Join Us:
Annual Meeting — 3:30 pm Saturday, March 26th at LCCA
Signs of Spring
With photo: Sandy in 2008 with two of this year’s graduating seniors Camille Steckler & Isara Greacen. Read on to hear from a few of LCLT resident graduates.
Director’s Report
As 2022 unfolds, two influences keep popping into my mind. One is a line from Amanda Gorman’s New Year poem New Day’s Lyric. The entire poem speaks to me but this line: That though we weren’t ready for this, We have been readied by it. That line really sums up where I am right now. I am not certain of very much anymore. I ask myself if our institutions of governance, finance and education can withstand the constant battering and will the noise of social media drown us and completely prevent us from seeing our common plight? The other influence for me is a quote by Desmond Tutu. Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
As we plan and prepare for new projects I see that there is something about creating space and opportunity in the built environment that can serve as a touchstone for our human experience. So much is fleeting these days. To promote economically just programs in housing and local food systems help create places of pause for humans – places to reflect and have relationship with the natural world and neighbors. Kids can feel some sense of all-rightness.
Over the last 33 years I see that even though our small island has been hit by many changes, by committing to removing land from speculation and developing a web of affordable housing and local farms, we can provide an anchor to community. The land cannot be sold, it is not a commodity. It offers a refuge for those who live and work locally and keep the web of community intact. It’s interesting to witness what happens when a community commits resources to sustain community rather than commoditizing basic needs.
LCLT recently purchased our second farm and selected a new farm family. Our work is slow but I am glad we do it because over time it endures. Having people committed to place, caring about community and engaging in regenerative efforts with the land is crucial. The relationship between humans and the natural world brings about a love affair that helps us orient ourselves each day. I believe that we will only pull back from the edge of climate destruction if we fall in love with the natural world.
— Sandy Bishop, Executive Director
Year in Review
2021 brought some significant accomplishments in both affordable housing and sustainable agriculture.
Last spring four new homeowners on Salish Way helped complete their houses and settled into their beautiful homes, making them uniquely their own. Not long after, the U.S. Department of Energy selected the Salish Way Cottages from the Lopez Community Land Trust as a 2021 Housing Innovation Award winner, in the Affordable Category.
LCLT purchased property on Fisherman Bay curve where the For Sale Soon sign stood for many years, and we applied to acquire the neighboring 5 acres from San Juan County. This land will be used to build more affordable homes, while stewarding the natural landscape (wetlands and forest). Join us for a community charrette about this land (and more), or listen to the results at our annual meeting.
Nuts and bolts: we installed fiber at the Westpark rental; built fences, gates, sheds and a rainwater system at Salish Way; and completed a spring-fed well improvement at Lopez Sound Farm.
In 2021, LCLT selected Lena & Andrew Jones to lease the land at Lopez Sound Road. Lena & Andrew are drafting plans for Still Light Farm and we are diligently working to finalize the terms of a 99-year ground lease. (See below for Lena’s update.)
LCLT sold 75 of the 118 acres at Lopez Sound Road to the Land Bank, thereby repaying $600K in friendly loans and expanding the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank property at Lopez Hill. LCLT is working on creating a trail easement with the Land Bank.
At Stonecrest Farm, Mike and Meike continue to produce delicious beef, pork, eggs & more while building healthy soil. They were interviewed by filmmakers John Roulac and Geoffrey Schaff to learn about their holistic management practices. (See below for Meike’s update.)
In the office, we did a great deal of community outreach and consultation throughout the year. Sandy worked with displaced households impacted by the fires in Rogue Valley, Oregon, who were interested in the Community Land Trust model. We are in regular communication with the Jefferson County CLT, OPAL CLT and San Juan Home Trust. Sandy also spoke at the International CLT Festival, and we participated in world CLT day. Lastly, Sandy taught a virtual course in construction management, along with Pete Kilpatrick through the Economic Development Council
New in 2021, we formally adopted Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Guiding Principles. https://www.lopezclt.org/about/dei-guiding-principles/ In June, LCLT staff attended the Pride parade march in Lopez Village.
The Lopez Farm Product Guide for 2021-2022 is available online https://www.lopezclt.org/farm-products-guide/ or in print at the Lopez Chamber, Blossom Grocery, Edenwild and various farm stands.
Looking Ahead & Laying the Groundwork
Lopez Community Land Trust has a two-hundred-year commitment to steward and care for the lands that we own. Our long-term vision requires thoughtful planning. 2022 is a year to lay the groundwork for new projects.
Last summer’s heatwave, this winter’s torrential rains and freezing temperatures have brought climate preparedness and resiliency to the forefront of our minds. Based on the experience of navigating these climate extremes, our planning is done through the lens of climate adaptability. We have already started intentional planting at the Pear Tree apartments and in the space between Salish Way and Tierra Verde, and getting the earth ready to plant a native wildflower corridor by the pond near Common Ground.
Tree-planting has become a cornerstone of many environmental campaigns – seen as a simple and effective way to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions and restore natural ecosystems. As trees grow, they help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Trees provide many benefits. Photo of the rainy day we planted. Thanks to Marv, Chris, Chom, Isara, Donna, Heather, Brian, Judith, Mehgan, Sandy Breton and Corky. Three co-ops, board and staff were represented.
Photo of the rainy day we planted. Thanks to Marv, Chris, Chom, Isara, Donna, Heather, Brian, Judith, Mehgan, Sandy Breton and Corky. Three co-ops, board and staff were represented.
In our Community Design Charrette (happening March 25), we’ll be laying the groundwork at Fisherman Bay Curve, Salish Way and Lopez Sound Farm. We will do visioning for ecologically sound, community-oriented, sustainable & affordable housing.
At Lopez Sound Road, we anticipate finalizing the 99-year ground lease for Lena & Andrew Jones. This is the first step in their journey to farm the land and grow Still Light Farm. LCLT is excited about their vision, and look forward to being supportive and seeing it unfold over time.
LCLT received grant funds through the WA State Heritage Barn program to do much needed renovations on the Stonecrest Barn. This work will start in the Spring, ensuring the barn remains an integral part of the farm for the next hundred years.
As always, we continue to seek opportunities to acquire land for housing and land for sustainable agriculture. If you have suitable land or a house you would like to sell or donate to LCLT, please reach out to us at LCLT.
3:30-5pm Saturday, March 26
Annual Meeting at LCCA
In the morning of March 26 a group of designers, including Kim Clements, creative director and co-founder of JAS Design Build, future homeowners, and others will be looking at three LCLT sites for future affordable homes on Lopez. Maps of the sites will be displayed at our annual meeting. Join us at the culminating event of the design charrette for our Annual Meeting on March 26th, 3:30-5pm at Lopez Community Center. See the results of the design charrette, provide comments and feedback, and learn about these exciting new projects. We look forward to seeing you then!
News from Stonecrest Farm –
Update & Photos by Meike Meissner
Another winter for the record books is apparently behind us as the grass begins to lengthen along with the daylight hours. The heavy rains of November and December have left the fields super saturated but luckily the early part of the year has helped dry things out a bit, even as in Montana there is talk of a deepening drought where rancher friends are reducing herd numbers to prepare for lower hay yields this summer. Weather in other places and logistical challenges are showing up in the increasing price of chicken feed and the astronomical shipping costs of livestock minerals.
Our first new heifer calf of the year was just born to our milk cow, and lambs are due to hit the ground within the next few weeks. We’ve pushed calving back into April so that the cows are on good spring grass (and not hay) when their calves come into the world. The pigs are busy digging up a patch of roses and brambles, thriving on food scraps and grass and the spent barley from the Lopez Island Brewery. This is the time of year when we are busy fixing fences, running new water lines for stock tanks, and preparing for the grazing season ahead. Good thing it isn’t snowing!
As with many other Island Grown Farmers Cooperative (IGFC) members, our slaughter dates were delayed by over a month due to the inconsistent ferry schedules that prohibited the mobile slaughter unit from accessing the island, but now the Barn Stand freezers are full again with beef, pork and lamb. We have started selling meat through the San Juan Islands Food Hub as well and thank everyone who has ordered from us. It really is our greatest joy to produce a delicious and nutritious product to share with our friends and neighbors – thank you for your support!
News from Still Light Farm –
Photos & Text by Lena Jones
Our first walk on the farm was on April 10th last year. Sandy and Rhea led us along the old fence line trail at the far western edge of the property. We wove our way through the undergrowth, down the slope, and emerged at the big cedar tree. A creek burbles at its base, skunk cabbage growing on its bank, and the moss-covered bulk of Lopez Hill rises beyond. We headed back to the pasture and walked through the grass to the pond. A chorus of frogs quieted as we drew near.
We have walked those paths every month since, in every kind of weather. In June we picked salmonberries on the old logging trail, bigger and more delicious than we’d seen before. The grass grew high above our children’s heads and the waterways dried up. We found an old apple tree, the grass matted beneath where the deer like to come and sleep. In October, four ducks flew up off the pond when we walked down. The water began flowing again and we traced each seasonal stream across the land. Now the frogs return, and I am immensely grateful to be experiencing these small seasonal events on this land, this place that we will come to know perhaps better than anywhere we’ve lived before.
We have been clearing the old barn site, overgrown with blackberries, with the idea that a new barn will be built in the same place later this year. Our work exposed the old timbers and piles of stone that composed the foundation. Three engine blocks, a washing machine, a turquoise cooking pot, and logging tools were uncovered too. We are designing the new barn that will take shape there, as well as the house we will build. I’ve drawn a site map for the property that details where the buildings, fields, fences, waterways, orchards, and habitat strips will be, and now I can often be found in the middle of the field, layering the site map on to the scene before me and pacing out various plantings and hedgerows. Spring will bring to life all the plans we put on paper through the winter. Thank you for welcoming us so warmly to Lopez over these past several months!
2021 Financial Report & Balance Sheet
by Treasurer Chaz Ott & Former Treasurer Bruce Creps
As we celebrated LCLT’s 32nd year anniversary in 2021, we reflected on the extensive progress the organization has made throughout its history in providing 53 local households affordable homes and directly supporting sustainable agriculture by holding close to 100 acres of land in trust. These successes were made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors, support from the Lopez Island community, and relentless hard-work of our staff, board and volunteers.
Capital Projects
2021 saw the completion of 4 new homes on Salish Way complete with rain catchment and a new forest trail and plantings.
We also made a purchase of 5.5 acres just north of the Village where we plan to build another six affordable homes to help meet the needs of a few of the 55 interested households who recently filled out a housing needs survey.
At the new Lopez Sound Farm and Forest Preserve we completed the spring-fed well improvement.
In 2022 we look forward to upgrading Stonecrest Barn through the Washington Heritage Barn grant, doing some capital improvements at the Pear Tree apartments and starting clearing and grading for new housing.
Income and Expense
LCLT received a total income of $1,096,505; which was above our $609,951 budget for 2021. This was primarily due to additional fundraising efforts to increase our capacity to build housing. 56% of this income came from contributions and memberships. LCLT had income of $143,958 from the sale of the forested portion of 118 acres on Lopez Sound Road, purchased by the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank. The endowment fund earned $26,572, and additional income came in the form of lease and rent fees, new resident fees, grants, and interest income. LCLT carried forward $352,100 of unused 2021 income for use in 2022 on capital projects.
Total 2021 expenses were $620,283, well below the budgeted $1,125,650. Expenses were low, principally due to deferred work that will be completed in 2022.
Balance Sheet
Revolving loans receivable increased by $383,101 compared to 2020, in large part due to refinancing some of the Salish Way housing. Liabilities decreased substantially as a result of paying down two loans for the Lopez Sound Road property when we sold 75 acres of forest to the Land Bank to remain in Forever Wild status. Long-term liabilities come in the form of long-term loans, forgivable loans, and friendly (community-based) loans. The amounts shown on these statements are preliminary and subject to adjustments made during our annual audit. If you’d like a copy of our audited 2020 statements, please inquire. We expect to have our audited 2021 statements completed by late June.
LCLT continues to have a significant impact thanks to our members and contributors. As we embark on a new year of working to strengthen our community together, your continued support is deeply appreciated.
Sign up for the 2022 Grain CSA
Steve Lillestol will once again grow wheat for the 2022 Grain CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). He is offering Fortuna wheat, a hard, red spring wheat with good protein, milling and baking qualities. The Locavores and LCLT offer use of two different stone mills located at 25 Tuatara Road. Steve can also provide milling.
The Grain CSA offers shares of 20 pounds of wheat for $22. If you are interested in purchasing a share or more let us know by April 18th.
Checks are payable to LCLT and can be sent to PO Box 25.
Email Breton at LCLT25@rockisland.com if you have any questions. Be sure to note 2022 Grain CSA in the subject line.
Graduating Senior: Morgen Limbach
What is your favorite memory associated with living at LCLT?
“The Four families in Tierra Verde would have a “kaffee and kuchen” get together every week where we would get together withcoffee and cake which was really fun.”
LCLT At Ride the Rock — April 30, 2022
The Chamber of Commerce has transformed Tour de Lopez into Ride the Rock this year. The focus will be to give Lopezians a chance to ride our own island, explore our own roads, and party on down with good food, live music, a beer garden, artisan craft vendors and a parade in our very own Village Park!
LCLT will have an information booth at the event with activities for the young and young-at-heart, including a bicycle-generator and solar energy demo. We will also have scheduled walks through Common Ground, a net-zero-capable LCLT neighborhood for anyone interested.
Get out on a bike if you’re so inclined, enjoy the island and come visit us at the booth by the water tower. Come and connect with our community and learn more about sustainability as we celebrate earth week. It will be a fun day of compassion, connection and consciousness.
Saturday April 30th from 10-3 pm
To register, visit https://lopez-island-chamber-of-commerce.square.site/
Graduating Senior: Fig McClerran
What is your favorite memory associated with living at LCLT?
“Growing up at LCLT was the perfect mix of community based living, and freedom for my family to grow and flourish. I have so many memories of interacting with our little community, chasing chickens, harvesting communal herbs, flowers, and of course, walking next door to ask for some eggs to complete my baking projects. Living in the LCLT has given my family the stability of a home. It truly takes a village to raise a kid, It’s the best home I could’ve ever asked for.”
Changes to the Board
A big farewell and many thanks to board members Anne Hall, Terri Drahn, Chaz Ott & Marv Peterson. We are deeply grateful for your time with LCLT and your years of service!
Running for election are: Jan Marshall, Asia Citro, & Mark Eames.
Jan Marshall
Asia Citro
Mark Eames
Graduating Senior: Isara Greacen
What is your favorite memory associated with living at LCLT?
“Some of my favorite memories took place on the wooden bridge between my house and the house that my cousins Nonie and Jax used to live in. We would get all dressed up and perform dances we choreographed on the bridge for our families or whoever would watch us or we would use the bridge as a catwalk and put on fashion shows. My other favorite memories involved driving around the neighborhood paths in a little green electric car with my friends all piled in together. It’s been amazing growing up in such a close community with my family and friends.”
Become a Member Today!
LCLT is a membership agency dedicated to unleashing the power of community. For over 30 years, members have helped set the course for building opportunities on Lopez. As we look forward to the future, we celebrate LCLT members for all that we’ve accomplished together. Help us keep working farms and affordable homeownership opportunities on Lopez.
For those of you preferring to donate crypto currency. Please reach out to Sandy, at lclt@rockisland.com
“The gap between knowing and doing is bridged by the human heart”
– Meg Wheatley
Lands Owned & Leases Granted
In 2021, LCLT owned 9 parcels of land on Lopez, approximately 188 acres. Three housing cooperatives — Rodney J. Morgan, Coho and Innisfree — each lease separate parcels under the terms of a 99-year ground lease. Three housing cooperatives — Lopez Common Ground, Tierra Verde and Salish Way — each lease a portion of a 7-acre parcel, also under the terms of a 99-year year ground lease. LCLT has five rentals: A two-unit apartment building located at 45 Pear Tree Lane, a single-family residence at 408 Westpark Lane and two studio apartments located on Tuatara Road. LCLT owns Stonecrest Farm, a 48-acre parcel located at 252 Kjargaard Road, with two houses and other improvements. The farm is leased to Stonecrest Farm & Graziers. The 42 acres of farm and forest at 2026 Lopez Sound Road will be leased on a 99 year term to Still Light Farm, LLC. Additionally, LCLT holds 5 acres of undeveloped land on Fisherman Bay Road and 4 acres of undeveloped land located on Lopez Road, both sites are being held for future housing development.
Donors, Foundations & Business Supporters
Abe Gates & Derek Eisel
Agnes Govern & Mary Peterston
Alan & Sarah Black
Alex & Malu Froom
Amelia Taylor
Andre & Elizabeth Entermann
Andrew Gravano
Anne & David Hall
Anonymous Donor
Anthony Thomas Collins
Asia & Craig Citro
Avery & Jessica Dahl
Barbara & David Thomas
Barbara & Jerry Nepom
Barbara Rydberg
Barbara W. Smith
Beth Shirk & Anne Hietbrink
Beverly Zapalac
Blake Rankin
Bob & Jan Sundquist
Bob & Sean O’Connell
Bob Gamble & Winnie Adams
Breton Carter
Brian Silverstein & Leslie Quenell
Bruce Creps & Sheila Simpson-Creps
Bud & Jackie Anderson
Camille Steckler
Carol & John Whetten
Cass Clark
Celia Marquis
Charlene Caren
Charles & Clarissa Mish
Charles & Margot Janeway
Chaz & Arielle Ott
Cheryl Simmons
Chris Roberts
Christine Kerlin & Tim Madison
Cliff & Mary Ann Cameron
Colleen & George Willoughby
Constance L. Euerle
Corky & Nancy Searls
Cynthia Dilling & Carl Jones
Dale & Sue Roundy
Dan Stratton
Darren Hoerner & John Bredeson
Dave Kanzer
David Bill & Faith Van De Putte
David Girard
Deborah Bundy & Richard Fagen
Denise & Tim Clark
Diana Luhn Bower
Dixie & Ken Budke
Donna Hasbrouck
Doug & Jenny Poole
Douglas D Baker
Douglas MacDonald & Lynda Mapes
Edi Blomberg
Eleanor & Will Parks
Eleanor Fay & Eric Hall
Elizabeth Ellis
Elizabeth Finkel
Elizabeth Munk Romney
Ellen Hale
Ellie & John Roser
Emily Munson
Ezra Fradkin
Franja Bryant
Frank Shaw
Frieda Hoops & Pedro Costa
Fritz & Connie Baesman
Gene Helfman & Judy Meyer
Ginny Gilder & Lynn Slaughter
Gretchen & Kenneth Wing
Helen Gamble
Henning Sehmsdorf & Elizabeth Simpson
Hilary & Kevin Gammill
Holly & Tim Kent
Inez Black & Wayne Schuh
Iris & Jerry Graville
Islander’s Insurance
Jamie & Lauren Stephens
Jane & Bill Fuller
Jane & Richard Ward
Jane B Koger
Jay & Gale Lynch
Jennell & Brian Kvistad
Jennifer Contreras & Victor Guerra
Jerry Millhon
Jim & Pam Phillips
Joanne & Trevor Bryant
John & Eleanor Butler
John Helding & Lisa Geddes
Joy Davis
Judy Pigott
Julia Roether
Julia Rogers
Julie Golding & Pamela Stewart
Julienne Battalia & Giaccomo Sturniolo
Karan Yvonne & Marvin Peterson
Karen & Mark Eames
Karen Holm & Rob Walker
Kathie Epidendio Jacobs & Kurt Jacobs
Kathleen Holliday
Kelly O’Dell & Raven Skyriver
Ken Cederstrand
Kenny Nguyen & Aubrey Hreha
Kip & Stanley Greenthal
Larry Eppenbach
Larry Soll & Nancy Maron
Laurel & Thomas Elgin
Leah Brumer
Lisa Byers & Laurie Gallo
Liz & Jon Lange
Liz Scranton & Teri Linneman
Lori Lee Saille
Lorna Reese
Lyn & Kat Sorensen
Mari O’Shinn
Marly Schmidtke
Marney Reynolds & Page Read
Martha Moore
Marty Clark & Karen Gilbert
Marty Holm
Mary Burki
Mary Bywater-Cross
Meike Meissner & Mike McMahon
Michael Hobi
Michele Heller
Mike & Wendy Mickle
Mike Halperin & Jodi Green
Mindy & Bruce Richardson
Nancy & Joe Greene
Nancy Bingham & Pat Torpie
Nancy McCoy
Nancy S. Nordhoff & Lynn Hays
Nancy Wallace & Rich Youde
Nathan Hodges & Sage Dilts
Nitsan Yomtov
Norcliffe Foundation
Pablo Paz & Megan Crandell
Pam Schell
Pamela & Bob McCabe
Pamela Pauly & Suzanne Berry
Paul Baron & Paula Wilson
Peggy Bill
Priscilla & Jan Brekke
Rebecca Presley
Renee Koplan & Scott Havel
Richard & Jeanna Carter
Richard & Margaret Singer
Richard Lotz & Erica Karnes
Rob Kanzer
Ron Metcalf
Ronni Klompus & Levi Rodriguez
Ruth & Harold van Doren
Ryan Opeka
Sandy Bishop & Rhea Miller
Satterberg Foundation
Scott & Margot Case
Sheila Metcalf
Stephanie Ellis-Smith & Douglas Smith
Steve Sullivan
Sue McCullough
Sunset Builders Supply
Susan & Michael Muckle
Suzi & Scott Jennings
Sylvia Smith
Tamara Buchanan & Doug Benoliel
Ted Phillips
Terri Drahn
Toby Bright
Todd Goldsmith & Diane Dear
Tom & Sally Reeve
Tom Dixon & Larry deGroen
Ursa Minor
Virginia McDermott & Jim Gale
Wayne & Kiki Martin
Board: Anne Hall, Chair Terri Drahn, Vice Chair Chom Greacen, SecretaryChaz Ott, Treasurer Marvin Peterson, Quaniqua Williams, Corky Searls
Staff: Sandy Bishop, Executive Director, Breton Carter, Assistant Director, Marly Schmidtke, Project Coordinator & Administrative Assistant, Rhea Miller, Community Liaison
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