President Channel Conservation Easement

Orcas Island

Year Protected: 2012

Land Protected: 20 acres

Shoreline Protected: 2,497 feet

Public Benefits: Shoreline, forest, salmon habitat, connectivity to other protected lands

With its historic lime kiln, salmon habitat and proximity to other protected lands long the rugged and undeveloped western coastline of Orcas Island, this 20-acre property has long been identified as an acquisition priority in the Preservation Trust’s Conservation Plan.

In partnership with the San Juan County Land Bank and the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB), the Trust combined a $250,000 grant with $400,000 in anonymous private donations to purchase this important property.  The Land Bank now owns the land, SRFB holds a “Deed of Right” that ensures it will be managed for salmon habitat, and the Preservation Trust holds a conservation easement that permanently prohibits development.