Tuesday March 25, the Douglas County Commissioner’s convened to determine whether the Rocky Reach Trail would sink or swim. Minutes after the meeting opened, Commissioner Mary Hunt, floated a motion to uphold the decision made by the Douglas County Hearing Examiner over a year ago and to approve the Rocky Reach Trail. Her motion also made allowances so that mitigations (like the width of buffer) could be reviewed and, potentially, reduced to benefit the adjacent orchardists.

Commissioner Keane seconded the motion, he said, for the purpose of discussion. Then, he stated it was well known that he had not personally supported the trail, but as a commissioner this was not about personal beliefs. As a commissioner he stated that he prided himself in getting educated, studying the merits of a project, and making the best and most lawful decision possible, despite the political fallout.

Commissioner Hunt then read a statement she had prepared, stating at the outset, “This is the hardest decision I have had to make since I was elected to office.” She then addressed property rights stating property owners had the right to make decisions about their property and, “The current property owner (Washington Department of Transportation) has asked for their property to be made into a public, multi-modal trail facility that serves both transportation and recreation functions.”

She said that under the Growth Management Act (GMA) multi-modal transportation is a priority and that the proposed trail has been in the Douglas County Comprehensive Plan for many years. She said most of the trail is within 300 feet of the river which means adjacent landowners would already be affected by spray rules pertaining to the shoreline. She said other nearby lands could handle the beehive issue the orchardists have raised.

Summing up her position she stated, “…the proposed trail has met or exceeded all of Douglas County’s regulations as well as the state laws and regulations…I believe in this valley we can live, work, and play side by side.”

Next, Commissioner Ken Stanton read a document with 26 points that the commissioners and their legal staff believe to be points of fact (see the complete list here). Among other things, these points of fact say:

• The trail is on legally acquired public property.
• Douglas County does not review or require permits for transportation facilities and the trail constitutes legitimate transportation.
• The trail is in compliance with state environmental regulations, Shoreline Management Act, County’s Shoreline Master Program, GMA, and the county’s own comprehensive plan.

Some of these points questioned the premise that granting a Recreational Overlay for the trail was a rezoning issue. This has been a legal technicality that opponents have used to stall the process, even though it’s unlikely to stop the trail. Despite the fact the commissioners don’t see rezoning as necessary, Commissioner Stanton said the commissioners had, nonetheless, reviewed the entire record of the proposed project and concluded, “The Board of County Commissioners find that conditions placed upon the Recreational Overlay permit sought by Parks…mitigate impacts on adjacent agricultural lands…and that the Rocky Reach Trail and adjacent agricultural uses and practices are compatible.”

It was apparent the motion Commissioner Hunt had proposed 15 minutes earlier was about to pass. The question now: By what margin? Before the motion was voted upon, both commissioners Keane and Stanton thanked citizens on both sides of the issue for getting involved, having the stomach to stand in an emotion-packed room to state their views, and working to make a difference in how their county evolved. The commissioners also made it clear that there would be little wavering on this issue once their vote was cast. Commissioner Keane said, “From what was presented there was no other choice…The decision is final, at least for us.”

Complete the Loop Coalition (CTLC) Chairman, Bob Parlette, launched the Rocky Reach Trail initiative in the early 1990’s and has led the effort for over 15 years. He said by telephone, “This is a big step forward for the trail and a testament to the quality of input given by the many people who attended meetings and wrote letters. Were it not for the depth and ardor of this support, the results may have been quite different."

Doug Pauly, a long-time supporter working with the CTLC to see the Rocky Reach Trail approved, appreciated the decisiveness of the Commissioner’s preamble and vote. He believes they sent a clear message: “This issue is settled. Let’s move on.”

Should the opponents be considering an appeal, we at WenatcheeOutdoors hope they will seek a second opinion. The opponents need to hear -- from impartial attorneys who are not viewing the case as an on-going paycheck—whether or not an appeal has legs. The opponents have 21 days to file such an appeal.

Finally, contrary to the way some have framed this argument, the Rocky Reach Trail is not a recreation-versus-agriculture issue. Trails and agriculture have peacefully co-existed around the country and they can peacefully co-exist here. Most recreationalists in Central Washington value the rural landscape, orchards, and the region’s agricultural heritage. We don’t harbor ill will toward our agricultural neighbors earning their livelihood from a difficult occupation at a difficult time. Most recreationalists who hike, bike, paddle, ski, and climb are allies in wanting to protect our local agriculture and seeing it thrive. We’re willing to help, but cooperation, like a trail, is a two-way street.