Curry County delays decision on Wedderburn RV park after disputes over water dependency, cultural and riparian impacts

Curry County commissioners on Nov. 5 continued a public hearing over an appeal of the planning director's approval of an RV park at Wedderburn, saying they would reconvene Nov. 12 to finalize findings after hearing new evidence and public testimony.

The hearing centered on whether the proposed RV park is a water-dependent or water-related use under county code and state law; potential harm to riparian and cultural resources; adequacy of floodplain and stormwater protections; and whether appellants were charged excessive appeal fees.

"Ultimately, the applicant agrees with staff and staff's findings, and the proposed order," said John West, the applicant's attorney, who also submitted supplemental findings and an optional 10-year temporary-use alternative for the board to consider. West said the applicant will accept standard mitigation, including an inadvertent discovery plan for archaeological materials, and will…