Whidbey Camano Land Trust Programs
All our efforts are focused on permanently protecting land, caring for it through good stewardship plans and programs, and engaging the community to protect these remarkable islands for future generations. Three programs are:
Land protection
Following the guidelines of a community and science based strategic conservation plan, our land protection specialists work with landowners to protect the most important conservation-important lands on these distinctive islands. These specialists procure grant funds through competitive processes and have been able to save many precious land properties that provide benefit to the entire community.
Stewardship
Developing site management plans for all protected properties ensures that the ongoing work helps protect the conservation values that were the reason for the initial land conservation effort. Much of the stewardship is achieve through work parties that engages the community in caring for the land.
Outreach and Development
Telling the story and inviting community members to become part of the effort helps strengthen people's commitment to the land. Helping people feel connected to the land is at the heart of permanent land protection for future generations.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In 2010, the Whidbey Camano Land Trust reached out into the regional community to raise funds and save a 654 acre second-growth forest for wildlife habitat and non-motorized recreationals uses. The property sits on a ridge that is the upland of three watersheds.It was owned by a bank through a foreclosure and would be sold -- either to the Land Trust or to a developer. The successful raising of $4 million in just seven months allowed the Land Trust to protect the largest contiguous private property on Whidbey Island. It was a triumph of community engagement and confidence in the Land Trust who had earned a reputation for effective work in land conservation. The option to purchase agreement was signed in February, 2010 and the sale was closed September 2010. Since that time, the community has been involved in conversations that will help inform the site management plan as well as in active work to care for loved, renewing forest.
Besides the ongoing stewardship associated with the Trillium Community Forest, the Land Trust has another 25+ projects in process. The Land Trust's ongoing need is for funds to accomplish both land protection and stewardship work. This is done through both professional staff and contracted services as well as a corps of dedicated volunteers who are coordinated by staff.