The San Juan County Land Bank has purchased 39 acres of pasture land along False Bay Creek, located at the intersection of Bailer Hill Road and False Bay Drive.

False Bay Creek is the largest watercourse on San Juan Island, and one with high potential to support native fish, such as cutthroat trout or salmon. The agricultural use that adjoins the creek is another important aspect of the property. “The management of riparian habitat for fish and other wildlife can be achieved alongside grazing,” said Land Bank Director Lincoln Bormann. “We intend to have both.”

In the coming months, Land Bank staff will be learning from neighbors and others about the property’s history, agriculture, and ecology. Assistance and ideas will be sought from organizations that have experience enhancing streamside habitats in agricultural zones. In a complementary effort, The San Juan Islands Conservation District will be working with landowners in the False Bay watershed to assess the possibilities for voluntary habitat restoration in the main drainage area, including the new Land Bank property.

A pre-existing conservation easement held by the San Juan Preservation Trust doubly serves to protect the land for its agricultural, open space, and habitat values, by prohibiting residences and other structures.

The Land Bank can be contacted at sjclandbank@rockisland.com or at 360-378-4402.