Editor,

A significant clarification is needed with regard to William Burnett’s letter to the editor about Swan Lake, located off West Beach Road.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust has no association with the Swan Lake Preservation Group. We have never taken a position on, or been involved in, any activities concerning Swan Lake.

The Land Trust believes in private property rights. This is the foundation of our organization and the reason for our success. We are a private, nonprofit entity that is financially supported by people who believe in our mission — to protect our islands’ most important lands in partnership with willing landowners.

We do not participate in politics, regulatory actions or adversarial activities.

The Land Trust is talking with the Fakkema brothers about a voluntary and permanent conservation easement that, if successful, will protect much of their farm and forest.

Our purchase offer to the Fakkemas will be based on a fair market value appraisal. It will be entirely up to them to decide if our offer meets their needs. If it doesn’t, we will move on to other conservation projects with willing landowners.

To date, the Land Trust has successfully partnered with 88 landowners from all walks of life who hold a wide range of beliefs and values.

We are currently working with dozens more. For more information, please visit www.wclt.org

Patricia Powell

Executive Director

Whidbey Camano Land Trust