Last week, the county council, on behalf of the San Juan County Land Bank, unanimously accepted a warranty deed to five acres of forested property adjoining the land bank’s Diamond Hill Preserve.

The property is presently in the Lane Family Revocable Trust, which lists John William Lane and Rebecca Jurta Lane as Trustees.

Diamond Hill rises to more than 600 feet and can be viewed from Dolphin Bay Road and the waters of Eastsound and Harney Channel.

Land Bank Executive Director Lincoln Bormann termed the acquisition “an exceptional opportunity to expand the Diamond Hill Preserve and protect one of the more prominent landmarks in the islands.”

The Land Bank Commission “has enthusiastically supported this donation as an important addition to the Diamond Hill Preserve,” said Bormann in his memorandum requesting council approval of the gift.

An additional 7.35 acres is slated to be added to the donation in 2013.

“Both properties feature high quality mature Douglas-fir forest with small open areas similar to the Diamond Hill Preserve,” Bormann said.