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Look to the Land Campaign

Considering a Marrowstone Island Property as a Conservation Burial Ground

A low aerial view of a section of field with trees on the edges.

This property is being considered as a possible site for a future conservation burial ground. Photo by John Gussman

The Marrowstone Island property is an approximately 36-acre property on the north end of Schwartz Road that features wetlands and a natural stream, walking trails (currently made available to the public by the owner), human-made ponds, meadows, forested stands, fencing and bridges. This private property has a legal agreement (conservation easement) that protects it from being developed except for in a 2.5-acre building envelope (on the northeast/Schwartz Road side of the property).

Jefferson Land Trust and Olympic Wildland Burial Grounds LLC (OWBG) are exploring the feasibility and suitability of this property as a conservation burial ground. To learn more, see this Marrowstone Preserve Conservation Burial Info and Vision handout.

The current landowner would like to sell the property to a new owner that can take on the obligation of caring for the land in such a way to ensure that its conservation values are protected and enhanced. In the fall of 2024, the Land Trust proposed purchasing the property from the owner and establishing a conservation burial ground on a portion of the land as a means of restoring and caring for the whole property in perpetuity.

Project Presentation Video

For more information, view this recording of a presentation about the project.

 

A conservation burial ground at this location, owned and operated by OWBC, would:

  • Provide the financial resources needed to restore, maintain, and enhance the property’s natural values in perpetuity
  • Preserve a recreational resource for neighbors and visitors
  • Preserve and enhance habitat for hundreds of wildlife species
  • Offer the community an alternative option for burial that reflects the conservation values they hold in life
  • Be consistent with the terms of the property’s conservation easement

Jefferson Land Trust has applied to Jefferson County for a conditional use permit for conservation burial on the site. The permit application is now in its public comment period. Following that, the county may request that the Land Trust conduct further studies.

In the meantime, the Land Trust is conducting a habitat assessment to identify the areas of the property best suited for conservation burial, as well as a hydrogeological study to better understand the soils and the movement of water on the property in order to identify the areas of the property most suited to restoration through conservation burial.

We’re currently awaiting the outcome of the county permit process and the findings of the habitat assessment and hydrogeological study to determine whether this property is suitable as a conservation burial ground.

Welcoming Community Input

The permit application is now in its public comment period. Community input in this public comment period is vital to ensure all concerns are addressed and considered.

Understanding and responding to community concerns are also a major part of this phase of the project. We hope that through transparent and responsive engagement, the community will be reassured that we’re approaching this endeavor responsibly and seriously — and taking every step necessary to ensure that this is a positive conservation solution that will be good for the land and good for the community, today and into the future.

As with all of the Land Trust’s projects, the community can help guide and support this project, through participating in community meetings and planning sessions as well as by serving on advisory groups.

Share Your Thoughts

We welcome your input. Please use the form below share your comments or concerns about the conservation burial ground project.