A trail proposed from Friday Harbor to Zylstra Lake has been a contentious issue not just for farmers and property owners in San Juan Valley, but for the residents of San Juan Island. The trail, which is to be a multi-use paved trail, was put on the draft Six Year Transportation Improvement Program. A public hearing regarding adding the trail was held on Nov. 7 before the San Juan County Council.
Over 900 shoreline use permits have been issued throughout San Juan County during the past five years. If that sounds like a lot, it is. The islands, however, also have the longest shorelines in Washington State. The state is now attempting to monitor the impacts of such development and San Juan County recently completed the first report.