RMP Contents

This page provides more detail information regarding key objectives in the Approved RMP and where to find them in the Approved RMP.

• Protect cultural values. RMP page 18, pages 32-33

• Restore the Monument’s native plant communities. RMP pages 21-24. Enhance ecological resistance and resilience by specifically increasing grassland and wetlands, moving the habitat composition in the Monument closer to what existed prior to Euro-American settlement of the San Juans (approximately 1860). RMP page 21.

• Facilitate recreational uses that are compatible with protecting the Monument’s objects and values, including, in specified recreation management areas, hiking, equestrian use, bicycling, picnicking, and developed camping opportunities. Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) required for organized, commercial or competitive use on Monument land, RMP page 30. Contact Monument Manager to obtain a permit. Permits may take 90 days to issue. At the February 2023 Monument Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting BLM gave examples of activities likely to require a special recreation permit: Field trip by organization including non-profits that charge a fee for the trip, wedding where there is commercial gain such as a fee paid to a photographer, Scouts, kayak trips that use Monument lands and charge a fee. There is no specific group size limit on Monument lands; however, for the protection of the Monument’s objects and values and the experience of others visiting Monument lands – be considerate of how a large group has the potential to disrupt others’ experiences and have a significant impact on the land.

• Management direction to restore and/or rehabilitate historic structures, as well as to allow the reconstruction of structures that were historically present. This mainly applies to the lighthouse sites. This does not imply that there will be reconstruction of all structures that were historically present. The RMP allows for use of the historic structures for education, interpretation and possibly for overnight housing of docents and BLM staff. RMP pages 18-20, page 77 for Cattle Pass, page 92 for Patos, page 100 for Turn Point.

• Allow mechanical, manual, biological control, chemical, and fire treatment methods to achieve vegetation management objectives. The use of chemical and fire was of concern to several who submitted comments to BLM. The RMP states BLM will abide by best practices when using vegetative management treatments and will use a hierarchical approach with lesser impact treatments used first and wherever possible. The RMP references riparian waterways and maintaining water quality; however, at the February 2023 MAC meeting concerns were raised that BLM missed the run-off issues of herbicide use into the ocean and its nearshore habitat including eelgrass beds. Approved RMP pages 22- 24, Appendix A describes Best Management Practices pages 36-48, pages 21-22 for description of enhancement to habitat and plant communities, page 23 for invasive plant management. RMP does not specify if BLM must notify the public or adjoining property owners of use of vegetative management methods. This would be handled as part of BLM’s NEPA policies. See implementation discussion for more information.

• Direction to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on projects to enhance habitat conditions for federally listed or candidate wildlife species that are primarily using non-native host plants, including, as necessary, the maintenance or establishment of non-native plant populations. RMP page 23.

• Prohibit the discharge of firearms and use of bows within the Monument except as associated with lawful hunting practices. This specifically disallows recreational target shooting in the Monument whether during hunting season or other. Lawful hunting is allowed. Tribal hunting is allowed. San Juan County regulates use of certain firearms. WA Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting. RMP page 30. 

• Allow designated site camping at Blind, Posey, and Patos islands and prohibit camping in the remainder of the Monument. RMP page 31.

• Prohibit recreational access to 29 acres of small islands and 10 acres of rocks because of their sensitive cultural and ecological resources. Access to these areas will be managed like the rocks and reefs in the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge/USFWS. BLM can grant access to these rocks and reefs for scientific, cultural, and educational use. RMP page 29.

• Limit motorized vehicle use and bicycle access to designated roads throughout the Monument. Designated roads are Watmough Head Road, road at Turn Point Lighthouse, driveway to Watmough Bay parking area. Limit hiking to designated trails and non-vegetated shoreline except for hunting. Limit equestrian use to certain trails on Chadwick Hill and designated roads. RMP pages 72-103, pages 29-31.

• Create three maritime heritage areas encompassing 28 acres of Monument land at Patos Lighthouse, Turn Point Lighthouse and Cattle Point Lighthouse. RMP pages 18-20, page 77 for Cattle Pass, page 92 for Patos, page 100 for Turn Point.

• Create 14 recreation management areas (RMAs) encompassing approximately 980 acres. These areas are available for public access. Each recreation management area has specified allowable and prohibited use decisions that are described in Appendix F. Appendix F provides a framework for the Recreation Management area plans, specifics need to be determined as part of each area’s implementation plan. RMP pages 28-31, 72-103. RMAs include: On Lopez Island - Watmough Bay, Point Colville, Iceberg Point, Chadwick Hill, Cape St Mary and Lopez Pass. On Orcas Island – President’s Channel. On Henry Island - Kellett Bluff. On San Juan Island – Cattle Point Lighthouse. Lummi Island – Carter Point. Stuart Island – Turn Point. Eliza Island – Eliza Point. Patos Island. Several islands are listed under the Islands RMA – Blind Island, Freeman Island, Indian Island, Posey Island, Reads Bay Island, Skull Island and Victim Island.

• Not allowed in the Monument: Fireworks, Geocaches, Metal Detectors, Drones (not allowed to launch or land for recreational purposes), unleashed pets (some areas allow leashed pets). RMP pages 30-31, for pets see specific Recreation Management Areas pages 72-103.

• No Natural Material Collection (except for tribal, BLM approved scientific research purposes, BLM authorized collection of seeds. Small amounts consumed on site – e.g. berries - are allowed). RMP pages 26-27.