The Renew Our Land Bank Committee wishes to thank 2,659 voters who signed the petition to put the renewal of the land bank on the ballot.
Their recognition of its good work was inspiring. The land bank will expire in 2014. The Land Bank works on long-term goals – renewal in 2011 will improve its ability to maximize its resources.
Voting ‘Yes’ to renew the San Juan County Land Bank means voting for the success of our communities. The land bank is a proven performer that preserves beautiful views, open farmland, natural landscapes, habitat for wildlife and walking access to cherished places. The Land Bank increases the value of living in the islands and thus the economic health of San Juan County. Our local economy benefits from the preservation of our unique environment in many ways.
Funded by a one percent tax paid by the buyer when real estate is purchased in the county, the land bank is designed so those who come here help pay to preserve these special places. Finances are responsibly managed, with low overhead (six percent on average) and hundreds of volunteers. Partnerships with other agencies leverage land bank funds: 23 million dollars extra in just the last five years from agencies such as the San Juan Preservation Trust, the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and many other groups.
We need the land bank in the future when opportunities arise to provide public access, to save scenic views, to secure farmland for actual production, to make trails for our well-being, to preserve historic places, to protect sensitive habitat and to keep the outstanding character of the San Juan Islands alive and healthy.
Go to www.RenewOurLandBank.org for more information.
We, the Co-Chairs of the Renew Our Land Bank Committee, truly believe the Land Bank is a gift to ourselves and to future generations. It’s a success. We urge you to vote “Yes” to renew the Land Bank.
Harvey Himelfarb & Dave Zoeller, Orcas, Sally & Tom Reeves, Lopez, and Pam Gross & Dave Zeretzke, San Juan
“Renew our Land Bank” co-chairs
