The San Juan County Land Bank requests proposals from farmers interested in a long-term agricultural lease of its Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island.

This property includes about fifty-three acres of open land, a centrally located pond, and two access points. A new fence along the southern and western sides encloses a public walking trail. The farm is located next to American Camp National Park, and allows scenic views across its pastures to distant waterways, islands, and mountains. The Land Bank’s goals for the preserve include maintaining the property’s scenic qualities and agricultural productivity, conserving soil, water, and priority ecological resources.

To allow the flexibility necessary to farm commercially in San Juan County, the Land Bank is seeking proposals written by the applicants, including lease rate, long term goals, and monitoring. On-site interviews will be a part of the selection process. The applications will be evaluated by a committee of farmers and representatives from the Land Bank, Agricultural Resources Committee and the Conservation District.

The Land Bank will hold meetings to explain the process and answer questions on Saturday, Feb. 20 and Wednesday, Feb. 24. Both meetings will be held at 10 a.m. at the Land Bank office at 328 Caines Street, Friday Harbor. For more information, call Tim Clark at 468-2010.