The San Juan Initiative (SJI) in Washington State’s northern Puget Sound worked to protect its important natural areas from rapid population growth through a unique collaboration of local, state, federal, and tribal representatives. The SJI was a project of the San Juan County Council, the Puget Sound Partnership, and Surfrider Foundation. 

The San Juan Initiative formally sunset as of December 31, 2009, but its activities and outcomes are being built upon by partners at the county and state levels. 

Initiative Background

The community in San Juan County recognized that while there were numerous protective measures aimed at maintaining the health and function of their ecosystem, no one entity was responsible for ensuring overall success. Despite the numerous protection measures, natural resources were in decline. The community responded by bringing together 14 local leaders representing interests ranging from realtors and builders, to farmers and preservation advocates. These leaders were joined by seven federal and state agencies, tribal representatives, and conservation groups to form the San Juan Initiative.

EBM Approach

The San Juan Initiative has embodied EBM principles in its integrated, collaborative, and science-based approach. The effort has resulted in products assessing the effectiveness of ecosystem protection and recommendations for improving them. The Initiative won broad community and agency support and is viewed as a regional pilot recognized by the state for its importance in promoting EBM.