Status of Current Efforts
The proposed 150-acre “Adventure Park” development, literally in the midst of our quiet residential neighborhood, is still a threat.
PWWERC has engaged with the West End community to provide information about the proposed "Adventure Park" and ensure the community's voices are heard. PWWERC delivered over 125 community comment cards to the Board of County Commissioners, after which they adopted a county-wide moratorium on Recreational Facility permits.
This threat will not be resolved until the recently added Recreational Facilities zoning text is revised and realigned with the West End Community Comprehensive Subarea Plan.
The Current Process
While there are several methods of prohibiting the construction and operation of an "Adventure Park" in Skamania County's West End to protect its rural character, the following is the process we find ourselves in and what's going to happen next.
BOCC Adopts Moratorium
Thank you for listening!
(Within 60 Days)BOCC Public Hearing
Submit written comments and attendPlanning Commission Redefines Zoning Text
ObservePlanning Commission Public Hearing <- We are Here
Submit written comments and attend.
It's critical to attend these meetings as public presence shows the Planning Commission that the residents of the West End are concerned about preserving its rural character and are participating in the process. Showing up in person is most impactful, but if you can't make it in person, joining the Zoom call helps make your presence known, too.BOCC Receives Recommendation
BOCC Public Hearing
Submit written comments and attendBOCC Adopts Redefined Zoning Text & Rescinds Moratorium
Timeline
February 7, 2024
February 6, 2024
December 19, 2023
December 18, 2023
December 5, 2023
November 28, 2023
November 26, 2023
November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023
October 31, 2023
October 28, 2023
October 24, 2023
October 17, 2023
October 17, 2023
October 14, 2023
October 13, 2023
October 11, 2023
October 9, 2023
October 5, 2023
September 21, 2023
September 20, 2023
September 14, 2023
September 12, 2023
September 11, 2023
September 9, 2023
September 8, 2023
August 31, 2023
August 22, 2023
August 15, 2023
August 9, 2023
July - August 2023
PWWERC invited by Friends of the Columbia Gorge to present efforts to prevent proposed Adventure Park
PWWERC attends Planning Commission meeting to discuss moratorium extension and draft zoning language
PWWERC and community crowd provide testimony resulting in BOCC extending the moratorium until June 19, 2024
PWWERC meets with Public Works Director to discuss potential language revisions
PWWERC presents on misalignment of zoning with WECCSAP to Planning Commissioners
PWWERC meets with Community Development Staff and Public Works Director to thank them for their work and explore possible solutions
PWWERC provides additional approach and suggested zoning language revisions to Planning Commissioners
PWWERC presents concerns about zoning language and proposed Adventure Park to Planning Commissioners
PWWERC holds public prep meeting prior to Planning Commission meeting
PWWERC delivers first version of draft revisions and language for Recreational Facilities
PWWERC holds the third public informational/educational meeting
BOCC places a county-wide moratorium on Recreational Use permits
PWWERC delivers over 125 community comment cards and presents concerns to Planning Commissioners
PWWERC meets with Planning Commission Chair and agrees to provide draft revisions and language for Recreational Facilities
PWWERC holds a two-hour public informational/educational meeting for about 200 community members
PWWERC meets with DNR Forestry Technician to discuss violations of Stop Work order and required mitigation
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues Stop Work order
PWWERC member meets with Skamania County Commissioner to discuss concerns and resolutions
PWWERC engages with 1,800 community members via direct mail informational postcard
PWWERC is granted official IRS Section 501(c)(3) status
PWWERC meets with Skamania County Prosecutor to discuss legality of approaches to resolving Adventure Park issue
PWWERC holds first community informational meeting for approximately 25 individuals
PWWERC launches website to educate and inform the public about the proposed Adventure Park and protection offered by the WECCSAP
PWWERC meets with Skamania Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to discuss concerns about proposed Adventure Park
West End neighbors submit application to establish the non-profit Preserving Washougal and West End Rural Character (PWWERC)
Department of Ecology issues notice of unauthorized clearing and grading in Wetlands and Shoreline jurisdiction
West End neighbors gather to discuss remedies and zoning misalignment with West End Community Comprehensive Subarea Plan (WECCSAP)
Skamania County issues Cease & Desist order
McKay-Sposito meeting canceled and never rescheduled
West End neighbors gather to discuss possible remedies
West End Neighbors learns of proposed Adventure Park