San Juan Island National Monument Iceberg Conservation Discussion
Meeting September 9, 2015, and additional comments over a 30 day period
41 in attendance at the Lopez Library, ¼ were neighbors of Iceberg Point
Questions that were posed to the community:
1. Introduce yourself
a. What is your relationship with Iceberg Point?
b. How do you feel about being here tonight?
2. What is the worst possible outcome of working together?
3. What is the best possible outcome of working together?
4. What is the evidence that something needs to be done?
5. What are some of the steps that can be taken to address your concerns?
6. What are you willing to help with?
What are some of the steps that can be taken to address your concerns? (Flip chart transcription)
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“De-list” Do not advertise
Get rid of the forest encroachment
Treat it well and appreciate it – respect
Chips on trails
Where are the main trails
Clearly mark the trails
Share the sensitive information
A community voice – about sensitive nature of Iceberg
Signage with maps
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“@ areas where they are not official trails
Yellow flags are confusing – develop a better/clear focus of “areas closed”
Identify what plants/sensitive items are there
Signs with brochures available
Work towards 1 trail loop and to monument
Focus on the main trail +historic trail routes
Incorporate “overlook” to help focus where to go to water or other
Manage opportunity
Map historical trails
Conspicuous trail markers
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Entry point kiosk with map, explanations, default “closed”
Encourage volunteers with education
Community meeting @parking
Signage at entrance
Bikes at parking
Manage new shrubs – woody succession
Minimal, effective signage
o Trails
o Sensitive areas and wildlife preservation
o Tribal sign, [finance]
o Closing sensitive areas
Education information at entrance - @closed areas
Clear trail markers
Close areas
Historical photos
Reduction of deer
Limit parking
Control visitor bureau information
Open dialogue with tourist business
Trail maps laminated
Comment book
Determine historical trails
Proper signage [clear]
Research wildflower populations and educate
Appropriate signage – not just negative
Universal symbols for those who don’t read
Active restoration work
Block areas
Signs below a certain level to not obstruct view
Begin process to define trail network
Tree encroachment plan and process
Historical signage information – nuggets of interest
Inventory plants
Education design
Outreach, ferries, etc.
Parking- agencies do it, public support
Manage roses and brush with sheep
We’re here to keep from closing it
Signs
Aggressive removal of invasive/progression of vegetation closing in
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Appealing educational signs on sites
Close trails for restoration
Barrier – no orange fencing or tape, doesn’t blow away
Educational signage identifying plants and explanation on site and at entry points
Close embankment access indicated on map
List established trails (see map)
Better visitor information
Eliminate duplicate trails
o Set a date for a site visit to identify:
Duplicate trails
Sensitive plants
Take photos
Overlay with botany report
Eliminate double tracks
Obstruct mini-trails with logs, signs, etc.
Low, small barriers
Paint of rocks
Signage
Major educative piece
Start signage a little after the gate?
Kiosk
o Safety warning
o Fragile environment
o No bikes
o Dogs on leash
o Map of trails
o Why to stay on trails
o Group size limit is 12 people
o Commercial use or special event need permit
o Lichen and plant photos and information on growth habit
o Cultural (i.e. camas in First Nations; archeology)
o $ contribution “box”
Parking – keep us informed – community members want to meet on this issue
What is the worst possible outcome of working together? (3 x 5 Cards)
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We do nothing except talk
That we create no change, that talk is only talk that Iceberg’s fields will disappear, or be
completely shut down to everyone
Do Nothing
No Action
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Animosity
Further degradation of plant community
Loss of sense of wilderness and personal experience
Permanent loss of species or characteristics
Pushing agendas without true listening
The loss of plant species from San Juan County through lack of management
We split into small groups or individuals and not work as a community
Some voices were heard and not honored
Nothing Happens – all talk and plans, not action
No conservation action, but continued tourism promotion
Inactivity, bad signs, no plan
Nothing
Status quo
Gridlock, log jam, inability to move forward because we don’t reach 100% agreement
That we would limit people’s experiences in a negative manner
Breakdown of communication
No Plan
That there are many good intentions, but nothing transpires
Scapegoating rather than true mutual helping
Not everyone gets their way and we don’t produce concrete strategies on how to best to
protect Iceberg
That we come up with a solution that tries to please everyone and is therefore completely
ineffective
Nothing happens – and people are disgruntled that the BLM is non responsive
Resentment grows
That we cannot agree on strategy and everyone gets upset and we leave distraught and without
a plan
The worst thing that can be that the public become so frustrated that the momentum is lost
from disengagement
Nothing
No common solution to the issues (i.e. Iceberg, Watmough, etc.)
Not listening and respecting one another
That a decision will be made prematurely which ultimately does not benefit Iceberg
No action
Too many signs
Not eradicate nuisance plants
No action
The lowest common denominator proposal is adopted – one that is so sompromised that this
proposals is ineffective
Closing Iceberg, not allowing people to enjoy the place
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We come to no conclusions at all
I don't see a negative impact as long as the local voices are given greater weight than state-level
or national voices. Those people cannot understand how precious Iceberg is and how much we
would like to protect it. The desire to protect being MUCH higher than a desire to use, or allow
access.
Concerns – from what other groups listed
 Sheep to control roses
 De-list - this is a special place and should not be closed off from others to experience
 Deer reduction – if this means more hunting
What is the best possible outcome of working together? 3x5 cards
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Find a way to put up an orienting and informative sign at the entrance and mark trails and nontrails
We have thoughtful actions where voices are heard
Clear, appropriate signage, well-marked trail system that avoids sensitive areas and is in place
before spring.
Eventual restoration plans in RMP with local consultation and local expertise
Coming up with concrete actions to maximize use and access (experience) while minimizing
impact to the environment.
Raise awareness
Take Iceberg Point back from forest encroachment. Log it back to old growth tree line – Tress
over 50 years keep. Cut 50 and under years old. Destroy the brush.
That we find a measurable way to rehabilitate Iceberg Point. To raise awareness to every
resident and visitor the sensitive flora and fauna that [end]
We form work groups, go to Iceberg point and mark trails using natural materials – sticks, limbs,
stone piles, etc.
Short term high energy volunteer at Iceberg - taking personal responsibility
The most plausible ideas/suggestions are agreed upon and a plan begins to take shape
Plan
Plan, conceive a plan to improve and implement it! Ferry signage/brochure. Kiosk/Map @ entry
point
That Iceberg would remain natural as much as possible
Intermediate steps toward a plan and actions for a long term people and landscape
management approach that allows locals and visitors to really experience Iceberg at its best
Immediate and significant public education and clear trail marking
Movement to long range plan for management
Conservation, restoration
Awareness
Good signs
Education at entrance
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Trail Education
Demarcation of trail network by clear, conspicuous but tasteful markers, signs and maps
Coming to a common understanding about the way to mitigate the problems facing Iceberg
The solutions that we collectively bring are not only helpful here but useful to future process
That we agree to some type of way(s) to protect and manage Iceberg and the Monument
together and set up monitoring and feel good about our time together
This will be a welcome model for how we can influence action by BLM in a pro-active way. Locals
will find they can come together and be heard and problems will be solved – sooner than later
The best thing that can come out of us working together is that we get a concrete pln that is
easy for the public to understand.
The community feels united and strengthened to take on this task
At least on concrete step to take is decided
Setting established trails, signage (appropriate) and parking management - not overwhelming
value of land where to walk and not walk
Initiate action with physically completing plan in 9 months from today
Agree that education is important but minimize the use of signage (ugly) “tend the garden”
Best practices defined (top 5)
o Don’t be a meadow stomper
o Area closed for restoration
o Trail map
o Docents
That a group will form that has an open mind to a variety of opinions before prematurely
making a decision that does not ultimately benefit Iceberg
A science based proposal protects the plants, trees and grasses and has a rational enforceable
trail system
The largest issue is just too many users now that we stupidly allowed this national monument
certification to go through. I don't see how we can turn back time and keep these lands from
being listed, and since they are... more visitors.
What is the evidence that something needs to be done? (3x5 cards)
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Trail inventory and assessments compared to aerial photos
I can’t tell where the paths that I can walk on are
Spider trails and lack of actual trail maps have damaged sensitive plants.
Trails everywhere
Deer trails to real trails
Threatened species trampled
Hear people
Frustrated visitor
Erosion
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The closing in of meadows
Trails through only patch of white topped aster, down to 3 individual polemonium down to
rocks in trails, folks unclear about where to hike, lichens gone from balds
Too many unmarked trails.
No signage to give visitors a reason to stay on the trail. Polemonium
Areas of volunteer trees taking away the meadow and vista
Parking along the road (both sides) from Agate Beach County Park to the “gate” end of county
road after all of the county parking lots are full
I have mapped and photographed increases in trail width and length, and decrease in the
number and distribution of rare and sensitive pants and lichens since 2000.
Destruction of plant habitat leading to decrease in variety and number of plants
Extension of evergreens into old meadows
Increase number of trails (some in areas leading to erosion)
Confused visitors who do not know where to walk
New “trails” everywhere with plant destruction
No clear signage – path or deer trails? Meadow disappearing
Extensive social trails
Degradation of landscape
Less diversity
Increased number of people and trails
Trash/evidence of people off trail
Changing landscape – disappearing vistas and plants
Washington Park signs/fencing
Increasing spider web of redundant social trails
Rapidly diminishing meadow area due to forest encroachment
Some plant communities diminishing without ability to spread/recover
Meadows disappearing
As an “ask me” volunteer I have been learning about some of the evidence that I might not have
recognized i.e. plant communities disappearing – forest intrusion
From my own perception I have recognized that trails unmarked and scattered. Not able to
follow to appropriate path. Also lack of education at the site.
Parking is a major problem and makes it feel crowded before you get on land.
Trails feel very confusing. Trails across lichen really are upsetting. Way too many short cross
trails
Increasing encroaching landscape is always talked about and nothing is done
All the children I’ve seen climbing all over the rocks.
Dead lichen
How easy it is to make trails.
Lack of understanding for a visitors impact to a sensitive environments, i.e. lichens in tire tracks
Kwiaht announcement in Lopez Rocks of damages to the land and habitat
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Abuse of the landscape and vegetation
As a summer visitor, my evidence is that the community is to the point where they are willing to
take drastic measures to protect the area
Worn down embankment south side towards water
Many more trails especially near water and at monument
People at Iceberg asking for map
Parking – blocking, on private property
The moss/algae/lichens are being worn from the rock surfaces
Signage at main entrance with maps and with photos
Cut through trails
Parking an obvious problem
Muddy trail during wet season
Little yellow flags (ugly). Question if help.
Visitor confusion
Lack of support or buy-in from local homeowners
Proliferation of trails proliferation of undesirable plants
Confusion of visitors as to what trails should be used
Stupid off islanders are walking allover and trampling precious plants, mosses and lichens. They
don't even see those tiny plants as important. But Iceberg and Colville are a pretty unique
environment, a real micro-climate and unusual ecosystem. We cannot allow other people's
desire to see a nice view, or get the perfect photo of that view to be more important than the
things they step on the way to that vantage point.
What are some of the steps that can be taken to address your concerns?
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I know it would change Iceberg a lot, but I am wondering if raised wooden boardwalks can be
installed. All natural materials, of course, and I know that costs money, but with periodic little
signs explaining precious botanical treasures as well as identifying the things people see in the
distance. That plus a few signs to say please stay on the paths...
Get group together to determine what trails should stay open
Get group to develop educational and informative sign at start of BLM property
Expand trails in wood – take the pressure off waterfront
Start to remove undesirable plants
Have a community meeting to design more parking at ABCPark and also beyond gate- to
eliminate street parking. County and feds to share cost. Signage at entrance to trail.
Map the main historical trails.
Design a conspicuous unambiguous trail marker to install on main trails.
Build an entryway point kiosk with map and explanation – what is not a trail is closed.
Encourage community trail – walker programs to provide public info, and engage visitors on
conservation issues. (BLM monitors, Kwiaht Ask Me team)
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Minimal signage but effective and quality for 1 – trails, 2 – sensitive areas and wildlife
preservation, 3 – tribal significance, 4 – closing sensitive areas
Map and designate trails
At least one concrete step to take is decided.
Kiosk/map – explanation lie Wash Park
Natural looking barriers for protected areas
Either at agate beach or near bike rack/gate – Kiosk w map
Actively manage shrubs/new growth
Assertive monitoring/education
Educational info intersperse but different at entrance
Clear trail markers
Close areas for restoration
Historical pic and present condition
Reduction of deer population
Limited parking numbers
Central info that visitors bureau transmits.
LNT
Signage at monument entrance to educate public on wonders of Iceberg and perils of those
wonders (don’t pick the indian paintbrush for your wedding bouquet)
Trail maps (maybe laminated so they could be re-used)
Comment book at the entrance for guests to communicate concerns
Unambiguous trail marking and NO TRAIL marking
Determine proper trails to be used
Research proper signage
Determine past wildflower populations (What have we lost?)
Stop advertising Iceberg.
Signage and map at bike rack(maybe earlier) explaining fragility, reasons, etc.
Block off needless social trails with physical barriers and/or signs
Keep signs and barriers beyond the woods below grass top level
Begin process toward a defined and maintained trail network and begin working on treeencroachment plan and education
Appropriate educational signage
Active restoration work
Volunteer guided during busy parts of day or week
Incorporate historical info signage natwe history, cultural landscape, opium, etc.
Tulalip is interested in this area for potential future camas gathering, and as a partner in future
restoration and enhancement for camas and other traditionally used native plants. As such,
Tulalip supports the long-term conservation of this area so that those plants the Tribes rely on
may be sustained and available to support ecological processes and treaty harvest. We would
like to work in a government to government manner, to address and strategize how to best
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sustain and access these resources, for current and future tribal gathering and potentially youth
educational purposes. We hope that through our participation as Cooperating Agency in the
upcoming RMP planning process, that we may also have a chance to consider the long term
planning and conservation of the Iceberg Point area.
I have visited Iceberg Point repeatedly throughout my life. I have slept out there, eaten limpets
off the rocks. Taken photos and video. Played. Ridden horses there... There have been potlucks
and celebrations like birthday parties, easter egg hunts, and weddings.
Want to Volunteer?
Responses below, contact information deleted
Identify a truly undisturbed habitat vs burned grazed areas from the past.
About trails to be closed, sign at trail closure, log over trail to be blocked at both ends
Woody succession, cultural landscape interpretation, identification of sensitive areas
Plant species, and provide extra hands. Botany, including relative abundance in county and region, local
ecological history, local community significance
Parking along road and at Agate Beach County Park
I would like to be a monitor, help with the educational signage
Leave no trace education, community voice, trail work and assist with trail closures, signage language,
removal of brush and invasive species.
Closing of trails and delicate areas.
Interested in working on trails, transcription
Plants, social trails, signage. All things Iceberg
Interest in supporting trails and signage
Trails, Parking, Location of plants, places of interest [concerns – from what other groups listed: Sheep to
control roses, de-list – this is a special place and should not be closed off from other to experience, Dear
reduction – if this means more hunting
Intertidal areas
Include in interpretive conversation
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