Land Bank requests farm lease proposals

The San Juan County Land Bank requests proposals from farmers interested in a long-term agricultural lease of its Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island. This property includes about 53 acres of open land, a centrally located approximate two acre-foot pond, and two access points.

The San Juan County Land Bank requests proposals from farmers interested in a long-term agricultural lease of its Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island. This property includes about 53 acres of open land, a centrally located approximate two acre-foot pond, and two access points.

A new fence along the southern and western sides encloses a public walking trail. The farm is located next to American Camp National Park, and allows scenic views across its pastures to distant waterways, islands, and mountains.

The Land Bank’s goals for the preserve include maintaining the property’s scenic qualities and agricultural productivity, conserving soil, water, and priority ecological resources.

To allow the flexibility necessary to farm commercially in San Juan County, the Land Bank is seeking proposals written by the applicants, including lease rate, long term goals, and monitoring. On-site interviews will be a part of the selection process. The applications will be evaluated by a committee of farmers and representatives from the Land Bank, Agricultural Resources Committee and the Conservation District.

The Land Bank will hold meetings to explain the process and answer questions on Feb. 20 and on Feb. 24. Both meetings will be held at 10a.m. at the Land Bank office at 328 Caines Street.

For more information, please call Tim Clark at 468-2010.