The comment period for the Island County 2045 Draft Comprehensive Plan closes on February 9th, and we encourage everyone to leave comments in support of protecting Whidbey Island habitat. Leave your comments here!

As suggested by Carlos Andersen:

1) Officially name Deer Lagoon a Preserve and recognize, protect, preserve and restore this unique Whidbey gem.
2) The Preserve does not provide public beach or water access as the draft plan suggests. Suggesting this would only destroy critical and protected habitat and encourage trespassing on private property. 
3) Walking in nature on the two existing trails shall be the only “recreation” allowed at the Preserve; and
4) The county is obligated to the language within the federal grants they accepted to purchase the Preserve.

The Draft Elements, Development Regulations, and SEPA documents were published on December 10, 2025, for a 60-day comment period, through February 9, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.