CONGRATULATIONS LOPEZ HILL!
The Lease is signed!
After waiting almost two years from the time the state legislature approved a 50 year lease of Lopez Hill to San Juan County, the lease is finalized and has been signed by both San Juan County and Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands, for the DNR. [June 2009]
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The Friends of Lopez Hill is an organization of concerned citizens, mostly from
Lopez Island, WA, who are interested in preserving the open space
on Lopez
Hill as public use land. This very special property is one of the
last remaining large parcels in public ownership and we would like
to keep it that way.
We are concerned about preserving the native Indian Thistle on Lopez Hill. Click here for more information or contact Madrona Murphy..
We also support efforts to preserve Odlin South and are hosting webpages for them on our site. Go to www.lopezhill.org/odlinsouth.
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400 Acres of Lopez Hill, including the summit, are currently
owned by the WA Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) and leased to San Juan County on a 50-year lease, beginning in June 2009.
While the successful execution of the lease was a great triumph, Lopez Hill is not completely protected for the citizens of San Juan County and future generations. In 2059, the lease will be up for renewal. The Washington State Legislature approved almost $6M for the lease in 2007. How much will the lease cost be in 2059? Will the state budget and legislative climate still be favorable? The Friends of Lopez Hill don't want to take that chance!
The next step for Lopez Hill is for the county, through the Land Bank, to negotiate a conversion from lease to owenership. And the time to do it is sooner rather than later, so that most of the $6M appropriated for the lease will be available to apply to the purchase price. We do expect to need to raise additional funds, but at this time we don't know how much will be needed. The Land Bank can accept donations earmarked for the purchase of Lopez Hill. Please let the Land Bank know that you support the purchase of Lopez Hill. See the Donate page for more information.
See also: San Juan County Land Bank website.
Contact Tim Clark, Lopez Land Bank Preserve Steward, timc@rockisland.com |
NOTICES
Hunting Season (2012):
- Modern firearms season starts Saturday, October 13th and lasts until October 31st. Firearm Restrictions Apply.
- The busiest hunting days are generally opening day and the weekends. The parking area can be congested at these times.
- Camping and/or fires are not allowed at any time on Lopez Hill.
- As always, dogs must be leashed while on Lopez Hill; it is especially important for your pet's safety to observe this practice during hunting season.
- Hunters are restricted to using only shotguns, muzzleloading rifles, bows or crossbows. High-powered rimfire rifles are not allowed for hunting anywhere in San Juan County.
- Please clean carcasses away from the trails and parking area. Gut piles may be left uncovered for carrion eaters (ravens, vultures, eagles, etc).
- If you suspect any illegal activities are occurring, please contact San Juan County Sheriff's office at (360) 378-4151.
- In an EMERGENCY call: 911 (or 378-4141 from a cell phone.)
Give us feedback on how you feel about hunting on Lopez Hill. Send email to Tim Clark of the Land Bank.
New Trail Maps:
Maps have been updated with the new trail icons. Also, suggested donation reduced to $1 per map. Available at the usual places: Chamber of Commerce, Lopez Bookshop, Isabel's Espresso, Islander Resort, and Village Cycles.
[April 2012]
Seasonal Trail Closure:
Burnt Stump Trail (public access trail from Lopez Sound Rd.) is NOW CLOSED to equestrian users from the top (at 3 Cedars trail) to the Hookup trail. This trail may be closed in the winter months depending on the rains and trail conditions. (updated 10/12/12)
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Meetings of the Steering Committee will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. General meetings of the Friends of Lopez Hill will be held occasionally.
Recent documents:
Management Plan (Oct. 2010)
Ecological Assessment (12/31/10)
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Join us on Facebook! Friends of Lopez Hill on Facebook
Facebook offers us a lot more ways to connect with people, so we will gradually move our info over to Facebook and phase out the Yahoo Group.
You don't need to join Facebook to see posts and pictures, but if you're a member you can become a fan and join in the conversation.
The Yahoo Group LopezHill (will be phased out over time).
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lopezhill
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