Other News
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Mar 7, 2024: DRAFT Richardson Marsh Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Dec 5, 2023: County Council Member Jane Fuller and Senator Liz Lovelett to Host Public Meeting on Lopez
Nov 3, 2023: County and Town Send Open Letter to State Officials Regarding Impacts of Poor Ferry Service
Sep 29, 2023: Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmough Bay Preserve Addition
Sep 14, 2023: The mobile dental van is coming to Lopez! // ¡La camioneta dental móvil ya llega a López!
Aug 22, 2023: San Juan County Adopts 32-Hour Work Week in the Name of Fiscal Health, Recruitment, and Islander Wellness
May 25, 2023: Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities
May 23, 2023: District 3 Councilmember Jane Fuller Opens Office on Lopez and Hosts Community Conversation
Apr 17, 2023: Give Lopez Starts April 17th - A two week fundraiser benefiting 15 Lopez Island Non-Profits
Sep 22, 2022: Interim Watmough Preserve Addition Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
The Lopez Island Channel Preserve to Open
Nov 4, 2020
By San Juan County Land Bank
The Land Bank Preserve Opens for Public Access November 7.
Three years ago, your Conservation Land Bank purchased roughly nine and a half acres on the west side of Lopez Island. These shoreline parcels fronting San Juan Channel have a walking trail through the forest, roughly 465 feet of public sandy beach, and at low tides, connect to over one mile of public tidelands. At high tides, public tidelands below mean high water are submerged and access is limited to the Land Bank uplands and beachfront.
This purchase would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the Land Bank, donations from the Lopez community, and grants from the Recreation and Conservation Office. On November 7, the property will officially open for public access as Channel Preserve. Docents from the Land Bank will be on site Saturday and Sunday (November 7 & 8) and look forward to answering any questions.
As with all Land Bank public preserves, access is limited to daylight hours only. The small parking area will fit up to five cars; a bicycle rack has room for eight bikes. Meadow Lane is a private road and there is no access beyond the parking area. Please be respectful of your neighbors and do not park along the roadside if the lot is full; be flexible with your plans and return when there is available parking.
Unlike most Land Bank preserves, however, dogs are not allowed at Channel Preserve. This decision was made in order to protect the nearshore habitat for species such as shorebirds and seals, as well as the recreational asset of wildlife viewing. Please note: there are numerous private access points along this shoreline and visitors to the Channel Preserve may encounter dogs when they walk the public tidelands to the north.
For a sneak peek on what you’ll find at the Preserve, take the video tour. Please remember to follow County Covid-19 safety protocol, which includes practicing social distancing and covering your face when a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained. And above all, stay home if you are feeling sick.
This purchase would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the Land Bank, donations from the Lopez community, and grants from the Recreation and Conservation Office. On November 7, the property will officially open for public access as Channel Preserve. Docents from the Land Bank will be on site Saturday and Sunday (November 7 & 8) and look forward to answering any questions.
As with all Land Bank public preserves, access is limited to daylight hours only. The small parking area will fit up to five cars; a bicycle rack has room for eight bikes. Meadow Lane is a private road and there is no access beyond the parking area. Please be respectful of your neighbors and do not park along the roadside if the lot is full; be flexible with your plans and return when there is available parking.
Unlike most Land Bank preserves, however, dogs are not allowed at Channel Preserve. This decision was made in order to protect the nearshore habitat for species such as shorebirds and seals, as well as the recreational asset of wildlife viewing. Please note: there are numerous private access points along this shoreline and visitors to the Channel Preserve may encounter dogs when they walk the public tidelands to the north.
For a sneak peek on what you’ll find at the Preserve, take the video tour. Please remember to follow County Covid-19 safety protocol, which includes practicing social distancing and covering your face when a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained. And above all, stay home if you are feeling sick.
Take the video tour of the Preserve.