Scope of Agreement This Agreement is valid only January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 and must be renewed annually. In consideration for being permitted to participate in any programs, events, activities, volunteer opportunities, or services of The San Juan Preservation Trust (“SJPT”) during the effective dates listed above, I acknowledge and agree that this Agreement for Annual Participation & Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability (“Agreement”) applies to all SJPT activities I will engage in over the year, including but not limited to: - Volunteer stewardship and fieldwork (independent or facilitated), such as trail construction and maintenance, off-trail work, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, working in isolated or undeveloped locations, preserve stewardship, and related conservation activities;
- Educational and public programs, including outdoor field classes, Walk ‘n’ Talks, preserve visits, guided or self-guided educational nature walks, community science events, and other SJPT-sponsored outings;
- Administrative and office activities, including volunteer or staff support at SJPT’s Orcas Outpost, Friday Harbor Headquarters, or other SJPT facilities;
- Activities occurring on or in connection with SJPT preserves, including but not limited to Vendovi Island Preserve, Ellis Preserve, Peach Preserve, and other SJPT-protected lands;
- Travel to and from SJPT activities, including travel by foot, private or personal vehicles, carpools, boats, ferries, or other watercraft, where participation may require private transportation by car and/or boat to access remote or island preserves.
All of the above are collectively referred to as the “Activities. Assumption of the Risk I understand that participation in the Activities involves inherent hazards and risks that cannot be eliminated without changing the essential nature of the activity. These hazards and risks include, without limitation: uneven or slippery terrain; off-trail travel; remote or isolated locations with limited access to emergency services; changing weather; exposure to wildlife, insects, and plants; physical exertion; use of hand tools; and transportation to and from activity sites. I understand that my participation in the Activities may require me to travel to and work at multiple sites, including public preserves, and private properties managed, monitored, or visited by SJPT (such as privately owned conservation easement protected properties). I acknowledge that these SJPT-related sites: - Vary in terrain, accessibility, and environmental conditions;
- May include undeveloped or minimally developed areas, including uneven ground, steep slopes, vegetation, wildlife, changing weather, and limited facilities or services; and
- May be accessed repeatedly throughout the year as part of ongoing stewardship, monitoring, volunteer, or work activities.
I agree that I am participating in the Activities entirely at my own risk, and I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such inherent risks associated with the Activity and my travel to and my working at each and every SJPT-related site, whether I am supervised or unsupervised in the Activity and whether the hazard or risk is known or unknown to me or foreseeable or unforeseeable by me. Release of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I agree not to sue, and I release from liability, The San Juan Preservation Trust and its trustees, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, landowners, and affiliated organizations (“Released Parties”) from any and all costs, damages, losses, claims, causes of action, and liabilities (“Losses”) arising out of the ordinary negligence of any of the Released Parties that result in personal injury, illness, death, or property damage connected with my participation in the Activities, including any travel before, during, or after an Activity on a SJPT-related site. My release, however, expressly excludes all Losses that are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any of the Released Parties. Except as to this express exclusion, I understand and agree that, to the greatest extent allowed by applicable law, I am releasing the Released Parties from the consequences of its negligence, even if that negligence causes personal injury, death or property damage.
Transportation Acknowledgment I acknowledge that some SJPT Activities may require or involve: - Travel by private or personal vehicle, including carpools;
- Travel by private or chartered boat or watercraft to access island preserves such as Vendovi Island Preserve or other marine-access-only locations.
- I am solely responsible for the safe and lawful operation of any vehicle I use.
I understand that SJPT does not guarantee transportation safety, does not act as a common carrier, and may not control the operation or condition of vehicles or boats used to access certain preserves. I understand that SJPT activities may require travel to and between sites using personal vehicles, including SJPT staff use of personal vehicles or participant-driven vehicles. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with such transportation. Unsupervised or Independently Conducted Activities I understand that some SJPT activities may occur without direct, on-site supervision by SJPT staff, including activities conducted independently or in small groups. When participating in unsupervised or independently conducted activities, I acknowledge that: - I am responsible for exercising reasonable judgment and care for my own safety and the safety of others;
- I am responsible for following all instructions, protocols, access conditions, and site-specific guidelines provided by SJPT; and
- SJPT staff may not be immediately available to provide assistance or emergency response.
Access to Private Land I understand that certain SJPT activities may involve accessing private land, including conservation easement protected properties or other privately owned properties, sometimes alone or without SJPT staff present. I acknowledge that: - My access to private land is limited to the scope of activities authorized by SJPT
- I am responsible for complying with any access restrictions, landowner conditions, or site rules communicated by SJPT; and
- SJPT may not be present to monitor conditions or provide assistance while I am on private property.
Duty to Report Hazards or Incidents I agree to report to SJPT, promptly or as soon as reasonably practicable: - Any accidents, injuries, or near-miss incidents occurring during SJPT-related activities; and
- Any observed hazardous conditions, access issues, or safety concerns at SJPT sites or along access routes that could pose a risk to others.
- I understand that reporting hazards or incidents does not create a guarantee of corrective action or supervision by SJPT.
Voluntary Participation and Right to Decline I acknowledge that participation in SJPT activities described in this addendum is voluntary, and that I may decline or discontinue participation in any activity or site visit if I am uncomfortable with site conditions or believe it is unsafe to proceed with the activity. Medical Authorization I authorize the Released Parties to obtain emergency medical care for me if deemed necessary. I understand that SJPT does not provide medical insurance and that I am solely responsible for any medical or emergency response costs incurred. Participant Responsibilities I certify that: - I am physically and mentally capable of participating in the Activities;
- I will follow all safety instructions, guidelines, and directions provided by SJPT staff or activity leaders;
- I will use appropriate personal protective equipment as required;
- I will inform SJPT of any relevant medical conditions that may affect my participation; and
- I will not participate while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that could impair my ability to participate safely.
Duration and Governing Law This Agreement is valid only for the Effective Dates listed above and must be renewed annually. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.
Administrative Acknowledgments I understand this Agreement applies to all SJPT Activities during the calendar year listed.
I understand that additional safety briefings may be required for certain activities or activities on certain preserves.
I understand that some preserves require access by private boat or vehicle. I understand that SJPT may require me to sign other forms for my participation in the Activities, such as forms required for insurance purposes. I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Agreement for Annual Participation & Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability, that I understand that I am entering into a fully enforceable agreement which is binding on me, my heirs and assigns and on those who may claim by or through me, and that I have consulted with legal counsel regarding its terms or have had the opportunity to do so. In full knowledge of the above, I freely and voluntarily agree to be bound by this Agreement. I Agree |