching Trip...... 5 Volunteer & Education Coordinator...... 6 Putting the Trust in Your Will...... 7

An early morning view of Blakely Island from the Lopez Island ferry landing. Thanks to a voluntary land conservation agreement with a generous land owner,

the Preservation Trust has protected 2,289 Sven Haarhoff photo acres on Blakely since 1993. The property has the largest contiguous forest under single private ownership in the San Juans.