Our Mission...
FRIENDS of the San Juans is a public-interest organization dedicated to protecting the land, water, sea and livability of the San Juan Islands for people and wildlife.
In 1979, a handful of farsighted islanders founded FRIENDS to protect the islands from the harmful impact of unplanned growth. Since then, FRIENDS work has evolved to include marine research, habitat restoration, environmental advocacy, endangered species protection, and education for property owners, students, and land use professionals.
Please explore this website to see how FRIENDS combines science, education and advocacy to expand environmental protections for the islands.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, FRIENDS of the San Juans relies on its members for support. If you are a member, we appreciate your continual support and involvement. If you are not already a member of FRIENDS, please join us today!
Active Planning Procceses in
San Juan County...
Shoreline Master Program Update
The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is a comprehensive shoreline land-use plan ratified by the state Shoreline Management Act in 1972. To regulate shoreline development, the state law requires local governments and the Department of Ecology to mutually regulate shoreline development, use, and protection. MORE INFO>>
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Active Planning Processes in
San Juan County...
Critical Areas Ordinance Update
The 2005 update to our Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), now expected to be completed by the end of 2011, protects Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas, Frequently Flooded Areas, Geologically Hazardous Areas, Wetlands, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Counties are required to update their Critical Areas Ordinance every seven years to accommodate new information. This past year the County’s draft Critical Areas Ordinance update was put on hold once again in order to do another call for Best Available Science and develop a tailored-approach to wetland regulations.
Through 2011, there will be many public hearings on the CAO and SMP planning processes. FRIENDS will be there and we hope you will also express what you value about life here in the islands and share your vision for protecting our critical areas and shorelines.
FRIENDS comments on the County Council's recommendations for revising existing CAO.
FSJ CAO General Comments
FSJ Geohazard and Frequently Flooded Areas Comments
FSJ Wetland Comment Letter
San Juan County Sea Level Rise Inundation Maps (warning large file). Or view by island:
San Juan, Orcas, Lopez & Shaw, Blakely & Decatur
Report by Coastal Geologic Services on Resilient and At Risk Priority Nearshore Habitats
of San Juan County
Beaches & Bluff White Paper
For the latest news go to San Juan County’s CAO website. MORE INFO>>
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