04.22.13

Cantwell Applauds New Additions to San Juan Island National Historical Park

Cantwell: 34-acre addition ‘protects important recreational sites in one of America’s most beautiful national parks’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the addition of 34 acres to San Juan Island National Historical Park, which was celebrated this afternoon in a ceremony on San Juan Island. The addition includes 2,500 feet of shoreline on Westcott Bay and will be part of the park’s English Camp unit.

“Today’s addition continues the community’s efforts to protect pristine, historic lands across the San Juan Islands for future generations,” said Cantwell. “The preservation of these lands along Westcott Bay will protect important recreational sites in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. I was proud to work with local stakeholders to preserve nearby Mitchell Hill and keep it in the public domain. Today’s new addition highlights the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in preserving treasured lands across America.”

These new lands will strengthen the San Juan Island National Historical Park’s educational and recreational opportunities centered at English Camp. The lands’ natural state, which includes tidelands, upland forests and wetlands, will now be preserved, while the operations of a nearby oyster farm will not be affected.

The National Park Service acquired the first portion of the property from The Conservation Fund with support from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Cantwell has been a Congressional leader on investing in the LWCF, which funds the purchase and development of parks, wildlife refuges, and recreation resources.

Cantwell has been a leading proponent of preserving federal land on the San Juans. Last month, Cantwell joined President Obama in the Oval Office for the signing of a Presidential National Monument declaration for nearly 1,000 acres of federally owned land on the San Juan Islands. The new San Juan Islands National Monument preserves over 60 unique parcels of land and ensures public access for future generations and represents the first National Monument in Northwest Washington.

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