County Celebrates HolliWalk Neighborhood, the Latest Affordable Housing Project
San Juan County is celebrating the completion of the HolliWalk Neighborhood in Friday Harbor – a project that received over $1.5 million of County funding. This is the County's second largest contribution to affordable housing, dwarfed only by its contribution Orcas Island's OPAL project, April’s Grove, in 2020, which received approximately $1.75 million.
The brand new Holliwalk Neighborhood is the fourth neighborhood on San Juan Island that the Home Trust has developed, and the seventh project that the Home Fund has funded. The neighborhood consists of eight, permanently affordable homes, soon to be occupied by families, essential workers, retirees, and service industry workers.
San Juan County's Fire Danger Level Increases to MODERATE
Effective Monday June 5, 2023, San Juan County’s danger level increases to MODERATE as fuels continue to dry out. Moderate fire danger means that all fine dead fuels like dried grasses ignite readily, and fires start easily. Residents and visitors alike need to be especially vigilant this fire season and firefighters appreciate the public taking extra care with prevention. Reminder, all permitted burning in San Juan County is closed for the summer season as of June 1st, 2023.
Department of Community Development Holds Community Meetings
As San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) continues to address the current permit backlog, update codes, and pursue long-term planning efforts, those invested in the construction industry or with experience working with DCD are welcomed to ask questions, voice concerns, and share their perspectives on working with the department. County officials and staff held a community meeting on Orcas Island on June 13 and plan to hold another meeting on Lopez Island on June 28.
County Fair Announces Music Lineup
This year at the Fair, you'll find local acts on the community and main stage as well as national headliners. Don't miss national headliners including The National Parks, Próxima Parada, Ryan Curtis, Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme, Alt Bloom, The Jesus Chords, and so many more! Follow the San Juan County Parks and Fair Department’s Facebook page or check the County website for more Fair updates.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve Temporary Trail Closures
San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank will implement temporary trail closures on Turtleback Mountain Preserve during June and July to accommodate the installation of nineteen road culverts. In response to repeated washouts during increasingly heavy winter rain events, Land Bank staff commissioned a professional culvert assessment in 2021. The culverts identified for replacement will help prevent future washouts, reduce maintenance requirements, and bring the forest road/trail network up to Washington forest road standards. Details about the project can be found at sjclandbank.org/news/turtlebackculvertproject.
Join San Juan County’s Marine Resources Committee
The Marine Resource Committee (MRC) is searching for new members! The MRC is a voluntary citizen advisory group who actively protect and restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Salish Sea to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. The MRC is recruiting candidates with a background in ports or marinas, shoreline development or planning, commercial fishing, tourism, or marine science. To apply, contact Sam Whitridge for a copy of the committee application (samw@sanjuanco.com).