SAN JUAN COUNTY LAND BANK

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Islanders: Keep Limekiln property as is

San Juan Islanders told county Land Bank officials Thursday, Feb. 24 , they don’t want the Limekiln Property "disturbed too much."

"That they want limited, low-impact use was pretty clear," said Thor Hanson, Land Bank stewardship coordinator, who led a meeting in the San Juan Island Grange Hall.

About 30 people attended the stewardship planning meeting for Limekiln. The Land Bank purchased the 174 acres of uplands and shoreline north of Lime Kiln State Park in 1997, making it the land preservation agency’s largest holding on San Juan Island. The former lime quarry operation is "a mosaic of dry Douglas fir and madrona forests interspersed with rocky meadows, historic limestone quarries and over nine acres of wetlands," according to a Land Bank handout. It borders the state park to the south and adjacent Land Bank Deadman Bay and Westside properties, contributing to more than 240 acres of open space.

"Leave it alone as much as possible," said Ed Carlberg, a Westside resident.

His wife Betty requested the land be "not disturbed too much." She suggested placing some non-obtrusive interpretive signs detailing the area’s scientific, environmental and historical significance.

"Leave it as backcountry," said Charles Peckinpaugh. He preferred considering it similar to a state or federal wilderness area where people recreate at their own risk.

"It’s nice that it’s adjacent to the park" where there is wheel chair access, Peckinpaugh, added.

Bob Tripp noted San Juan County taxpayers funded the site’s purchase and they should be the ones who benefit from it. "I don’t think we want to make it a destination point like the state park," Tripp said.

"The tourists may find it, but we’re not going to tell them about it," said Land Bank Commission Chair Dan Selak.

A couple of nearby residents questioned whether the area was safe for public use. A San Juan Island boy, Ryan Smith, died while climbing there in the early 1990s.

"There are so many dangerous areas there," said Elle Knauss. "Those areas should be protected so somebody doesn’t get killed."

Karen Martinelli said parts of the area were "dangerous" because of the steep slopes, 13 quarries, a sinkhole and hidden wells. She also questioned whether oil drums, an oil spill and old cars were cleaned and where money would come from to do more work.

"Most of that, if not all of it has been cleaned up," Selak responded. He noted the previous owners did most of the environmental cleanup work and funds were put into the land bank’s stewardship account for ongoing management.

Limekiln’s high cliffs offer some of the best views on the Westside and there should be a way to balance safety and access, said Mark Cummingham.

Martinelli, whose property abuts the Limekiln area, requested a fence and 100-foot buffer be established to protect private landowners from people visiting the site.

Knauss also wanted a buffer, saying, "A little sign doesn’t work."

Cunningham rebuked that idea, saying the entire property is owned by all islanders and should be open to them.

Cynthia Hubbard pointed out thousands of visitors stand at the edge of Victoria Falls every year. She suggested warning signs be placed.

Knauss expressed concern about fires starting on the property and traveling up nearby slopes. "For the people who live up Dallas Rd. there’s no way out," she said.

Ed Carlberg recommended "No Smoking, No Fires" signs be placed.

The meeting attendees agreed enough trails and old roads exist. "It doesn’t need much more trail-building," said Joan Schwinge.

They also agreed minimal interpretation signs, denoting the historical importance of the lime quarries and kiln to San Juan Island, should be placed. "Definitely don’t restore the kiln the way the park did (their kiln)," Doris Blinks said, "yet, the whole industry was important."

Some residents advocated making a parking area beyond the current gate off West Side Road and then placing a second gate on the road that leads into the interior of the property.

Claudia Mills recommended mountain bikes be banned because they destroy sensitive vegatation. Others questioned whether horses and dogs should be permitted.

Hanson asked how the ecology of the site should be managed, including whether evergreen trees should be allowed to take over meadows. Mills, a biologist, said controlling the natural succession "wouldn’t take a big effort.

She cautioned against designating Limekiln as an educational site, saying some good-intentioned labels on California marine parks attracted many groups and ironically led to destruction.

A plant collection policy should be developed, Mills added. Carolyn Haugen suggested plants tagged for removal could be sold at plant sale to benefit the site.

Blinks advocated forming a "Friends of the Land Bank" group to help with the area’s stewardship. Hanson noted several people already volunteer at other land bank properties.

Shona Aitken, who works for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, noted the site offers outstanding educational opportunities for children.

Barbara Turner said large groups should receive permission to enter the land.

Blinks suggested the quarries would be "wonderful place to have concerts."

"We don’t do concerts," Selak responded.

The Land Bank staff is accepting additional comments on Limekiln’s stewardship plan. Send them to: Land Bank, 350 Court St., No. 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

After reviewing the comments, the Land Bank will start on the next phase. "We’ll digest this stuff and start working on a draft management plan," Hanson said.

Another meeting will be scheduled so residents can comment on that more specific plan.