Planning commission tables Golden Rock rappelling permit pending cultural, environmental checks

The Page County Planning Commission on March 10 tabled action on a special use permit application from Checkers LLC/Mark Harris (Downriver Adventure Company) to operate guided rappelling trips at Golden Rock Campground, 9751 US Hwy 340 N, Rileyville. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with natural‑resource and cultural experts and return with mapped buffer distances and any relevant agency findings before deciding.

Tracy Clatterbuck, Page County planner, summarized the application and agency comments, noting the 44.66‑acre parcel (tax map 8-(A)-103) is zoned Woodland‑Conservation and is an existing, nonconforming campground with 20 primitive campsites. Clatterbuck said VDOT raised no access concerns because the applicant proposes shuttle service from Bentonville Low Water Bridge, the Health Department clarified porta‑johns may be used for campgrounds, and the Building Official recommended third‑party annual inspections of harnesses and anchors. "Staff recommends the Planning Commission consider potential adverse impacts presented during the public hearing," she said.

Residents urged caution. Teresa Brumback, whose family owns land across from the campground and who said the family farm traces to 1799, asked the commission to postpone so the County can verify whether the Keyser Farm prehistoric site and artifacts could be affected and to confirm liability and permit durations. Brumback said an appraiser told her property values could drop "30 to 40 percent" if the operation proceeds without further review. "This deserves to be protected and not defaced," she said.

Applicant Mark Harris described operations as limited and supervised: weekday sessions, no permanent anchors, and staff certifications. "We want to showcase this area," Harris said, adding the goal is to manage visitor impact rather than increase constant traffic. Commissioners adopted additional draft conditions recommended by staff—prohibitions on drilling or installing permanent anchors and protections for surface vegetation—but asked staff to refine the proposed 350‑foot eagle buffer and provide a map in 50‑foot increments showing how that buffer would cross the river.

Commissioner Catherine Grech moved to table the SUP to the next meeting to obtain the requested agency, mapping and expert information; Commissioner Sandy Davis seconded. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). The commission indicated the SUP could be revisited once staff provides (a) eagle‑nest and wildlife verification, (b) cultural‑resource inquiries (DNR/Smithsonian/JMU archives as suggested by public commenters), and (c) clarifications from the Health Department and Building Official on operational and inspection requirements.