Page County approves special use permit for guided rappelling at Golden Rock Campground

The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a special use permit allowing Checkers LLC/Downriver Adventure Company to operate guided rappelling trips at Golden Rock Campground, the board announced after a public hearing on May 18.

Supervisor Ryan Cubbage moved approval, Supervisor Allen Louderback seconded, and the motion passed 5-0 with Supervisor Jeremy Baldwin abstaining. The Planning Commission had recommended approval by a 5-0 vote. Zoning Administrator Tracy Clatterbuck told the board the parcel is 44.66 acres and zoned Woodland-Conservation (W-C).

The permit includes multiple conditions: third-party annual inspections of rappelling equipment, strict prohibitions on drilling or installing permanent anchors, measures to prevent rope abrasion, protection of lichens and moss, annual photographic documentation of the rock face and surrounding natural area, proof of liability insurance naming the County of Page as certificate holder, and a required emergency action plan filed with the Director of Emergency Services. Supervisor Louderback requested that photographic records documenting the condition of geological features within the rappelling zone be submitted annually to the Zoning Administrator; the Board reached consensus on that requirement.

The SUP is transferable, remains with the property for 15 years (or until the campground ceases operation for two years), and may be revoked for material noncompliance after written notice and a 30-day cure period. The permittee must comply with county ordinances, the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and state and federal regulations concerning bald and golden eagles.