Curry County delays decision on Wedderburn RV park after environmental, tribal and fee disputes

Gold Beach, Ore. — Curry County commissioners on Nov. 5 continued deliberations on an appeal of staff approval for an RV park proposed near Wedderburn, after several residents and tribal representatives raised environmental, cultural and procedural objections.

Planning staff told commissioners the final order finds the project supports tourism linked to recreation on the Rogue River and therefore qualifies as a water-related or water-dependent commercial use, and that the approval includes conditions intended to protect riparian habitat and address floodplain and stormwater concerns. "The final order does mandate a riparian landscape plan approved by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife," staff said, adding that elevation certificates, flood-resistant construction materials and an engineered stormwater plan are required before permits issue.

Appellants and allied groups disputed that conclusion. "The RV park is not a water dependent use under the county code's definition or state law," attorney Kelsey Dunn said, representing Northwest American Indian Coalition, Oregon Choice Conservation Coalition and Dr.…