I am the owner of a historical farm on Shaw Island. Like many or most who live on Shaw, I was attracted to the island by its extraordinary beauty (which can be found on all the islands, I know), but more importantly, the characteristics of the management of the island and the culture and social norms those of the island have crafted over many decades of consistent decisions based on the original Shaw Subarea Plan written long ago. I believe these values and historical guidelines are under threat by the attempt by the Public Works Dept to have a piece of residential property rezoned for Industrial Use, using the EPF loophole.

I am one of the founders of Patagonia company and have worked in large-scale conservation and rewilding for over 30 years. I mention this not to boast but only to clarify that in all this time I have never witnessed such a steamrolling effort as I’ve now witnessed by the County toward Shaw Islanders. Under any circumstance, it is incomprehensible that there was only one meeting of residents on Shaw by County Works, lasting one hour and allowing only a smattering of questions.

I write this letter with all respect for the County, and if I might be of service to either side I will surely try to help.

Warm regards,

Kristine Tompkins,

Shaw Island