More than 150 local business owners in the San Juan Islands have signed a letter urging President Obama to declare a swath of lands across the islands as a national monument. The move would protect 955 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management that play a critical role in both the economy and culture of the San Juans. The letter, which makes the case for maintaining the economic health of the islands, comes on the heels of significant public support, including recent support letters from Governor Gregoire on April 25 and the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau on May 9.

“The recreational opportunities provided by these public lands attract the residents and visitors that keep our businesses vibrant,” said Brent Snow, Roche Harbor Resort General Manager. “I am proud to stand with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and my fellow local business owners in support of designating a monument here in the San Juan Islands. It will have a positive effect for generations to come.”

The letter was signed by local business owners ranging from realtors, grocery store owners, and outdoor recreation shops to hotel operators, innkeepers and artists. Community leaders have been fighting to protect the critical acreage and ensure that it isn’t taken out of public ownership. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has voiced his support and proposed that the president declare a national monument in the San Juan Islands. Both Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Rick Larsen have been leading the charge on this issue locally.

“Maintaining the beauty and accessibility of these lands is critical to our economy. As a business person I wholeheartedly support creation of a national monument and I welcome the chance for local people to play a key role in managing these places,” said Wally Gudgell of Windermere Orcas Island. “It’s going to be a fantastic partnership.”

The proposed lands include dozens of the small islands and reefs that provide breeding grounds for birds and refuges for everything from harbor seal pups to rare plants. These lands also shelter historical sites – from ancient fishing sites and camas gardens to pre-automation lighthouses on Patos Island and Turn Point. And they include popular recreation destinations in the islands like Iceberg Point, Chadwick Hill and Watmough Bight on Lopez, the state park on Patos Island and the Cattle Point lighthouse on San Juan Island.

For more info, visit www.SanJuanIslandsNCA.org.