News Flash

Registration Opens for Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. October 4, 2023 – Registration for the new pediatric 23-24 COVID-19 vaccine is now open, with limited availability for children under 19 years of age. Our first clinics will be held Oct. 18 on Orcas Island and Oct. 19 on San...

Fire Danger Downgraded to Low

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. October 2, 2023 - Effective today, Monday, October 2, 2023, the San Juan County fire danger level has been downgraded to the LOW level. This change in fire danger level lifts the burning restrictions as outlined in the burn p...

Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmought Bay Preserve Addition

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. October 2, 2023 - The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday, October 6, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM to discuss and determine retaining the Watmough Bay addition (formerly Higgins...

COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available Again for Online Ordering

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 27, 2023 – On Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, the federal government opened online orders for every U.S. household to place an order for four free COVID-19 rapid tests. Go online to covid.gov/tests to place your order or y...

Seasonal Changes to Public Access at Land Bank Preserves

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 22, 2023 – Last week we celebrated the Autumn Equinox, a signal that our daylight hours are waning. It also signals seasonal changes to public access at your Conservation Land Bank’s Zylstra Lake and Moun...

Public Works to Install Stop Signs on Orcas Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 20 - The San Juan County Public Works Department will be installing new stop signs on Orcas Island. The new stop signs will be located on A Street and Prune Alley, in Eastsound Village.  

Auto-Pay Tax Enrollment Program Now Online

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 20, 2023 - The San Juan County Treasurer's Office is happy to announce that their Auto-Pay Tax Enrollment Program is now available on their website. This program allows tax payers to automatically pay their...

New Public Trail Opens on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 19, 2023 - The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank and Washington State Parks are pleased to announce a new opportunity for a forest stroll - a 0.75-mile hiking trail through your Conservation Land Bank&rsquo...

San Juan County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report Released

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 19, 2023 - San Juan County has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community sources and municipal operations to reduce the County’s carbon footprint. As a baseline step in this proce...

Reward Offered for Information Regarding Recent Vandalisms in Friday Harbor

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 14, 2023 - The Town of Friday Harbor is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person, or people, responsible for a series of incidents of graffiti in Friday Harb...

Fall COVID-19 Booster Vaccines: What We Know Now

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 13, 2023 – When the public health emergency declaration ended on May 11, 2023, that marked the shift in the COVID-19 response from a public health response effort to a privatized medical management model. The 2023-...

Fall 2023 Great Islands Clean-Up

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 12, 2023 - Join your fellow islanders for the 2023 Fall Great Islands Clean-up, happening on Saturday, September 30. This bi-annual event invites participants of all ages to make a positive impact on our environment...

SJI Destination Management Plan Public Review Period Extended and FAQs Shared

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 8, 2023 - The preliminary draft of the San Juan Islands Destination Management Plan (SDMP) is currently available for public review and comment. The draft Plan is built off the feedback and recommendations received ...

Dangers of Digging When Beaches Are Closed to Recreational Shellfish Harvesting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 6, 2023 – San Juan County beaches remain closed to recreational shellfish harvesting due to unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). This closure includes all species of molluscan shellfish including clam...

Recreational Campfires Allowed in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 1st, 2023 –The San Juan County Fire Marshal in conjunction with the San Juan County Fire Chiefs are allowing recreational campfires as of 12pm noon, September 1, 2023. 

Recreational and cooking fires, limited to 3 fe...

San Juan County Parks and Fair Department to Break Ground on Capital Projects

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 30, 2023 – The San Juan County Parks and Fair Department has several capital improvement projects slated to begin in September and be completed by late fall.

New Shark Reef Sanctuary Waterless Vault Toilets on Lopez Is...

County to Test Vote Counting Equipment in October

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 14, 2023 – San Juan County’s Elections office will be holding a “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used for the County’s November 7, 2023, General election. The test is scheduled for October 3 at 11:00 ...

Black-tail deer Hunting Season Opens September 1 at Lopez Hill and Mount Grant Preserves

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 28, 2023 – Deer hunting is open for a limited season at Lopez Hill and Mount Grant Preserves. Specific dates for 2023 are as follows:

Archery              ...

DCD News: New Building Official, New State Building Codes & Website Updates

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 28, 2023 – San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is pleased to share a series of department updates as staff continue to address issues identified at recent community meetings. DCD is c...

Lodging Tax Grant Applications Now Open

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 25, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to announce the 2023 Lodging Tax Grant Application is now live. Applications are due by September 29, 2023 at 5:00pm. 

San Juan County has established a tourism facilities...

Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmough Bay Preserve Addition

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 23, 2023 – The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Commission seeks input regarding future plans for the Watmough Bay Preserve Addition (formerly the Higgins property) located on Lopez Island. The meeting will be h...

San Juan County Closed to Recreational Shellfish Harvesting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 23, 2023 – As of August 22, 2023, the Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational shellfish harvesting in San Juan County due to unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). This closure includ...

An open letter to the San Juan County community about wildfire risk and preparedness in the islands

Fellow islanders,

Following the catastrophic Maui fires earlier this month, there has been an understandably heightened level of concern about fire risk in the San Juan Islands. This includes what steps we can take to protect ourselves and what plans and s...

San Juan County's Land Bank Announces 2023 Fall Native Wildflower Sale

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 23, 2023 – The Salish Seeds Project announces its annual Fall Native Wildflower Sale, with more plants to choose from than ever.  Buyers can reserve plants online September 12 – 17 and pick them up ...

Marine Resources Committee & County Marine Program remove derelict creosote pier on San Juan Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA August 30, 2023 – The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is working with the County’s Environmental Stewardship Marine Program to remove the derelict pier at Jackson Beach this fall. Construct...

Preliminary Draft of San Juan Islands Destination Management Plan Now Available for Public Review

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 23, 2023 – San Juan County is creating the San Juan Islands Destination Management Plan (SDMP) to thoughtfully guide visitation that both supports and enhances the unique quality of life, environment, and cul...

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Single Vehicle, Double Fatality on Orcas Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 22, 2023 - On August 22, 2023, around 5:41 AM, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single vehicle accident, possibly involving a fatality on Crow Valley Rd near the intersection of Pleasure Hor...

Wildfire Smoke Forecasted in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 18, 2023 – Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and Eastern Washington is predicted to make its way to Western Washington this weekend, based on forecasted overnight shifts in wind patterns. San Juan County’s Health & C...

Burn Ban on Recreational Fires in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 14, 2023 –The San Juan County Fire Marshal has declared a ban on all recreational fires effective 12pm Noon on August 14, 2023. Due to current atmospheric and field conditions, this ban on all recreational fires appli...

County Council Travels to Lopez Island for Upcoming September 12 Meeting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 30, 2023 – San Juan County Council will hold its next regularly scheduled, September 12 meeting on Lopez Island. The public is invited to join the three councilmembers and County staff at the meeting at the L...

Permits Required for Building, Grading, and Other Construction Activities in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 11, 2023 – The San Juan County Department of Community Development (DCD) reminds the public that permits are essential to ensuring safe building practices and the long-term safety of buildings and property. O...

Auditor Seeks Writers of Argument for and against SJC Fire Protection District No. 2 Ballot Measure

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 11, 2023 – San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments for and against the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2  ballot measure for the voters’ guide.

To ens...

COVID Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 11, 2023 – The San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) Department wants you to make the most out of this summer, and part of that is continuing to keep you safe from COVID-19. The CDC has reported an inc...

County Barge Landings at Griffin Bay and MacKaye Harbor

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 11, 2023– San Juan County Public Works will be unloading several thousand tons of material onto San Juan and Lopez Island on Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23. The barge landing area will be closed to the pu...

Modified Burn Ban in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 9, 2023 –The San Juan County Fire Marshal, in conjunction with the San Juan County Fire Chiefs, have modified the BURN BAN posted from July 21^st, 2023. (View previous burn ban notice by clicking here.)

Recreational and...

Auditor Seeks Writers of Argument for and against Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District Ballot Measure

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 7, 2023 – San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments for and against the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District ballot measure for the voters’ guide.

To ensur...

Fun In the Sun for Families: ‘Seed to Sprout’ Classes Offered This Summer

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 7, 2023 - San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community is proud to offer hands-on learning opportunities in the garden this summer! Families are welcome to join the fun and learn about vegetable gardening th...

County to Remove A-Frame Signs in Unpermitted Areas of Eastsound

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 3, 2023 – San Juan County reminds businesses and event organizers of important ordinances regarding signage – particularly signs placed alongside the road in the County right-of-way. During the week of Monda...

Health & Community Services Launches County-wide Survey About Community Health

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 1, 2023 – On Monday, July 31, 2023, San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) launched its county-wide survey as a part of the Community Health Assessment process which is underway. This survey is...

San Juan County Begins Road Striping in September

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 1, 2023 – San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road striping schedule beginning on Monday, September 11 and lasting approximately several weeks. Pavemen...

Planting the Seeds with ‘Grow Your Own Food’ and ‘Seed to Sprout’

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 1, 2023 – This Spring San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) and WSU Extension Master Gardeners hosted a free four-week program for families with preschool-age children to learn about vegetable gardenin...

Deputies Arrest Alleged Sex Offender on Orcas Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 31, 2023 – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reports that on July 30, 2023, deputies on Orcas Island responded to a sex offense call on Orcas Island and arrested the alleged suspect.

Deputies quickl...

County’s Ferry Advisory Committee Holds Community Outreach Meeting August 2

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 27, 2023– San Juan County’s Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) is holding a special community outreach meeting on August 2 to share information about its advocacy efforts with Washington State Ferries (WSF), answe...

Dance with the Steers at the County Fair Aug. 16-19!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. JULY 25, 2023 – The 2023 San Juan County Fair is almost here, and with it comes new and exciting events, games, and local flavors! This year’s theme is “Dancing with the Steers,” which ...

County Announces Ban on Recreational Fires in Unincorporated Areas of San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 20, 2023 –The San Juan County Fire Marshal has declared a ban on all recreational fires after consultation with the San Juan County Fire Chiefs. Due to current atmospheric and field conditions, this ban applies througho...

County Launches Pilot Program to Expand Plastic Film Recycling for San Juan Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 20, 2023 - San Juan County, in partnership with SC Johnson, a manufacturer of household consumer brands, is kicking off a pilot program to recycle plastic film. This is the fourth program of its kind to launch in Washing...

Elections Ballot Box on Lopez Island Remains Open to Voters Despite Construction

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 20, 2023 – The San Juan County Elections Ballot Box on Lopez Island, located near the fire station, is open and available to voters despite construction.

Due to a Lopez Fire & EMS construction project behind...

County Council Meeting on Decatur Island July 25

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 19, 2023 – San Juan County Council will hold its next regularly scheduled July 25 meeting on Decatur Island. The public is invited to join the three councilmembers and County staff at the meeting at the Decatur...

Eastsound Planning Review Committee Holds Public Brainstorming Meeting to Discuss Parking Issues

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 19, 2023 – San Juan County’s Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) is holding a public brainstorming meeting on Thursday, August 3 to contribute to a future Eastsound Parking Study. The public is...

County-wide Creosote Piling Assessment Underway This July

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. July 12, 2023 – San Juan County is contracting with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to complete a county-wide assessment of creosote pilings. Addressing creosote treated materials in the marine environment is a priority for the...

Department of Community Development Publishes Community Meeting Recaps and Resulting Next Steps

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 29, 2023 – San Juan County’s Department of Community Development shares next steps as the result of organizational change and feedback from a series of community meetings. 

County officials including c...

County Unveils New Program to Improve Access to Agendas and Live-Streamed and Recorded Meetings

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 27, 2023 – San Juan County is proud to unveil new software to streamline its meetings and agenda management processes. The software, called Civic Clerk, integrates seamlessly into the County’s Civic Plus website and allo...

Public Works Survey Data Released: Results Emphasize Safety

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 27, 2023 – San Juan County's Public Works Department published a community survey that posed the question, “How should your roads work for you?” After collecting responses and analyzing the ...

County’s Derelict Vessel Program Seeks Community Support to Minimize Impacts of Neglected Boats

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 23, 2023 – San Juan County’s Derelict Vessel Program strives to minimize the impacts of derelict vessels throughout the county. By working closely with the public, local authorities, and the Washingto...

County to Test Vote Counting Equipment in July

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 22, 2023 – San Juan County’s Elections office will be holding a “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used for the County’s August 1, 2023, Primary election. Th...

County Halts Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement Project on Killebrew Lake Road

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 20, 2023 – San Juan County Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, June 20 to discuss the Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement Project that necessitates the closure of Killebrew Lake Road. During this meeting, Council v...

San Juan County Courts Announce New Online Jury Portal

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 20, 2023 – San Juan County Superior Court and District Court are implementing a new online portal to communicate with potential jurors. San Juan County is pleased to announce this improved access to the judicial system....

County to Share Community Development Updates at Lopez Island Meeting

 SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 20, 2023 – The public is invited to join County officials on June 28 at the Lopez Community Center for a discussion about the Department of Community Development. The meeting will be held from 4:30pm-5:30pm and...

County Council Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Orcas Island’s Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement

Previously, the Council was scheduled to address this project at the June 27 meeting. Due to project time constraints, the Council felt it necessary to discuss the project sooner than the 27. The public is invited to provide comment during the public acce...

Turtleback Mountain Preserve Temporary Trail Closures

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 15, 2023 – San Juan County's Conservation Land Bank will implement temporary trail closures on Turtleback Mountain Preserve during June and July to accommodate the installation of nineteen road culverts. In res...

New State Building Codes Delayed Until October

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 14, 2023 – San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is alerting the public of a revised timeline for the implementation of new state building codes. The Washington State Building Code Council (SBC...

County Publishes Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Killebrew Lake Road Closure

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 9, 2023 – San Juan County’s Public Works Department will be replacing a culvert for Bayhead Creek on Killebrew Lake Road.  

What is this project? 

The County will replace a culvert on ...

County Celebrates HolliWalk Neighborhood, the Latest Affordable Housing Project

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 9, 2023 – San Juan County is celebrating the completion of the HolliWalk Neighborhood in Friday Harbor – a project that received over $1.5 million of County funding. This is the County's second larges...

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...

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 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 Juan 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 ignite re...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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 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...

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,...

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 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...

“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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

‘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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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-...

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 ...

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...

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'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 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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...