What a Way to Start the Year!

The Guemes Island ferry trail will provide a safe path for the increasing number of pedestrians and bicycles on this stretch of Guemes Island Road. It will also protect the safety (and sanity) of drivers who must navigate this growing non-motorized crowd. The trail will shift bicycles and pedestrians away from the road and onto the trail, thereby improving the safety and overall island experience of all.

While 2023 was focused on continued fundraising, maintaining the completed section of the trail in front of the Store, and partnering with the County behind the scenes, 2024 promises renewed energy and commitment and continued progress with more visible results – something we know you’ve been waiting for.

On January 8, the GIFT team met with Brian Adams, Skagit County Parks Director, and 4 additional resources that Brian has identified as key contributors; resources who bring expertise in surveying, wetland protection, permitting, and land use. A fifth key contributor (engineer/designer) was unable to attend but will be working closely with the others as County planning activities and project requirements move into the next phase. Central to trail design is to avoid disturbing wetlands in 2 locations near the trail’s path. Additional surveying is required to further facilitate trail design, wetland protection, and permitting. The team is eager to pick up the pace in 2024!
Survey –> design –> permits –> visible progress/results. Let’s make it happen!


Brian Adams, Skagit County Parks Director, and other County Parks resources met with GIFT team members after walking along the planned trail pathway north of the store on January 8, a very wet and chilly day. Photo credits: Jack Hartt

Of Course, There’s Always Fundraising
.... and you have been most generous! We must continue fundraising on behalf of the trail so we can continue to partner with the County on project prioritization and expenses. So, again, we humbly ask for your help. Your cash donations will help make the dream of a trail become a reality. Those of you who have already made financial donations to the trail and/or plan to do so are our heroes!

Not an islander? You can donate too (and many of you have). All donations, big or small, are most gratefully accepted and appreciated. Please see below to donate.

The GIFT team continues to raise awareness and participate in fundraising opportunities as well. Besides ice cream sales this summer, where we netted over $800, GIFT members also raised about $2,000 at the Guemes Island Art (GIA) studio tours in June and December.



GIFT team member Christy Simonton, rocking her trail T-shirt, checks the ice cream inventory at a weekly fundraiser associated with the Summer Music Series at the Community Stage in Schoolhouse Park, sponsored by the Guemes Island Community Center Association (GICCA). It was a pleasure to meet and converse with trail supporters, old and new, islanders and non-islanders, and, of course, listen to the many talented Guemes Island musicians.

And, Of Course, Our Gratitude
We are extremely grateful to our growing list of supporters and donors. Your enthusiasm and support help drive our passion and commitment; your financial support is critical to our continued progress.

We are also grateful for the amazing generosity and fantastic talent of the Island artists who donated beautiful and creative handmade items to benefit the trail at the Art Studio Tours mentioned above and for the art (and trail) enthusiasts who visited our booth and purchased items and/or made cash donations.

Our thanks to GICCA and GIA for their continued support of the trail - and the community because, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about!
 
And, Finally, a Thank You to Our Partners ...
We want to thank Skagit Land Trust and Jack Hartt, in particular. As a member of the GIFT team, Jack has been extremely instrumental as a liaison with the Skagit County Parks and Public Works departments. Thank you to Brian Adams, Skagit County Parks Director and long-time avid supporter of the trail project, who continues to advocate on behalf of the trail. Also to the Linnemann family, Curt Omey, and the Humble family for their support in providing trail access along their properties.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Guemes Island Ferry Trail (GIFT) Committee


To Donate
GIFT falls under the Guemes Island Library's 501 (c) 3 status. To make a tax-deductible donation, checks can be made payable to the Guemes Island Library and mailed to the library at 7549 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes, WA 98221. Please add 'Guemes Trail Project' in the memo field. To donate online click here.

 guemesferrytrail@gmail.com 
www.guemesislandferrytrail.com