Skagit Land Trust (SLT) conserves wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest lands, scenic open space, wetlands, and shorelines for the benefit of our community and as a legacy for future generations. SLT’s priority is protecting the conservation values for which our properties were protected. Where appropriate, public access to Trust owned properties is one of the many public benefits of Trust ownership of land.
The public is welcome to visit open conservation areas and engage in nature observation and low-impact recreational activities such as hiking and wildlife watching. Visitors should stay on marked trails, where they exist, to minimize disturbance of native plants and wildlife, and to avoid hazards. Visitors may help other members of the public enjoy these places by recreating in quiet, unobtrusive ways, preserving the natural sights and sounds of SLT conservation areas.
The information about public access on this page applies to SLT owned conservation areas, not to lands protected by an agreement with a private land owner. The Trust does not require that all private landowners we work with allow public access.
- Trapping, harassment, or feeding of wildlife
- Motorized vehicles, biking, or horseback riding
- Flying of UA’s (unmanned aircraft, otherwise referred to as ‘drones’) and hobby aircraft
- Walking with pets off-leash – pets are allowed on-leash on Trust properties
- Lighting fires or fireworks, including smoking
- Littering or dumping
- Camping
- Collecting or harvest of natural resources, including (but not limited to) native plants, mushrooms, rocks, and firewood. Visitors may pick and enjoy a handful of native berries while on the property. Non-native blackberries may be collected in unlimited quantities!
- Playing music or making other noise that disrupts the natural soundscape
- Destroying native vegetation or natural features
- Installation of wildlife or trail cameras
- Shooting (such as at targets or natural features)
- Removing Trust signs or property boundary markers
- Development of new trails
- Other activities that threaten or harm the conservation values of Trust properties
Use of Trust lands for recreational activities is free and open to the public per RCW 4.24.210.
There are various natural hazards visitors may encounter on Trust lands. Natural hazards may include, but are not limited to: wildlife, vegetation, unstable trees or slopes, uneven ground, water bodies, weather, or events such as flooding, landslides, and forest fires. Visitors should be comfortable with their own ability to identify and appropriately avoid or respond to hazards.
The Trust regularly receives reports of animals such as bears and cougars on our lands. Part of our mission is to provide habitat for such wildlife. While a visitor encounter with one of these animals is unlikely, it is possible. WDFW provides some guidance on handling wildlife encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife:
Cougars
Black Bear
Are all of Skagit Land Trusts’ lands open for public use?
Almost all of our lands are open for the public to enjoy. We may restrict some properties that are particularly sensitive to wildlife disturbance. We also may restrict access to some lands to ensure visitor safety.
Are there bathrooms, tables, shelters etc. on properties?
The majority of our lands were protected as conservation areas and do not have amenities such as bathrooms, tables, or shelters for public use.
Are dogs allowed on Skagit Land Trust Properties?
Dogs on leash are welcome on most of Skagit Land Trusts Properties. Many of our properties are home to salmon bearing streams, or have water which contribute to our local marine health. Please be sure to scoop up your dog’s poop to help maintain water quality for all those who use these waterways!
Is hunting allowed on Skagit Land Trust properties?
Hunting is allowed on limited properties. Please visit our hunting page for more information. Note that trapping, harassment, or feeding of wildlife is prohibited on Trust lands.