Friends of Guemes Island is open to all persons for the purpose of supporting the preservation of the rural character of the island, its sense of community, a sustainable lifestyle, and the planning for change in open and approved processes.

Our Story So Far

Earlier this year the Skagit County Commissioners began discussing extending the weekday evening hours of operation of the Guemes Island Ferry in order to make Guemes more accessible.

The Friends of Guemes Island have urged the Commissioners to not expand the hours of ferry service at this time. Expanded ferry service can best be addressed by the Guemes Island Subarea Planning process already underway.

By Resolution, the Commissioners have committed to the preparation of a Subarea Plan for Guemes Island:

"The community plan for Guemes Island shall address rural commercial uses and locations, sole-source aquifer issues, shoreline environs, ferry service, open space and natural resource lands, and provisions for maintaining rural character and lifestyles."

Expanding hours of ferry service to Guemes Island will likely increase the growth rate on the Island and result in significant adverse impacts to the sole source aquifer and rural character. Under the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act, expanding hours of ferry service will require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

And in 2003, after considering diverse public input regarding the ferry schedule, the Commissioners adopted the Task Force Recommendation to meet demand using "the currently defined schedule day." The Friends of Guemes Island also urge the Commissioners to follow their Resolution at least until the Subarea Planning process is complete.

The Friends of Guemes Island have retained Gerald Steel, noted land use attorney, to represent us. He has sent two letters to the Board of County Commissioners but has yet to receive a reply. FGI has also sent a letter and has not received a reply.

In the meanwhile, we have prepared ourselves by incorporating and adopting bylaws. Generous contributions from many folks have paid our attorney's fees. Once Skagit County reveals their plan for extending ferry service, our costs will increase significantly and your contributions will be needed and appreciated.

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Guemes SubArea Planning Committee Recognized by County Commissioners

Commissioners Approve GIPAC Work Plan

GIPAC Members Speak

Visit LineTime.org for information on Guemes Island and its community.