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Mount Ben Preserve

DRAFT Stewardship and Management Plan
June 2017
San Juan County Land Bank
350 Court Street No. 6
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

 Stewardship Goal
The Land Bank’s stewardship goal for its Mount Ben
Preserve is to protect and maintain the property’s
ecological and scenic qualities while providing
opportunities for low-impact public, educational, and
scientific access.

 Mount Ben Preserve
Stewardship and Management Plan
Table of Contents
I.

Introduction................................................................................................................ 4

II.

Acquisition History and General Management........................................................ 5
Objectives ............................................................................................................... 7
Tasks....................................................................................................................... 7
Monitoring Protocols.............................................................................................. 8

III.

Ecological Resources................................................................................................... 9
Objectives ............................................................................................................... 9
Tasks....................................................................................................................... 9
Monitoring Protocols............................................................................................ 12

IV.

Public Access ............................................................................................................. 13
Objectives ............................................................................................................. 13
Tasks..................................................................................................................... 13
Monitoring Protocols............................................................................................ 16

V.

Financial Analysis ..................................................................................................... 17
Site Enhancement ................................................................................................. 17
Projected Annual Preserve Stewardship............................................................... 18

Figures
1. Mount Ben Context Map .............................................................................................. 19
2. Mount Ben Topographic Map ...................................................................................... 20
3. Mount Ben Physical Map ............................................................................................. 21
4. Mount Ben Historic Aerials.......................................................................................... 22
Appendices
A. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species .............. 23
B. Preserve Rules and Use Restrictions ............................................................................ 24
C. Photomonitoring – 2016 Photopoints ........................................................................... 25

3

 I. Introduction_________________________________________________
The San Juan County Land Bank’s Mount Ben Preserve was acquired in January 2005 to
protect its scenic and ecological qualities and potential for low-intensity use. This
Stewardship and Management Plan is intended to guide oversight of the Preserve in
furthering these purposes.
The Preserve is located just below the summit on the south side of Mount Ben, a distinct
summit on the southern terminus of Mount Dallas. The 21.91 acre Preserve is enhanced
by an adjacent 12.65 acre Preserve owned by the San Juan Preservation Trust, which also
holds a conservation easement on the Land Bank’s Mount Ben Preserve. The steep,
rocky preserve rises from 560 feet to a maximum of 920 feet in elevation. It includes a
mix of young and mature Douglas fir conifer forest with remarkable old growth
specimens, grasslands and rocky balds, moist swales, and impressive big leaf maple trees.
The upper portion of the Preserve has unobstructed views across island valleys and
coastlines. Views extend across the straits of Rosario, Juan de Fuca, and Haro to
Vancouver and Whidbey Islands, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Cascade and Olympic
Mountains including Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Rainier.
Preserve management will focus on protecting the land’s natural attributes, while
enabling compatible low impact public use. This Stewardship and Management Plan
provides guidelines for the Land Bank’s oversight of existing holdings, as well as any
potential future land acquisitions nearby. While this plan is intended to serve for years
to come, it is anticipated that there will be a need for periodic revision as environmental
and social conditions change over time, and the organization acquires new knowledge.
Plans will be reviewed, and if appropriate revised, every ten years.
For organization and clarity, stewardship themes have been classified into three major
categories: Acquisition History & General Management, Ecological Resources and
Public Access. Under each major category, sub-headings detail objectives, stewardship
tasks, and monitoring protocols. Objectives describe the long-term vision for the
resources and uses in each section, while stewardship tasks outline specific actions
aimed at achieving objectives. Methods for measuring the success of these activities are
outlined under monitoring protocols. Appendices to this plan include maps, a list of
priority species and habitats, a summary of public use rules, summary of restrictions and
easements, and a financial analysis.

4

 II. Acquisition History and General Management
The Walkinshaw family created the Mt. Ben Short Plat in 1982. In 2004, desiring to
permanently protect and enable public enjoyment of the Property’s outstanding natural
attributes and views, the Walkinshaw family sold a conservation easement on three
parcels (two within the Plat and one small adjacent parcel) to the San Juan Preservation
Trust and Land Bank in 2003.
A year later the Walkinshaw family donated their remaining interest in the three parcels
(Lots 2 and 3 and the adjacent parcel) to the Land Bank with the specific wish that the
public be able to access and enjoy its natural beauty in perpetuity. In 2015, the Land
Bank merged all three parcels into one. An adjacent parcel (Lot 1) in the Mt. Ben Plat
was purchased from the Wheeler family by the Preservation Trust in 2005. The fourth lot
in the plat is owned by a private party. (Figure 2)
The Preservation Trust may transfer ownership of their Preserve to the Land Bank at
some time in the future, but the timing and mechanism for this remain unclear. In the
interim, the Land Bank and Preservation Trust will continue to cooperatively manage
both properties as a Preserve. The Preservation Trust maintains the “forever wild”
conservation easement on the Land Bank’s portion of the Preserve which includes a
requirement for monitoring at least one time per year.
Legal Access
Legal access to Mount Ben Preserve is by way of Hannah Road located off of Westside
Road, and then on two private roads: Bullfrog Lane and Goat Pen Road (Figure 1). These
roads serve as the only access route for approximately two dozen parcels, many of which
are occupied by permanent residents. Despite efforts by some neighbors, no formal road
association exists at this time and maintenance is carried out by individually and
sometimes cooperatively among property owners. Road maintenance has been an
ongoing challenge for neighborhood residents. The Land Bank has contributed to road
maintenance and improvements through purchase and delivery of gravel as well as
contributing labor. The Land Bank remains committed to helping with road maintenance
with the level of support contingent on the type and level of use by the organization.
Road development, maintenance, and use is further discussed in Section III. Public
Access.
Within the plat, there are two legal access easements which benefit the Land Bank’s
Mount Ben Preserve. The first consists of a shared forty foot wide road access easement
which begins at the southeast corner of the Preserve and follows the sinuous eastern
property line to the upper portion of the Property. A portion of this easement was
developed to provide access to a private parcel in the plat. The second access easement
consists of a sixty-foot wide easement which runs along the eastern, northern, and portion
of the southern part of the Mount Ben short plat.

5

 Negative View Easement
The property located to the west of the Mount Ben Preserve holds a negative easement
for the purpose of maintaining scenic views (Figure 3). The easement was granted as the
result of a boundary line conflict. The intent of the easement was to maintain views and
habitat the adjacent land owners had appreciated for decades but were being lost by the
encroachment of Douglas fir forest into the prairie.
The primary action required of the Land Bank by the easement is the management and
removal of vegetation. No tree or shrub is permitted to exceed 25 feet in height with the
exception of existing trees greater than 24” in diameter at the time the easement was put
in place. In addition to restricting vegetation, the easement contains prohibitions on
structures and roads within the zone.
Deed Restrictions
The Land Bank and the owners of the adjacent property to the east are parties to a road
construction agreement. This agreement provides for sharing in the cost of construction
and maintenance of a road leading all along the east boundary of the Mount Ben Preserve
up to the Preservation Trust Property. With the possibility of residential development on
Land Bank and Preservation Trust properties now extinguished, the agreement should be
revisited and revised.
Restrictive covenants applicable to the Preserve limit the cutting of trees. Cutting is
prohibited for commercial purposes and restricts the cutting of trees greater than 15” in
diameter at three feet above ground level, with the exception of trees judiciously pruned
or removed for aesthetic reasons of view enhancement. This restriction may run counter
to its original intent as it does not consider existing and anticipated ecological conditions
described in the Ecological Resources section of this document. It also may be in conflict
with the negative view easement described above as well as affecting the long term
scenic conservation values of the Preserve.
Conservation Easement
The Preservation Trust and the Land Bank jointly acquired a conservation easement on
the Mount Ben parcel prior to the Land Bank’s ownership. The conservation values
identified by the easement, in order of priority, are the same identified in this plan:
ecological and wildlife habitat, open space and scenic, and public access. It eliminates all
development rights associated with the Preserve and encourages the Preserve to be
managed as a forever wild nature preserve including but not limited to educational and
scientific purposes. Notable sections within the easement which require permission from
the Preservation Trust include the removal of vegetation, collection of biological
specimens, and notification of intent to sell property. The easement also permits the
Preservation Trust to provide for public pedestrian access to the Preserve should the Land
Bank fail to do so.

6

 II. A. Objectives for General Management
1.

Maintain and enhance the conservation resources identified in the conservation
easement and acquisition proposal.

2. Participate in the maintenance, upkeep, and enhancement of roads in conjunction
with other owners along Bullfrog and Goat Pen Roads.
3. Comply with legal easement and covenant obligations.
4. Maintain view easement held by adjacent land owner.

II. B. Stewardship Tasks for General Preserve Management
1. Review Management plan once every ten years and update as necessary.
2. Communicate and work with neighbors on road maintenance plans.
3. Track road usage by Preserve visitors and stewardship staff.
4. Develop an annual Preserve work plan in collaboration with the Preservation
Trust.
5. Work with neighbors to resolve easement and deed restrictions which are in
conflict with one another.
6. Uphold terms of the view easement.
Specific tasks might include:
a. Periodically meeting with easement holder to evaluate if terms are being
met.
b. Manual removal of trees, shrubs, and woody growth through cutting,
girdling, and/or limbing.
c. Manual removal of biomass through the use of burn piles 1
7. Maintain views consistent with the restrictive covenants on the Property to preserve
aesthetic enjoyment of the Property.
Specific tasks should include:
a. Identifying critical locations for the preservation of views.
b. Manual removal of trees currently and/or with capacity to impede views in
the future.
II. C. Monitoring Protocols for General Preserve Management

1

Burns piles will be placed on rocky outcrops and left to dry for one season. Burns will be conducted
during spring or fall while fire risk is low and 24-hour winds are not forecast to exceed 10mph.
7

 1. Regular Monitoring
The Preserve will be regularly visited by Land Bank staff and volunteers to
observe and track natural processes, public use patterns, and provide education
and outreach to Preserve visitors.
2. Annual Monitoring
Annual monitoring of Land Bank Preserves is critical to understanding its natural
resources, tracking changes, and protecting its conservation values. Staff will
conduct an annual monitoring visit with the specific tasks of inspecting key
features including monitoring Preserve boundaries.
3. Photo Monitoring
The use of repeatable photographs from designated locations within the Preserve
will be used to track changes to land-cover overtime. Photopoints have been
established around the Preserve and will be rephotographed and analyzed every
ten years as part of the management plan review and updating process. (Appendix
B)
4. Road Use Monitoring
Vehicle and/or pedestrian counters can be useful means to assess the level of
public use on preserves. The Land Bank may employ infrared or pressure based
counters to assist in this effort.
5. Ecological Assessment
An ecological assessment for the Preserve was produced by Land Bank staff in
2006 which provides a foundation for management decisions including this plan.
Additional assessments will be considered as new information is sought,
especially as necessary for management plan updates.

8

 III. Ecological Resources_
The grasslands and forests of Mount Ben are typical of dry, rocky, south-facing San Juan
Island sites (Figure 3). Much of the former extent of grasslands on this Preserve and
surrounding lands have seen dramatic colonization by Douglas-fir over the last several
decades, a process that continues. A physical map (Figure 4) approximates major plant
communities, but differentiation between historic and current land cover is difficult and
much variation, particularly the occurrence of herbaceous balds, exists within the zones.
Wildflowers decorate the slopes briefly in the spring, but the thin rocky soils dry early in
the season. Impressive specimens of big-leaf maple are found scattered throughout the
Preserve including the dry upper slopes and along drainages. Drainages support remnant
old-growth Douglas fir specimens, large grand fir, and smaller trees and shrubs including
Pacific crabapple, red elderberry, and salmonberry. A solitary mature Garry oak
specimen is located near the southwest corner of the Property and several oak seedlings
have been identified in this general area of the Preserve as well as both seedlings and
mature oak trees on adjacent privately owned land. Native grasslands and savannah are
an increasingly rare habitat type within our region and deserve special care and
consideration.
The impacts from climate change present significant challenges in planning and caring
for the ecological resources of Land Bank Preserves. While there is broad consensus
among the scientific community regarding our warming climate, there is a considerable
uncertainty regarding many of the specific long term impacts, in particular changes in
precipitation.1 In our region, average temperatures are expected to rise 4.2° – 5.5°F by
2050. Increases in average warmth may change composition of plant and animal species,
increase the risk and severity of wildfires, provide vectors for invasive plants, animals,
and pathogens, and effect hydrologic cycles. While it is not possible to prevent or
forecast these impacts with certainty, protecting and maintaining the biodiversity of the
Preserve can strengthen resilience to impacts from climate change.
The Land Bank holds protection of conservation values, including ecological resources,
as the overarching goal of its stewardship program. Maintaining an area’s ecological
health can also contribute to the preservation of scenic and open space characteristics.
Public access and other activities are designed to minimize impacts, with the knowledge
that they may have to be restricted or discontinued if impacts cannot be controlled.
_____________________________________________________________________
1

Source: Mauger, G.S., J.H. Casola, H.A. Morgan, R.L. Strauch, B. Jones, B. Curry, T.M. Busch Isaksen, L.Whitely-Binder, M.B.
Krosby, and A.K. Snover, 2015. State of Knowledge: Climate Change in Puget Sound. Report prepared for the Puget Sound
Partnership and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington, Seattle.
doi:10.7915/CIG93777D

9

 III. A. Objectives for Ecological Resources
1. Maintain the health of the Preserve’s ecological communities.
2. Encourage a greater understanding of the Property’s natural systems.

III. B. Stewardship Tasks for Ecological Resources
1. Protection of priority habitats and species
A list of the Preserve’s known priority habitats and species, as defined by the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is found in Appendix A.
Additional noteworthy communities, and species, such as uncommon plants, may also
be afforded these special protections:
•
•
•

Signage denoting use restrictions or areas closed for habitat protection and
restoration.
Direction of public use away from sensitive areas.
Use of plant protectors, cages, and/or fencing to provide protection from trampling
and herbivory.

2. Maintenance and enhancement of herbaceous balds, prairie, and savannah
Balds, prairie, and savannah are similar habitats collectively regarded as some of the
most imperiled in our region. Much of the historic extent of prairie on Mount Ben is
undergoing conversion to coniferous forest, while the relative small size,
disconnection with other prairie sites, and generally degraded condition of the
remaining grassland make it a relatively low priority for extensive restoration effort.
Stewardship tasks will focus on maintenance of the existing extent of prairie and
protection and enhancement of habitat surrounding individual specimens of big-leaf
maple and Garry oak.
Specific tasks may include:
• Assessment and prioritization of existing prairie and savannah areas.
• Annual monitoring and/or survey of native prairie plant communities.
• Control and manual removal of Douglas fir and other woody plants
threatening conversion of prairie areas (see control of invasive species below)
and/or crowding out individual oak or maple specimens.
• Investigating the use of prescribed fire to maintain and enhance prairie and
savannah.
• Use of exclosures (fencing or cages) to prevent herbivory by deer and other
mammals
3. Control of invasive species
Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and habitats. Baseline
inventory and mapping of invasive species on the Property has already been
conducted. Noxious weeds that may colonize Garry oak and grassland habitats are of
10

 particular concern. Control efforts will be focused in areas of greatest ecological
priority and vulnerability, and where methods have the greatest chance of success.
Manual and mechanical control will be the preferred mode of attack, with biological
controls and herbicide use carefully considered on a case by case basis.
Specific actions will include:
• Collaboration with the San Juan County Noxious Weed Board and other
agencies monitor for noxious weeds and develop prioritized approach for
control.
• Manual removal of invasive plants including tansy ragwort, Himalayan and
evergreen blackberry, hairy cat’s ear, herb Robert, mole plant, bull thistle, and
Canada thistle.
• Control of English Hawthorne by cutting, removal, and painted application of
herbicide to cut stem.
• Annual surveys for new infestations.
4. Maintain forest health
Mount Ben supports diverse forest. Much of the current forested areas are
characterized by dense, young stands of Douglas fir with little or no understory
plants. Soil structure, plant communities, veteran Douglas fir structure, and slope
aspect indicate much of the forested area once had a more open, savannah-like
character. It is unlikely and perhaps undesirable that the entirety be restored to these
conditions but the overall health, diversity, and resilience of forested areas can be
improved through limbing, thinning, and removal of trees, possibly in conjunction
with burning. Lower portions of the Preserve support old growth and mature Douglas
fir, grand fir, and big leaf maple. Some of these areas are also arguably overstocked
and may benefit with some mechanical thinning and use of prescribed fire.
Activities may include:
• Contracting with a professional ecologist for assessment.
• Limbing and thinning dense stands of trees.
• Seed collection of native plants.
• Outplanting native plants to encourage diversity.
• Use of prescribed fire to help maintain the health, diversity, and structure of
the Preserve and reduce wildfire danger.
• Use of exclosures (fencing or cages) to prevent herbivory by deer and other
mammals
5. Education and research
The Land Bank will encourage a better understanding of Mount Ben’s ecological
resources through cooperation with the Preservation Trust, local schools, universities,
scientists, and interest groups. Educational and research activities on the Preserve
will be conducted on a permission-only basis, and may be limited in size or duration.
Specific actions may include:
• Sponsoring, leading, or permitting small group guided natural history walks.
11

 •
•
•

Conservation and science-based education field trips.
Collaborating with researchers from private, local, state and federal agencies,
local schools, universities, volunteers, and other researchers.
Interpretive signage on the Preserve’s natural history and any habitat
restoration activities.

6. Restriction of uses
See Appendix B, Preserve Rules and Restrictions of Use.

II. B. Monitoring Protocols for Ecological Resources
High priority ecological features on the Preserve may be monitored to help evaluate
stewardship policies and resource health. Notable features on Mt Ben include mature and
old growth Douglas fir, mature stands of grand fir, bigleaf maples, Garry oak tree and
seedlings, and rocky balds/prairie.
1. Assessment
An ecological assessment was compiled for the Mount Ben Preserve in 2006. This
report will serve as a baseline against which to measure suspected changes or impacts
to the natural features of the land.
2. Photomonitoring
Photomonitoring (landscape photographs shot from permanent, relocatable locations)
have been established to provide a visual record of trends and changes over time. See
Appendix D, Photomonitoring for details. Additional photomonitoring will
document any restoration activities.
Additional research will be encouraged and other monitoring developed as needs emerge.

12

 IV. Public Access
The Land Bank aims to make the Preserve’s outstanding views and tranquil setting
available for the public’s enjoyment. Neighbors also value their peace and
independence, and thus reasonable protection of their privacy will be a priority in
providing public access. As with many of the Land Bank Preserves, neighbors living
within walking distance are anticipated to be a regular and significant user group. Lowintensity public use is expected to be compatible with neighborhood character and with
protection of the Preserve’s natural values.
III. A. Objectives for Public Access
1. Maintain the capacity for safe, low-intensity access at the Mount Ben Preserve that
does not detract from its outstanding aesthetic and natural characteristics.
2. Maintain an appropriate level of use, protecting natural resources and neighborhood
character, and ensuring that each visitor has a quality outdoor experience.
3. Explore alternatives for pedestrian access and connectivity with other Land Bank
Preserves and other private and public lands.
III. B. Stewardship Tasks for Public Access
1. Controlling level of use
Maintaining an appropriate level of use will be essential to preserving Mount Ben’s
special qualities. Over time, however, the Preserve may face pressures from the
rising population of San Juan Island and increasing demand for public access to
natural areas. The Preservation Trust’s conservation easement will contribute to the
long term vision of this Preserve as it restricts use to pedestrian only primitive trails
and prohibits the construction of most other facilities.
The follow approaches will be used to manage levels of use:
•
•
•

Limited signage to avoid overexposure.
Limited parking to restrict number of visitors.
Limited facilities and level of development to discourage unwanted activities.
2. Providing public road access
The legal access to the Preserve is by way of two private roads: Goat Pen Road
and Bull Frog Lane (Figure 1). The Land Bank will use this access route in the
near term for public driving access, while simultaneously investigating alternative
access possibilities.
Website and other Preserve literature will advise visitors of road conditions and
limited parking. Road directional signs to the Preserve will be placed at the
intersection of Hannah and Bullfrog roads and at the intersection of Bullfrog Lane
13

 and Goat Pen Road. An additional sign will be placed to direct visitors into the
parking area and away from driveways accessing adjacent private property. Car
and trail counters can be useful in tracking the number of visitors and level of use
over time.
The Land Bank will contribute to the ongoing maintenance and repair of Bull
Frog Lane and Goat Pen Road. The Land Bank will also pay for an initial
engineering assessment of the road to examine recommended improvements with
an emphasis on safety and long term sustainability. This assessment will be used
to more efficiently target long-term improvements to the road to avoid continual
cycle of short term repairs. These improvements will likely consist of build-up
and crowning of the road surface, installation of ditches and culverts, and other
similar activities.
3. Preserve Parking
The existing roadside pullout on the Preserve can currently accommodate one
vehicle. A parking area will be developed to safely park up to four vehicles. It
will be defined by log barriers placed on stone or concrete piers and may be
further separated from adjacent private property by the use of screening
vegetation, split rail fencing, boulders, and/or signage.
Specific tasks include
• Working with San Juan County Community Development to identify
permitting requirements for access and parking.
• Hiring professional consultants, such as a landscape architect or civil
engineer, to assist with site planning, design, and permitting (as
necessary), and construction.
4. Constructing Trails
There are currently no developed trails on the Preserve aside from deer trails and
a rough access route used by staff. The creation of a modest trail system will
provide access to dramatic views, diverse habitats, and wildlife viewing. Trails
will be rustic in nature but designed with long term sustainability in mind.
Average tread width will be 16-24” utilizing native soil, stone, and other materials
from on site.
Specific tasks include:
• Engaging with the San Juan Island Trails Committee and other volunteers for
trail design and construction.
• Directing trails away from sensitive or hazardous areas and, to the extent
possible, neighboring property boundaries.
• Aligning trails to take advantage of a variety of habitats and view-sheds.
• Aligning and constructing trails according to sustainable trail construction
standards.
5. Installing signage
14

 Specific actions may include:
• Signing property boundaries, road junctions, or other key locations to direct
users to appropriate areas and discourage trespass onto neighboring private
lands.
• Designing and installation of directional signs showing the location of trails,
parking, boundaries, public use guidelines, and other features.
• Designing and installation of interpretive signs.
• Installing roadside signage warning visitors of road conditions and parking.
6. Maintenance
Maintenance of the Preserve and infrastructure will be undertaken by Land Bank
staff, volunteers, and contractors. These activities might include:
• Trail maintenance including trimming vegetation, installation of drainage
features, rehabilitation of tread, and clearing downed trees.
• Upkeep and replacement of signage.
• Removal of litter.
• Noxious weed removal.
• Maintenance woody vegetation within the view easement area.
• Other tasks as needed.
7. Volunteer Preserve Stewards
Volunteer stewards are an important component of the Land Bank’s stewardship.
Stewards help the Land Bank meet its stewardship goals through regular visits to
the Preserve to observe its condition and level of use, and may also be involved in
maintenance, visitor education, invasive species control, monitoring, and other
stewardship activities.
8. Restriction of uses
See Appendix B, Preserve Rules and Restrictions of Use.
III. C. Monitoring Protocols for Public Access
The most important issues to monitor are the level of public use and any resultant impacts
on Preserve infrastructure, access road and the conservation values of the Preserve. It is
anticipated that in the first weeks and months following the opening of the Preserve that
use levels will likely be higher as locals explore a new Preserve. During the first year
regular volunteer steward presence will be a priority in order to help set the tone for use
by the public and generally monitor use. To help determine appropriate use levels, the
Land Bank will rely on feedback from volunteer stewards, interested citizens and
neighbors, and information from ecological monitoring protocols. The following
protocols will also be used:
1. Car counters and trail monitors.
These tools may be used to track the number of people accessing the Preserve over
time. Car counters can assist in determining road use and the Land Bank’s
contribution to community road maintenance and construction efforts.
15

 2. Use surveys.
Volunteers or students may be solicited to conduct survey studies of use during
specific and/or random periods to help determine level of use, user experience and
expectations, and compliance with use guidelines.
3. Photomonitoring.
Photographs taken periodically from established locations will be used to assess
public use impacts. (Appendix C)

16

 V. Financial Analysis
This analysis is intended as a financial planning tool. All numbers are approximate and
expenses will be reconsidered annually as part of the Land Bank’s regular budgeting
process.
The Land Bank has allocated an Endowment Fund within the Investment Fund Balance
of the San Juan County Land Bank Stewardship & Management Fund. The interest
earned from this fund is intended to cover annual Preserve management costs in
perpetuity. Whenever necessary, additional allocations to the Stewardship Fund may be
made from the Conservation Area Fund at the direction of the Land Bank Commission.
Separate allocations from the Conservation Area Fund will cover specific site
management planning, and enhancement projects.
This financial analysis considers two components of Mount Ben management: Site
Enhancement or “start-up” costs, and Annual Preserve Management. Annual costs are
adjusted for average inflation of 2.5% in order to project five and ten year amounts. All
estimates include staff time.
Site Enhancement (2017-2022)
Planning and permitting
Site plan
Permitting, as necessary
Subtotal:

8,000
1,000
$9,000

Subtotal:

2,500
5,500
15,000
2,500
$25,500

Parking and access road improvements
Engineering assessment of road
Road improvements
Parking area construction
Vehicle counters
Directional, interpretive, and boundary signs
Design and fabrication
Installation

3,000
850
$3,850

Subtotal:
Trail design and construction
Layout and alignment
Construction (assuming volunteer contributions)
Materials
Subtotal:
Habitat enhancement
Grant and project administration
Oak savannah enhancement
Forest assessment
Forest enhancement
Subtotal:

2,500
10,000
1,600
10,000
$24,100

TOTAL

$68,950

1,250
5,000
250
$6,500

17

 Projected Annual Property Management (2017– 2022):
Annual costs estimates shown below are averages and do not necessarily reflect costs born every
year. Five and ten year totals show projections based on 3% annual inflation. Staff time is
apportioned to specific staff members and is based on total hourly cost born by the County.

Annual Stewardship Expenses
Monitoring
Routine monitoring
October-March, monthly
April – September, twice per month
Annual boundary and Preserve monitoring
Subtotal:

1,438
2,875
399
4,712

Maintenance
Signage
Materials
Staff

100
204

Materials
Staff

100
207

Materials
Staff

250
228

Materials
Staff
Noxious weed control
Materials
Staff
View Easement
Materials
Staff

1,000
455

Trail

Parking

Road

150
1,278

Subtotal:
TOTAL:

100
240
2,694
$7,406

Annual Totals:
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026

Amount
7,406
7,628
7,857
8,093
8,335
8,585
8,843
9,108
9,382
9,663
18

 F_igure 1. Mount Ben Preserve Context Map

 

    
   
 
     
 
 
   

 

  

 

 

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Town of Friday Harbor
3? Watershed

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im 
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19

Figure 2. Mount Ben Preserve Topographic Map_________________
2013 San Juan County aerial photo (boundaries shown are approximate). 10’ Contours derived
from 2008 San Juan County Digital Elevation Model (DEM) derived from LiDAR imagery.

20

 Figure 3. Mount Ben Preserve Physical Map______________________
This map shows relevant management features associated with the Mount Ben Preserve.
Ecological community mapping is approximate with areas of overlap between forestlands and
prairie/savannah occurring. It is shown here to provide baseline information for areas of
potential ecological management activities.

21

 Figure 4. Historic Aerial Photos________________________________
Aerial photos taken from USDA and San Juan County databases. Boundaries overlay is
approximate. Photos demonstrate landcover change over time. 1941 shows distinct separation
between grasslands and forestlands. This condition was likely due to fire regime and later
maintained by grazing animals. Image from 1972 shows dramatic reduction of forest likely due
to timber harvest in the 1950-1960s, with some recruitment of young trees, presumably Douglas
fir. Image from 1998 demonstrates rapid infill of Douglas fir forest including encroachment into
former grasslands. The final image from 2013 shows the maturation and continued infill of forest
throughout.

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 Appendix A. Priority Habitats and Species

_______________

(Adapted from Mount Ben Preserve Ecological Assessment, Habegger, 2006)
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of Priority
Habitats and Species for each region of the state. Some listings are made based on
ecological significance, others because of their importance as game animals. As defined
in the current state Priority Habitats and Species List (2008, updated June 2016), three
priority habitats and four species have been identified on Mount Ben:
Snags and logs
Westside Prairie/Herbaceous Balds
Pileated Woodpecker
Bald eagle
Band –tailed Pigeon
*Columbian black-tailed deer
*Columbia black-tailed deer are abundant and thriving in the San Juans and are not
considered a priority species in the context of Land Bank management of this preserve.

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 Appendix B. Preserve Rules and Use Restrictions

_________

The following use restrictions will be in effect for the Mount Ben Preserve. Restrictions
are intended to protect the ecology of the preserve, the safety and peace of neighbors, and
to minimize management costs. They will be posted on site and mentioned in literature as
appropriate.
The Land Bank generally relies on signage and periodic contact from staff or volunteers to
educate visitors about use restrictions. An enforcement ordinance governing activities on
Land Bank Preserves was adopted by the San Juan County Council on August 25, 2009.
When necessary, enforcement actions may be carried out through the San Juan County
Sheriff’s office.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

No camping
No fires
No hunting
No discharge of firearms
Daytime use only
Dogs must be leashed
Pedestrian access only beyond road
No vehicles off road
No bicycles off road
No horses off road
No commercial use
No collection of botanical, zoological, geologic or other specimens except on a
permission-only basis for scientific or educational purposes

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 Appendix C. Photomonitoring _____________________________
Photomonitoring is used to document the physical condition of the Preserve at a set point
in time and provide a baseline from which to track changes. The Land Bank has
employed photomonitoring to a limited extent on some Preserves and for tracking
ecological restoration efforts. In an effort to create a deeper baseline, photomonitoring
will be incorporated into this and subsequent management plans with intent to repeat the
photographs on a decadal basis as part of the review and, as necessary, updating of the
plans.
Photos below are lower resolution for context only. Original photos will be maintained
in separate digital archive. GPS coordinates and physical descriptions of the photo
location have been recorded in order that future photos will be taken from easily
recoverable and repeatable locations. Photos are intended to show context of the
Preserve’s biological communities as well as any areas likely to be impacted by public
access and management activities on adjoining properties. They are not intended to
provide a comprehensive picture of the Preserve in its entirety. Photopoints established
in this effort may be abandoned or have additional points added as necessary.
Photographs for this management plan were shot an iPhone 6s featuring a built in 12 MP,
f/2.2, 29mm, camera. Images were shot using the panorama feature which can cause
some distortion but provides uninterrupted perspective for each photopoint. Angles of
panoramas ranged between 90 and 180 degrees.

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 1. Rebar marking outside edge of road easement, approx. 20’ east of SE Preserve corner, northwestern panorama

2. Base of large boulder roughly 250' north along property line from SE Corner
26

 3. From road approximately 12 north of survey marker looking southerly

4. 8' NW of survey lathe nailed to tree, southerly panorama

27

 5. 20' NE of survey marker, southwesterly panorama

6. Straddling survey marker, northerly panorama

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 7. Straddling survey marker (uncapped rebar), northerly panorama

8. Prominent rock outcrop, westerly panorama

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 9. Prominent rock outcrop, overlooking large maple, easterly panorama

10. Bench 25' to west and above maple, easterly panorama

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 11. Same location as Photopoint 10, westerly panorama

12. 10’ west of T-post (NE corner of previous 1 acre lot), southerly panorama

31

 13. NW Preserve corner, SE panorama

14. Along western property line, 30' east of neighbor's middle orchard row

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 15. Southwest property corner (neighbor's fence corner), NE panorama

16. 40' west of oak tree, northerly panorama

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. .

17. pproximately 100' uphill (west) from survey line marker, northerly panorama

34