Affordable Housing: The Future of Affordability

The need for affordable housing is a widespread and growing issue – not just in the Islands, but throughout the region and nation. The San Juan Islands are home to multiple organizations working to create long-term affordable housing opportuniti...

Affordable Housing: A Foundation for San Juan’s Future

Take a stroll through Friday Harbor’s neighborhoods and you’ll find the next wave of affordable housing. On Price Street, passersby will see walls being framed in, hear the hum of compressors hard at work, and feel the excitement in th...

Affordable Housing: Lopez’s Community-Driven Solutions

Leyna Lavinthal and her family of three are about to celebrate a major milestone – one year in secure, affordable housing. The Lavinthal family left Seattle behind and moved to Lopez Island in 2018 in search of a safe community to raise their so...

Affordable Housing: Providing Opportunity on Orcas

To some, the term ‘affordable housing’ means nothing more than a low monthly payment. But to Stephanie Nouvel and her family of four, ‘affordable housing’ means so much more. For the Orcas Island family, it means co...

County Council Travels to Orcas Island for Upcoming June 13 Meeting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 6, 2023 – San Juan County Council will hold its next regularly scheduled, June 13 meeting on Orcas Island. The public is invited to join the three councilmembers and County staff at the meeting at the Orcas Cen...

San Jaun County's Fire Danger Level Increases to MODERATE

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 6, 2023 – Effective Monday June 5, 2023, San Juan County, WA fire danger level increases to MODERATE as fuels continue to dry out. 

Moderate fire danger means that all fine dead fuels like dried grasses...

New Legislation Increases Senior and Disabled Persons Income Limits for Tax Purposes

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 26, 2023 – San Juan County’s Assessor’s Office is alerting the public of new income limits that affect taxes for senior citizens and people with disabilities in San Juan County. 

Subs...

District 3 Councilmember Jane Fuller Opens Office on Lopez and Hosts Community Conversation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 23, 2023 – San Juan County Councilmember Jane Fuller (District 3) announces the opening of a ground floor office in Lopez Village. Located at 262 Weeks Rd., Unit D (on the other side of the building where Blossom Grocery...

San Juan County Announces Departure of Community Development Director

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 9, 2023 – As of Friday, May 5, 2023, San Juan County’s Director of Community Development, David Williams, is no longer employed at San Juan County. The County is appreciative of the contributions David has made...

County Council Meeting on Shaw Island May 9

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 5, 20232 – San Juan County Council will hold its first meeting outside of the Friday Harbor council chambers for the year. The three councilmembers, accompanied by County staff, will travel to Shaw Island to hol...

San Juan County Seeks Ferry Advisory Committee Member from San Juan Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 15, 2023 – San Juan County Council is soliciting volunteers to serve on the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC). The Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) studies and recommends resolutions on ferry transp...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

County Begins Planning for Zylstra Lake Trail and Answers FAQs

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 15, 2023 – San Juan County is eager to begin developing a plan for a multi-use trail connecting the Town of Friday Harbor to the Zylstra Lake Preserve. Recently awarded $5.28 million in federal transportati...

Early Bird Registration now open for the San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit March 3 & 4

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 24, 2023 – Early Bird Registration is now open for the 11th Annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit March 3 & 4, 2023 through 5pm January 29. The Summit will be held on San Juan Island, and ...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

San Juan County's 2022 Year-In-Review

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 4, 2023 – San Juan County releases a recap of 2022, highlighting accomplishments, favorite projects, and notable statistics. The public is encouraged to access the document on the County website by scrolling the PDF below, cli...

San Juan County Swears-in Eight Elected Officials

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 22, 2022 – San Juan County is pleased to announce the swearing-in of eight elected officials on Thursday, January 5, 2022. The ceremony will take place in the Superior Court Courtroom with Superior Court Judge Kathry...

County Asks Residents to Help Secure Broadband Funding

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 16, 2022 – San Juan County urges residents to check Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data to help secure future broadband funding before January 13, 2023. This effort to address broadband deficiencies could b...

San Juan County Launches “Text-to-911” for Emergency Response

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 16, 2022 – San Juan County is pleased to announce that cellular phone users in the county can now send text messages to 911 in an emergency. This new feature increases accessibility to emergency services and helps San Juan Co...

Postponed: San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley's, Retirement Party

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA December 20, 2022 – UPDATE: Retirement party postponed due to inclement weather. San Juan County is grateful for Milene Henley's 16 years of service and hopes to be able to celebrate her when the we...

Councilmember Jamie Stephens Retires, Leaving a Legacy for Lopez

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA December 1, 2022 – San Juan County’s most senior council member, Jamie Stephens, retires this month after 12 years of public service. They say good things come in threes, and after three terms on the Council, Stephe...

San Juan County Council Briefed on Ferry Updates

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 23, 2022 – Ahead of the busy, upcoming holiday season, members of San Juan County’s Council met with Washington State officials and representatives from the Washington State Ferries (WSF) to express island...

San Juan Island Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The San Juan Island Library Board of Trustees is holding a special meeting on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 1pm. 

The special meeting is being held for the purposes of a Budget Work Session and Trustee Interviews. The meeting will be held in-person...

San Juan County Courts Update Community Service Program

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA.  November 8, 2022 – The courts of San Juan County are updating their community service program and are looking to add more local organizations to the roster. 

Please help the courts update the list with any ...

Rescheduled: Retirement Send-off for San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA December 28, 2022 – The retirement send-off for San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley, has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 29 from 11am-12pm at the San Juan County Courthouse. As warmer weather permits sa...

2023 Dog Licenses Now on Sale

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 28, 2022 - The San Juan County Auditor’s office is ready for the 2023 dog licensing season! Each year, the department has the pleasure of recognizing a ‘Celebrity Dog’ and issuing them the first dog tag. Competition in 2023 w...

San Juan County Names Interim Director of Department of Community Development

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 8, 2023 – San Juan County has named Norm Gollub as Interim Director of the Department of Community Development (DCD).  Gollub has extensive experience throughout Washington State in the areas of land use and co...

County to Share Community Development Updates at Orcas Island Meeting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 7, 2023 – The public is invited to join County staff, including County Manager Mike Thomas and Council Chair Cindy Wolf, at a Community Development-focused meeting on June 13 at the Orcas Center. The meeting wi...

San Juan County Shares Draft Report of Shoreline Cumulative Effects Evaluation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – San Juan County is conducting a Cumulative Effects Evaluation of its shorelines for the Department of Ecology. A virtual public meeting to review the draft report is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2...

San Juan County Seeks Consultant for Updating the Critical Areas Ordinance

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 2, 2023 – San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) seeks a qualified consultant to review and update Best Available Science (BAS) and write an update of the Critical Areas Ordinances...

Planning Commission Volunteers Needed for San Juan and Lopez Islands

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 7, 2023 – San Juan County is looking for interested volunteers to fill two vacancies on the Planning Commission. Position #5 representing San Juan Island will serve until December of 2024. Position #3 representing Lope...

2023 Annual Docket: Public Invited to Submit Requests for Amendments to the SJC Comp. Plan & Codes

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 30, 2022 – San Juan County Council is beginning the “Annual Docket of Comprehensive Plan Amendments” or “Docket” process where the public is invited to propose changes, update...

Newly Adopted Comprehensive Plan Will Serve as the County’s Road Map for Next 20 Years

County Council officially adopted the Plan on November 30 – marking the culmination of six years of work

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 30, 2022 – San Juan County Council adopted the 2036 Comprehensive Plan Update today after six years of meetings, public hearings, and input. The several-hundred-page document will serve as the road map for future de...

County Corner - February

Lopez Island Hosts ‘Elected Officials Meet and Greet’ 

The third “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the year offers the public an opportunity to meet and chat with those in office. Two events have been held on San Juan and Orcas Island, with t...

County Corner - January

This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department news, and more. 

In January, the County swore-in eight elected off...

Council Meeting Review: April 18, 2023

This meeting included a proclamation for National Volunteer Month, a discussion about PFAS, and a decision about the Argyle Lots developer.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Monday, April 18, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the ...

Council Meeting Review: April 10, 2023

This meeting included a discussion a new Public Works survey.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Monday, April 10, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the ...

Council Meeting Review: April 4, 2023

This meeting included a discussion on the Argyle Lots development, review of an opioid settlement program, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the ...

Council Meeting Review: March 27, 2023

This meeting included discussions regarding a 1/10th of 1% sales tax, Sheriff's Office drones, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Monday, March 27, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the ...

Council Meeting Review: March 21, 2023

This meeting included the adoption of a safety committee, updates to the County Code, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the...

Council Meeting Review: March 13, 2023

This meeting included information about the safety committee, the Argyle lot development, cultural competency training, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Monday, March 13, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer to the ...

Council Meeting Review: March 7, 2023

This meeting included information about a future County auction, a Housing Advisory Committee recommendation, and more.

This document is a general review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please refer...

Council Meeting Review: March 6, 2023

This meeting served as a council workshop to discuss topics including County facilities, committees, and legislative priorities.

This document is a general review of the County Council Workshop meeting, Monday, March 6, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, plea...

Council Meeting Review: February 28, 2023

This meeting included conservation easements, Critical Areas Ordinance information, Home Fund Administrative and Finance Plan changes, and more.

This document is a general review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. For additional information about what was discussed, please r...

Council Meeting Review: February 7, 2023

This meeting included a SRKW proclamation, a lease for Coffelt Farm, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Waive Sole Sources Waiver for Building Acce...

Council Meeting Review: January 24, 2023

This meeting included discussing island transportation, Section 8 Project-based Vouchers, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website. View the meeting here. 

DISCUSSION: Review Away from Friday Ha...

Council Meeting Review: January 10, 2023

This meeting included adopting legislative priorities, setting public hearings, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

DISCUSSION/ACTION: Approve a Resolution Declaring an Emergency and Waiv...

Council Meeting Review: November 30, 2022

Comp. Plan is officially adopted.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

PUBLIC HEARING: To Adopt an Ordinance Updating the San Juan County C...

Council Meeting Review: November 29, 2022

This meeting included adopting the TIP, the ROSS Plan, multiple levy rates, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

ACTION: To Approve a Resolution Adopting the 2023 Annual Construction ...

Council Meeting Review: November 8, 2022

This meeting covered multiple public hearings, financial policies, PFFAP Awards, and more.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

PUBLIC HEARING: To Approve Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TI...

COUNCIL MEETING REVIEW: NOVEMBER 7, 2022

The ROSS Plan and Comp Plan discussions continue.

This document is a review of the County Council meeting, Monday, November 7, 2022. Information related to agenda changes, Consent Agenda, and Public Comment are on the County website.

DISCUSSION: Recreation, Open Space, and Stewardship Plan Update for 2023...

San Juan County Holds Special Three-day Filing Period in June

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 23, 2023 – San Juan County's Elections Office is opening a special three-day filing period in June for those offices where no candidates filed during the regular candidate filing week. The special three...

Seeking Argument Against San Juan County Fire Protection Dist. No. 2 (Orcas Island Fire & Rescue)

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 22, 2023 – San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 ballot measure for the voters’ guide.

In orde...

Candidate Filing Week – May 15 through May 19

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 18, 2023 – If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance. Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the upcoming fi...

San Juan County Celebrates New Protections for Endangered Orca During Orca Action Month

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 1, 2023 – June is Orca Action Month, and this year, San Juan County is joining partners around the Salish Sea to celebrate the Lasting Legacies of these sentinel animals. This month, the County’s Marine Progra...

San Juan County Citizen Input Needed: Do You Have Waste Tires?

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 1, 2023 - Do you have old tires you’d like to dispose of? Let the County know! San Juan County’s Solid Waste Program is assessing the waste tire disposal needs of local citizens in an effort to provid...

Please Don’t Pick the Field Mustard! Help the Endangered Island Marble Butterfly Thrive

SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA. May 25, 2023 – The San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship asks the local community to refrain from picking field mustard (Brassica rapa), a critical plant for the survival of the endangered Island Marble Butterfly (Eu...

301 Volunteers Made the Spring Great Islands Clean-up a Success!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 2, 2023 - San Juan County would like to thank the 301 dedicated volunteers who collected 4,574 pounds of litter on Shaw, Orcas, San Juan, Stuart, Decatur, Sucia, and Lopez Islands during this year’s Spring Great...

San Juan County’s Annual Hazardous Waste Round-Ups this Spring

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 20, 2023 - San Juan County’s hazardous waste round-up collection event is our community’s once-yearly opportunity to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive or other hazard...

Invest in Your Planet! The Great Islands Clean-up is on Earth Day, April 22!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 6, 2023 - Join your fellow islanders for the 2023 Spring Great Islands Clean-up on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. During this event, participants of all ages can sign-up to collect trash on a designated beach or road, t...

Employee Spotlight: Jami Mitchell

Jami Mitchell spent her early years traveling Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, studying conflict transformation in Spain and Austria, and living in the Netherlands. After traveling the world, Orcas Island captured her attention and has remained her ho...

Employee Spotlight: Cheryl Kringle

Cheryl Kringle has many titles – islander, lawyer, bandmate, and recreational pilot, to name a few. But the title she’s most proud of now is ‘child advocate.’ Entering her third year as the County’s Child ...

Employee Spotlight: Sophia Cassam

Sophia Cassam has amassed an impressive resume during her three short years working for San Juan County. Hired by the Department of Community Development right after graduating from the University of Washington, Cassam has led multiple large planning effo...

Public Health Clinic Fees Resume on June 1

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 12, 2023 – On June 1, 2023, San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) will begin collecting fees for some public health services again. HCS will also be rolling out their new sliding fee scale. This ...

The Public Health Emergency Declaration Ends on May 11 – What Does This Mean?

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 10, 2023 – On May 11, 2023, the public health emergency (PHE) declaration will end. What does that mean for folks in San Juan County? Let’s take a look.

Is COVID-19 gone? No. The virus is still present in Washin...

Council Takes Next Step in Argyle Lots Housing Project by Selecting San Juan Community Home Trust

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 18, 2023 – During the April 18 meeting, Council members voted to accept the Housing Advisory Committee’s recommendation of selecting the San Juan Community Home Trust as the chosen applicant from the...

Hannah Heights Water System Tests Positive for PFAS

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 15, 2023 – San Juan County Health and Community Services (HCS) received confirmed test results on Friday April 14^th indicating that a well belonging to the Hannah Heights Water System on San Juan Island tested positive...

Concern For San Juan County’s Most Vulnerable Prompts Latest Health Officer Order

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2023 – On Apr. 3, 2023, San Juan County Health Officer Order 2023-1 went into effect which continues the masking requirements in patient-facing healthcare facilities. The order excludes dental offices, optometry off...

San Juan County Publishes 'Point in Time Homeless Count' Results

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – The 2023 San Juan County “Point-In Time” (PIT) Homeless Count identified 148 people who have no stable place to live, nearly matching the 2022 count of 146. 

Of the 148 people identified as having no stable pl...

San Juan County Honors Lucinda Elizabeth Stewart Boyce’s Legacy of Care with Community Health Van

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Lucinda Elizabeth Stewart Boyce lived on San Juan Island in the late 1800s and, through radical acts of public service, cultivated a legacy of care. She was known to travel by horseback, buggy, and canoe to ...

You’re Invited: Luci B Community Wellness Van Launch Party on March 15

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 2, 2023 – San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) is hosting a launch party for the new Luci B Community Wellness Van at the San Juan County Fairgrounds main building from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Light refreshm...

Washington State Department of Health Approves Use of Expired COVID-19 Tests

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. Jan. 26, 2023 – If you have a stockpile of expired at-home COVID-19 tests, don’t throw them out. You can still use them! The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) approved the use of expired at-home COVID-19 tests.

At-home COVID-...

San Juan County Launches New Oral Health Program for School-age Children

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 11, 2023 – San Juan County Health and Community Services will be providing “Smile Checks” as part of an oral health prevention program. Healthy teeth are part of overall health and wellness. In pa...

San Juan County Seeks San Juan Island Member for Housing Advisory Committee

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 7, 2022 – Are you a San Juan Island resident who is passionate and knowledgeable about affordable housing in San Juan County? The County is seeking a new member for the Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) to fill the S...

Hot Topic 63: Changes to COVID-19 Data Reporting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 5, 2022 – Key changes in COVID-19 data reporting that everyone should be aware of.

As of December 1, 2022, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has decommissioned the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COV...

Hot Topic 62: Influenza Treatments

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 30, 2022 – With influenza spreading rapidly throughout Washington and our own community, it is important to be aware of treatment options.

Rates of influenza in our community and throughout Washington state are very high, with...

Sharing is caring—except when it comes to viruses

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 23, 2022 – Washington state is seeing an increase in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold and COVID-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, ...

Hot Topic 61: Best Practices for COVID, Cold, and Flu Season

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 16, 2022 – You’ve always been asked to stay home when you’re sick, but it’s not always that simple. This year, more than ever, it’s important to stay home when you have cold o...

JURY DUTY: JUNE 5-9, 2023

All jurors called for jury duty the week of June 5th through 9th, are excused and do not need to report for jury duty.

Thank you.

A Second Generation of Coho Salmon Found at the Land Bank’s Coho Preserve on Orcas Island!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 8, 2023 – Local Fisheries Biologist, Jenny De Groot, shares an update on the emergence of Coho salmon at Coho Preserve on Orcas Island. 

"Spring is a time for optimism and hope. A time for rebirth. ...

Conservation Land Bank Events – May Round Up!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 4, 2023 – San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank is excited to share a series of events throughout May. From guided walks to habitat tours, there’s something for everyone!

North Shore Property Guided Tours | Orcas Island | May 5,...

Fact vs Fiction – Learn What $15 Gets You with the Land Bank

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2023 – Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank on Zoom OR in person for our Spring Community Conversation series. The Land Bank will host public meetings on Wednesdays - April 12, April 19, and Tuesday, Apri...

Land Bank Requests Seasonal Sheep Grazing Lease Proposals for 2023-2024

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 16, 2023 – The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank is requesting proposals from anyone interested in a short-term seasonal sheep grazing lease on areas of the Fowler’s Pond Preserve Property, on Orcas Isla...

County Council Awards Five Year Lease at Coffelt Farm Preserve

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. 10 February, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to announce Lum Farm has been awarded a long-term lease at Coffelt Farm on Orcas Island.  

Eric and Amy Lum have been stalwart stewards of Coffelt Farm since 20...

Open House for Three Lopez Island Preserves

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 3, 2023 – Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank for an open house meeting to provide input on three Lopez Preserves: Spencer Spit, Richardson Marsh, and Lopez Hill.

Spencer Spit Preserve is 18 fore...

Notice of Scheduled Prescribed Burn at Turtleback Mountain Preserve

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 14, 2022 – The Land Bank will begin burning small piles on Turtleback Mountain Preserve this week under a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This work follows strict protocols designed t...

Breaking Ground at the Fairgrounds – New Projects Underway

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 24, 2023 – The San Juan County Fairgrounds is beginning a series of projects beginning in late March. Projects will enhance the annual County Fair and year-round use of the Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Updates

In late March,...

San Juan County Parks and Fair Readied to Respond to Opioid Overdose

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Staff at San Juan County Parks are now better equipped to respond to opioid overdoses, thanks to a partnership with the Health & Community Services Department (HCS). Parks staff now have access to Naloxo...

San Juan County Opens Resident Camping Reservations for 2023

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA.  January 3, 2023 - San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department is offering advanced camping reservations for San Juan County year-round residents beginning January 25 at 6:00 am until February 8 at 4:00 pm. This tw...

San Juan County Fair Seeks Artists for 2023 Poster

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 14, 2022 – San Juan County Parks and Fair staff are already planning for the 2023 Fair! It is with great excitement that San Juan County announces the theme: “Dancing with the Steers,” a play on ...

County Hosts Project Information Meeting Re: Killebrew Lake Rd Closure & Bayhead Creek Culvert

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 7, 2023 – The County’s Public Works Department is hosting a project information meeting to discuss questions and concerns regarding the Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement project which necessitates the...

County to Begin Work on Orcas Island’s Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 31, 2023 – The County will begin a project to replace a culvert on Killebrew Lake Road, just east of Laporte Road. The FEMA-funded project will install a 12-foot-wide box culvert, specially designed to improve f...

Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – On Monday, May 15, 2023 County Council Member Jane Fuller (District 3), County Manager Mike Thomas, and the Director of Public Works Colin Huntemer, convened a meeting with the neighbors of the MacKaye Harbor ...

WSF Announces Orcas Road Reduced to One Lane Near Ferry Terminal the Week of May 23

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 22, 2023 – Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced the beginning of paving activity for a portion of Orcas Road, adjacent to the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. This paving effort is part of the current constructi...

County Hosts Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding Public Works Facilities Relocation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 5, 20232 – San Juan County is in the process of relocating its Public Works facilities on Lopez Island to the MacKaye Harbor area. In advance of this move, the County is holding a community meeting on Monday, Ma...

San Juan County Resurfaces Over 14 Miles of Roads this Summer

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 4, 2023 – San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road resurfacing schedule to chip seal over 14 miles of roads on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island. Chip sealing is a pavement...

“What’s Important to You?” Deadline Approaches for County Public Works Survey

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 26, 2023 – You have a chance to impact future projects around the County! Do you want more slip space at County docks? Are you passionate about building new bike trails? Have you experienced a road washout or culvert f...

‘How should San Juan County prioritize Public Works projects?’ Asks New Survey

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 10, 2023 – San Juan County's Public Works wants to hear from YOU! How often do you use marine facilities? Do you feel safe driving, biking, or walking on County roads? How should funding be prioritized into th...

Work to complete ADA upgrades at Orcas Ferry Terminal Begins

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 17, 2023 – San Juan County (SJC) and the Washington State Ferries (WSF) are eager to announce a public access upgrade for the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. Thanks to this partnership, the project will provide improved A...

County Answers FAQs About Proposed Public Works Relocation on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 16, 2023 – San Juan County is in the process of exploring the possibility of relocating its Public Works facilities on Lopez Island to the MacKaye Harbor area. This multi-year process has included ...

Update: Orcas Island’s Fish Trap Culvert Replacement Enters Second Phase

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 10, 2023 – The County’s Public Works Department is entering phase two of a project to replace a culvert and repair a section of Cormorant Bay Road near Deer Harbor. The FEMA-funded project is installing a ten...

Melting Snow is Stormwater – Protect Your Property and Drains

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 23, 2022 – With high levels of expected snow melt (stormwater), San Juan County’s Public Works Department encourages residents to be proactive in monitoring and reporting potential blockages to culverts an...

San Juan County is Prepared for Inclement Weather – And You Should Be, Too

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 16, 2022 – San Juan County is pleased to provide the public with a reminder of Public Works services, priorities, and mission during inclement weather. Additionally, there are several ways in which the public can su...

Project Update: Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 5, 2022– San Juan County Public Works is pleased to provide the public with updates on the Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project.  The Public Works crew has completed the new stormwater channel which...

San Juan County Considers Relocating Lopez’s Public Works Facility

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 21, 2022– San Juan County is entering the planning stages of an exciting project on Lopez Island. County Council has directed staff to develop a plan to relocate Public Works operations from Fisherman Bay Rd to the ...

Law Enforcement Joint Search & Rescue Training with Orcas Island Fire & Rescue and WA State Parks

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 18, 2023 – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce a training on Orcas Island occurring May 18, 2023. In the interest of information sharing and trying to minimize the potential of alarm of Orcas resid...

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Publishes Safe Shooting Tips

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 21, 2023 – As sunnier, warmer days facilitate outdoor activities, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is sharing friendly reminders about gun safety. Whether at target practice or shooting ...

Sheriff’s Office Launches New Drone Program and Policy

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 3, 2023 – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is introducing a new resource to assist in better serving and protecting community members. The agency now has two Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (commonly referr...

UPDATE: Law Enforcement Presence at Spring Street School, March 30, 2023

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 30, 2023  - The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office provided an additional update regarding the Law Enforcement Presence at Spring Street School. After working in cooperation with officials at the school...

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Launches New tip411 Tool

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 29, 2023 – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the implementation of a cell phone and web-based application which will help the public connect with deputies to find informatio...

Deputies Complete Animal Control Officer Course

The San Juan Country Sheriff's Office congratulates Deputies Nick Wainwright, Jason Gross, and Walker VandenHazel on completing the 80-hour Animal Control Officer Course. 

We are grateful for your enthusiasm and willingness to engage in t...

Sergeant Herb Crowe Retires

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office would like the community to join us in congratulating Sergeant Herb Crowe on his upcoming retirement. 

Herb has served the citizens of San Juan County for over 24 years and will be retiring on May 24,...

Real and Personal Property Taxes Due May 1

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 24, 2023 – San Juan County Treasurer, Rhonda Pederson, would like to remind county property owners that the first half property taxes and personal property taxes are due May 1.  Since the due date falls on a w...