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A DECLARATION OF VISION AND COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF SAN JUAN COUNTY
PREAMBLE
WE THE PEOPLE of San Juan County recognize that these rural islands are an extraordinary treasure of natural beauty and abundance,
and that independence, privacy and personal freedom are values prized by islanders. Being a diverse people bound together by these
shared values, we declare our commitment to work towards this vision of the San Juan Islands in 2020 A.D.
COMMUNITY
We envision a community that is primarily rural, made up of
islands of varying character, each with its own unique
qualities. The islands are places of peace and mutual
tolerance, where citizens of differing backgrounds and
beliefs respect each other's dignity, privacy, and freedoms.
We communicate effectively and openly and work together
toward goals identified as being for the common good. We
foster a sense of neighborliness, of self-sufficiency, and
community pride that has long been a part of our island
character.
BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
Our islands are places where all citizens can safely walk or
play, day or night. The drinking water supply is clean and
adequate. Health care and help in time of need are accessible
and affordable. The supply of affordable housing is adequate
to meet the needs of our diverse population.
EDUCATION
Learning is a continuing lifelong process which is
encouraged and aided by the community. A partnership of
families and community creates a supportive and
challenging environment founded on academic excellence
and artistic expression. This educational environment
produces ethical, self-directed, compassionate, responsible
world citizens, alive with the love of learning.
ECONOMY
We support a pattern of economic growth and development
which serves the needs of our community, and which
recognizes the rural, residential, quiet, agricultural, marine
and isolated nature of the islands. Our economy comprises a
wide spectrum of stable, year-round activities that provide
employment for islanders. We support and encourage
traditional industries including forestry, farming,
aquaculture, construction, fishing and tourism without
jeopardizing the resources on which they depend. We have
home occupations and cottage industries which are
compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. We encourage
new ideas and new technology for improving the quality
and profitability of our goods and services. Value-added
activities are encouraged. Environmental conservation and
sustainable development are balanced.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Our islands have exceptional natural beauty and healthy
diverse ecosystems surrounded by pollution-free marine
waters. The air is fresh and clean, the water quality is
excellent, and the soil is uncontaminated. As careful
stewards of these islands, we conserve resources, preserve
open space, and take appropriate action to assure healthy
land and marine environments. Native plants and animals of
the islands thrive, and are identified, appreciated and
conserved.
LAND USE
Neighborhoods, hamlets, villages and towns are clearly defined so as
to conserve agricultural, forest, mineral resource and environmentally
sensitive lands. These areas provide for commerce and community
activities without losing their small scale and attractive island
ambiance. There is housing for people of all incomes. The unique
character of our shorelines is protected by encouraging uses which
maintain or enhance the quality of the shoreline environment. Through
innovative land use strategies, our citizens and institutions balance and
protect private property rights, public rights, and our natural
environment.
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
We have water, land, and air transportation systems commensurate
with our island culture. On-island circulation is by means of a system
of scenic rural roads with automobile, bicycle and pedestrian ways
functioning without conflict. In some places, the roads are unpaved,
narrow, and winding, and care is taken to maintain a rustic quality in
public signs. Expansion or new construction of basic public
transportation facilities occurs only on the basis of demonstrated local
public need. Advanced interactive communication systems are
encouraged.
ENERGY AND RESOURCES
Our community fosters resource and energy conservation. Energy
independence is encouraged. Recycling, solid waste, and sewage
treatment are managed within the confines of each island in an
environmentally sound manner. Renewable natural resources are used
on a sustainable basis. Nonrenewable resources are conserved
wherever possible and practical.
ARTS, CULTURE AND RECREATION
Our community nurtures the expression of its creative talents and
supports diverse cultural and entertainment activities. Our cultural
facilities such as libraries, museums, and theaters are focal points of
activity and community support. Well managed parks, trails, and
shoreline access, where appropriate, provide islanders with recreation
with due regard for both the rights of private property owners and the
natural limitations of each site.
HERITAGE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Our community is enriched by a strong sense of identity, tradition,
legacy, and continuity, where past and present freely mingle. We
recognize the contributions to our rural and maritime heritage made
by indigenous peoples, explorers, and island pioneers, and encourage
the preservation of that heritage. We encourage preservation of
historic sites, structures, and traditions for the enjoyment of all.
GOVERNANCE
We are self-governed by informed citizens. We are equally represented
by elected officials who conduct the activities of government in an
ethical, fair, impartial, responsive and open manner which recognizes
the independent, self-reliant nature of its citizens. Our government
institutions balance responsibility with resources and costs, consolidate
services where practical, manage prudently, provide reliable data, are
service-oriented, and perform in a timely manner.
OUR COMMITMENT:
AS FORTUNATE CITIZENS OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WE COMMIT ourselves individually and communally to a future for
ourselves and our children that reflects this vision. To this end, we, the undersigned individuals dedicate our time and our talents.
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