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 attend

  • Planning Commission Redefines Zoning Text
    Observe

  • Planning Commission Public Hearing
    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 <- We are Here
    Submit written comments and attend

  • BOCC 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