The Environment

Dewees Owners take seriously their committment to tread lightly on the land.  Our community constitution can be found at the ferry dock (and at the end of this page).   It reminds us that we all have a part to play in keeping Dewees a special place to live and visit.  Homes are tucked into treelines and sited to take advantage of solar warmth and cooling breezes.  We all do our best to conserve water.  There are no paved roads where run-off could create a problem.  Landscaping is with native plants which don’t require regular irrigation.  We manage our resources to provide natural places for wildlife to feed, rest, and nest. When fishing, we are mindful of conservation, taking only what we can eat in a single meal.

Most of the land on Dewees is in a conservation easement.  There are 150 homesites, 65 of which currently have houses built on them.  Owners are required to disturb only a relatively small footprint — 7,500 square feet, which must include the house, drive, and construction area.  At full build-out, over 90 per cent of the island will remain in a natural state.

When you get your ferry card, you will get a visitor’s letter which explains our ways of protecting nature.  We need you to do your part.  Renters who knowingly violate the island covenants can risk revocation of their lease.

Dewewes Islanders' Constitution (Click Image to See Larger Version)