James McDermott Conservation Easement

Lopez Island

A conservation easement donated by the McDermott family of Lopez Island protects a narrow strip of native forest immediately adjacent to their 40-acre farm (which is also protected by a conservation easement held by the Preservation Trust).  While small in size, this forest provides important edge habitat that protects native wildlife seeking shelter from exposure in the nearby open pastures.  These trees will also serve as a natural buffer between the preserved agricultural land and a proposed high-density housing development.