Kayakers traveling by the North Shore Preserve on Orcas Island | Staff archive
50 Miles of Hope: Ensuring a Future for Salmon in the San Juans
The San Juan Preservation Trust protects more than 50 miles of shoreline across the archipelago. Putting that number in context is surprisingly tricky! Due to a fascinating scientific concept called the “Coastline Paradox,” there is no single correct measurement for a shoreline. However, a common working estimate for San Juan Island’s perimeter is about 84 miles. These protected shorelines provide critical habitat for forage fish, a primary food source for many species, including salmon.
How Funding Protects Critical Habitats
In 1999, the Washington State Legislature created the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) which provides funding aimed at overall salmon recovery, including habitat projects that benefit salmon and other fish species. Recent funding from SRFB Grants have helped the Preservation Trust protect the North Shore Preserve on Orcas Island and McArdle Bay on Lopez Island.
By the Numbers: North Shore Preserve & McArdle Bay
- North Shore Preserve (Orcas Island): Includes 1,850 feet of shoreline and 0.54 acres of tidelands.
- McArdle Bay (Lopez Island): Confirmed as a forage fish spawning habitat, this area is home to:
- 346 feet of shoreline
- Deep-water eelgrass
- A year-round freshwater spring that flows into the bay
- 212 feet of pocket beach with overhanging riparian vegetation
Conservation easements on these properties ensure the long-term protection of these habitats, creating viable environments for future generations of forage fish and juvenile salmon.
From the Shoreline to the Watershed: Restoring Riparian Areas
In addition to healthy nearshore marine habitat, access to riparian areas is critical for wild salmon recovery. In partnership with other local organizations, we are actively restoring four riparian areas, three in the False Bay Creek watershed and one in the West Sound (Crow Valley) watershed.
This work is funded by:
- Individual supporters like you!
- Grants from San Juan County
- The San Juan Islands Conservation District
- SJPT stewardship funds
Over the past few years, Island Conservation Corps (ICC) and Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews have worked alongside SJPT staff to plant more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs in these areas. This winter, we plan to plant another 15,000 plants, continuing our efforts to restore these critical habitats.
Restoring Balance
Protecting the shorelines and waterways of the San Juan Islands is about more than conserving land — it’s about restoring balance to fragile ecosystems and supporting the long-term survival of species that define our region, like wild salmon. With continued collaboration, community funding, and on-the-ground effort, we can ensure these vital habitats remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Your Partnership Makes This Work Possible
Renewing your membership with the Preservation Trust helps us carry our mission forward, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership!