CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
WE DID IT!
That's the phrase heard from the San Juan Preservation Trust, Skagit Land Trust, and other Save Guemes Mountain Campaign leaders and supporters who have succeeded in raising $2.2 million to purchase and permanently protect Guemes Mountain, 70 acres of rocky balds and conifer forest rising serenely over picturesque Guemes Island.
An amazing outpouring of support from the Guemes
community and beyond (including more than 550 donations from individuals, families, foundations, and businesses), made this campaign a success. In addition to donations, volunteers gladly stepped to the plate to host or assist with many varied events-- from house parties to the rollicking "Picnic in the Park"-- helping raise awareness of this special piece of land and encourage people to invest in their own backyard. A big round of thanks to the fabulous steering committee for leading the charge.
So...what's next for the Mountain, now that it has been saved from development? Skagit Land Trust will own the property, while the San Juan Preservation Trust will hold a conservation easement on the land. A neighbor of the property has agreed to donate a trail easement allowing access to the mountain, and both land trusts will work together to establish walking trails to favorite view sites (be sure to return to this page in the future for updates on the public access plan). While we have received some funds for stewardship (read below), we are still seeking donations for long-term care of the property. Photo above courtesy Mark Linnemann.
Campaign Donor List
We are tremendously grateful to the people who supported this campaign. Every effort has been made to ensure the names and salutations are correct in this list of donors and volunteers, but please do let us know if there are any mistakes. We will correct them promptly.
Campaign Received Important Grant Support
$200,000 matching grant awarded to Skagit Land Trust and San Juan Preservation Trust by the Northwest Wildlife Conservation Initiative.
This initiative of the The Nature Conservancy and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation helps to conserve wildlife habitat identified in the State Wildlife Action Plans. The Guemes Mountain Project was selected for funding due to its high value connecting and protecting wildlife and fish habitat and the strong community involvement. This grant was formerly listed as anonymous. The grant matched gifts to the campaign at a 1:1 rate, and motivated a tremendous response that helped make the campaign a complete success.
Boeing Supports Guemes Campaign
The Save Guemes Mountain campaign was awarded a $50,000 gift from the Boeing Charitable Fund to help with stewardship and restoration on Guemes Mountain. We are honored by this partnership and gift that will help to ensure that Guemes Mountain is managed in a sustainable way.
HOW CAN I HELP?
- To make a donation for stewardship costs through the San Juan Preservation Trust, or for all online donations, click here: The Campaign to Save Guemes Mountain.
At the bottom of the donation form, click the box "Saving Guemes Mountain" under "Type of Gift". - To make a donation through the Skagit Land Trust, please download this form and mail your donation to them directly.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The San Juan Preservation Trust partnered with the Skagit Land Trust and the islands community to permanently preserve Guemes Mountain, the highest point on Guemes Island.
This private property rises above more than 560 acres of surrounding preserved land and serves as an important watershed area to nearby wetlands and marine reserves.
Until now it has remained undeveloped, rewarding generations of families with wildflower blooms, peaceful walks and unbeatable views of surrounding islands and mountains, as well as providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. This campaign seeks to permanently preserve the public access, wildlife, and floral splendor of this amazing summit. The campaign began as a $2.8 million dollar effort, but a successful price renegotiation reduced this amount to $2.2 million.