The Bureau of Land Management will conduct a Public Scoping Meeting at Saturday, June 5, from 12-4 p.m. at Mullis Senior Center on San Juan Island, to hear public input on how islanders would like to see the current 1,000 acres of BLM lands protected and conserved for the benefit of and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The land includes Patos and Turn Point Lighthouses, 31 small islands, over 40 groups of rocks and reefs, and headlands, which include: 27 acres at Cattle Point, San Juan Island; 80 acres at Kellet Bluff, Henry Island; 80 acres at Turn Point, Stuart Island; and 400+ acres at Point Colville, Watmough Bay, Chadwick Hill and Iceberg Point, Lopez Island. Many headland properties were originally set aside as U.S. Light House Service Reserve lands. Quiet paths, cushions of moss, rocky cliffs with nesting Peregrine falcons and cormorants, towering Douglas firs, nesting bald eagles, fields of wild flowers, diverse and rare plant communities and haul-outs for marine mammals are just a few of the natural treasures that can be found on the BLM land in the San Juan Archipelago.

While the natural, historical and recreational aspects of these areas have been retained to date, none of the BLM’s San Juan County land has a secure long-term conservation plan in place. With increased use and pressure, there is no guarantee that these significant lands will be preserved for future generations.

The BLM is currently preparing a new Resource Management Plan (RMP) to unify management of all 1000 acres.

While the RMP is an important step, it does not ensure funding or long-term protection. An unofficial group of citizens with conservation backgrounds began talking in 2009 about how to provide more protection for the BLM properties in our islands. The BLM National Conservation Area (NCA) designation has emerged as a significant tool which would provide a long term conservation management plan and the funding to support it. Since 2000, 21 National Conservation Areas in 10 states have been designated for long term conservation and protection, as places that have significant natural, cultural, scientific, and conservation value.

The process for NCA designation starts as a grassroots, community-based initiative. After input is gathered from the community, a case statement is written and presented for approval by the SJ County Council. Once approved, the next step is working with WA federal representatives and senators to create the legislation for the NCA designation. This legislation is then added to the annual Consolidated Natural Resources Act for approval from U.S. Congress. This process could be completed in 2 years or possibly less. Once in place it can only be changed by an act of Congress.

The BLM meeting in Friday Harbor on June 5 is a great opportunity for all of us who care about our BLM lands to begin the conversation of how to manage them. Come learn about the properties and share your views.

Save the date for the BLM Scoping Open House. If you cannot attend in person, the BLM will accept public comments through June 25, 2010. Comments may be sent via e-mail: OR_Spokane_RMP@BLM.gov or by postal mail: BLM Spokane District-ATTN:RMP,1103 N. Fancher Rd.,Spokane Valley, WA 99212