Call to Action:
Email public comments to jamey.ayling@co.kittitas.wa.gov, voicing opposition the the Fowler Creek Guest Ranch (CU-23-00003)
Key Details:
Fowler Creek Guest Ranch is an -84 acre development proposed by Fowler Creek Trails LLC in the area of Fowler Creek Rd & Forest Service Rd 4517 in a rural residential neighborhood. This build out includes 30 RV spots, 10 x 2-4 bedroom cabins, overnight camp sires, a restaurant, store, pool, recreational renter center, and a 200-person event facility with more than 100 guests expected to operate year round.
The development is located within Rural Residential-5 zoning (rural single family homes), a Red "unsuitable for Water Mitigation" area, adjacent to a Category 2 Forest Service Road, and shares an existing easement with a private property - single family residence.
Why You Should Care:
Kittitas County Code KCC 17.08.270: despite its name, this project grossly misconstrues the defined and intended use of "Guest Ranch." In reality this is a proposed Short-Term Rental Cluster, Campground, and Retail and should be subject to the same conditions.
Fire Safety & Public Risk: John Sinclair, District 7 Fire Chief, publicly questioned the lack of available evacuation routes as well as firefighting water, asserting "bottom line, we run the risk of future loss of life in a rapid moving wildland fire."
Roadway Impact: traffic impact analyses submitted reflect inaccurate data, woefully underreporting the projected rise in traffic for neighboring roadways and communities-Nelson Siding, Fowler Creek, Pasco, and beyond.
Environment Impact: tributaries to the Yakima River (an important salmon habitat), as well as wetlands mark the property. Property is home to bears, cougars, deer, elk, frogs, owls, wild turkeys, and eagles. Yet, no Environmental Impact Studies have been conducted. Also missing are Construction Stormwater Permits, Hydraulic Projects Approvals, and Independent Biological Assessments.
Shared on behalf of the Friends of Fowler Creek
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