September 10th, 2010 News and Events

The San Juan Preservation Trust and the San Juan County Land Bank announced today that they have purchased 120 acres of the Wade Sundstrom farm in San Juan Island's scenic San Juan Valley. This acquisition includes 80 highly-visible acres at the corner of Douglas Road and San Juan Valley Road, as well as a separate 40-acre tract along Douglas Road that is adjacent to farmland already protected by the Preservation Trust. The purchase price was $2.1 million.The Land Bank, which took the lead in the negotiations, will work with the Preservation Trust to craft a conservation easement on the property eliminating all potential residential development. "The goal of the acquisition is to see that this land stays a working farm into the future. Having the Preservation Trust partner with us was a key to making the purchase a success," said Lincoln Bormann, Land Bank Director. Tim Seifert, Executive Director of the San Juan Preservation Trust stated, "We're extremely pleased to be a part of this project. This farm, in many ways, is the gateway to the valley. Keeping it in agriculture is a huge step in preserving the character of the island." The Preservation Trust will contribute $500,000 to the project. "The Sundstrom family played an important part in saving the farm as well," Bormann added. "They had higher offers from people who wanted to develop the property. Instead they chose to honor their heritage." "I know my family, extended family, and the community, appreciate the value of preserving this property," said Betsy Dues, Wade Sundstrom's daughter. "In the years to come when our family visits the farm and looks out over cattle grazing in the fields and takes in the amazing sunsets, we will all be forever grateful."