San Juan Islands Destination Management Plan

Tourism is a major economic driver in the County that helps support year-round livability for Island residents. It is also a management challenge for our sensitive natural and cultural resources, our limited public and utility infrastructure, and for those seeking consistent employment and affordable housing in the Islands. Each of the ferry-served island communities in the County hold differing interests and preferences regarding tourism but retain commonly held values they wish to protect. Coast Salish Tribes also wish to protect their ancestral lands and waters, and the rights they hold here. The County will work with Tribes on a government-to-government basis to gather input and facilitate engagement with the formation of the County’s Destination Management Plan.

The County and its partners began engaging the community in this effort in 2016, and have completed multiple surveys, public engagement events, and information gathering. This Plan builds off the extensive work and recommendations already completed.

Funding

The total estimated budget for both phases of the project is $200,000. LTAC voted in favor of requesting approval of an updated total project budget to this amount at the December 16, 2021 meeting. The work is being executed under the Department of Environmental Stewardship.