Salmon-Safe Certification
Lopez Island Vineyards certified as “Salmon-Safe”
Lopez Island Vineyards has recently been awarded Salmon-Safe certification, an emerging Northwest eco-label to recognize farming practices that protect water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife.
The waters of the San Juan Islands are home to an abundant sea life population. Orca whales, Dall's porpoise, seals, Stellar sea lions, otters, and a variety of fish including salmon, lingcod and rockfish live in its waters. Our farm consists of a gentle valley on the west side of Lopez Island, which eventually drains into Fisherman Bay, where eelgrass beds and other near shore habitats provide refuge for forage fishes which are a major food source for salmon. Our wetlands, woodlands, and planted hedgerows provide habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals.
How farmers treat the land has direct impacts on water quality and habitat. Our vineyard was recognized by the Salmon-Safe program for our efforts to protect our wetlands and drainages, prevent soil erosion, use natural weed and pest control methods, and encourage a diversity of plant and wildlife. We are proud to continue our commitment to sustainable farming practices and promoting the conservation and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat concurrent with our farming. Look for the label to be featured on our estate grown wines later this year.
The Salmon-Safe program was started in Oregon in the late 1990’s and is currently being promoted in Washington by the non-profit conservation organization Stewardship Partners.
Winery grounds in summer (Click on images for a larger view)