Roberts Conservation Easement

Orcas Island

Year Protected: 1991

Land Protected: 9 acres

Public Benefits: Wetlands

This important 9-acre wetland, wildlife habitat and aquifer recharge area near Pt. Lawrence on Orcas Island was permanently protected in 1991, thanks to the vision of Lynn and Molly Roberts. The Roberts had plans to sell the property, but they recognized the importance of this wetland system and habitat and wanted to first take steps to ensure that it would remain protected forever. They approached the San Juan Preservation Trust, and together they drafted a conservation easement that ensures that the area surrounding the wetland would remain undeveloped.

These 9 acres adds to a network of conservation easements along Pt. Lawrence Road, creating a larger swath of undisturbed habitat in that neighborhood.