During our recent Road Scholar trip, Best of the Pacific Northwest – Exploring Three of Washington’s San Juan Islands, my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and ideas of San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. This trip provided many stories which I will share with you over the coming weeks.
Lopez Community Land Trust
Lopez Community Land Trust (LCLT) was incorporated in 1989 when the cost of housing on Lopez Island rose 190% in a single year. LCLT is a 501(c)3 non-profit that builds a diverse, sustainable Lopez Island community through affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and other dynamic rural development programs. LCLT was formed with the following Purposes:
- To acquire and hold land in trust to provide for permanently affordable housing. Homes shall be built and lands shall be used in an environmentally sensitive and socially responsible manner
- To provide permanently affordable access to land for such purposes as quality housing, sustainable agriculture and forestry, cottage industries, and co-operatives by forever removing the land from the speculative market.
- To develop and exercise responsible and ecological practices, which preserve, protect and enhance the land’s natural attributes.
- To serve as a model in land stewardship and community development by providing information, resources, and expertise.
Here are some images of communities built by LCTC.
(https://www.lopezclt.org/salish-way/)
(https://www.lopezclt.org/common-ground/)
As with any organization, LCTC needs contributions to continue its work. You can learn more about this organization by visiting their website or calling them at 360-468-3723.
Allen Mesch 