Wise County Planning Commission recommends Board approve Pound's primitive campsite plan

The Wise County Planning Commission on Jan. 21, 2025, voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the Town of Pound's plan and Special Use Permit for a 3.5-acre primitive campsite on Parcel #031574, a parcel zoned A-RR off Red Fox Trail. The motion to recommend approval was made by Michael Hatfield and seconded by Gene Vanover Jr.; the commission recorded all present voting aye.

James D. McElrath, Wise County zoning administrator, opened the case (PC25-01) and said the town had submitted a plan of development and a special-use application and had obtained a grant to support the campsite project. Brittany Carter, speaking on behalf of applicant Debbi Hale, told the commission the town purchased the 3.5-acre parcel in November 2020, completed public-access dedication agreements to reach features including the Pine Mountain Tunnel, and plans campsites with tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, bear-proof trash and food storage, and ADA-compliant access. Carter also said the town purchased GRIT Freedom Chairs for trail use.

Supporters emphasized recreation and economic benefits. Lucas Shortt said the campsite would link to an extensive trail network (he estimated about 186 miles), highlight Pound Lake's natural assets and could draw tourists and income to an area with limited industry and population. Leabern Kennedy noted a Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant supporting the project and said efforts are underway to remove invasive vegetation on the site.

Opponents raised maintenance and ecological concerns. Local resident Dakota Noble said heavy foot traffic can compact soil and reduce vegetation that wildlife depend on, warned of potential squatters and of safety risks from active hunting near the site, and pointed to a $17,900 cut in the Town of Pound's Parks and Recreation budget for 2024'25 as a potential constraint on long-term upkeep. Noble also referenced an existing Laurel Fork Trail campsite two miles away that he said has been neglected and is currently inaccessible.

Commissioners pressed for operational details. Duane Miller asked the witness to clarify the ecological risks and whether squatters were present; Tiffany Cummins of Jefferson National Forest, speaking for the Forest Service, said the agency prioritizes maintenance of highly used sites, works with partners to improve less-used sites, and would need to check records for the specific nearby campground. Commissioners asked who would maintain the proposed site; Kennedy said town workers and volunteers and that maintenance funding had been set aside in the town budget, but she said she was not aware of any maintenance provisions included in the grant. Questions about whether campers would need to apply or pay fees and whether tents could be pitched outside designated pads were deferred to the applicant, Debbi Hale.

After public testimony and commissioner questions, the commission closed the public hearing and voted to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors. The commission's recommendation does not finalize the project; the Board of Supervisors will make the final decision at a later meeting. The Planning Commission adjourned with no further business.