Controversy brews in Camp Sherman

The tiny hamlet of Camp Sherman is staged to become the area's next battleground over land use.

Controversy is no stranger in Oregon's land use laws and regulations. On December 27, 2006 the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to repeal the county's existing comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. In its place a new Comprehensive Plan, a new zoning ordinance, and destination resort mapping and ordinance provisions were enacted.

A key issue in the budding controversy is Jefferson County's mapping of two areas for destination resorts in the Camp Sherman area. One area is just east of the Metolius Basin on Green Ridge, and the second is on the west side of the basin off Road 12.

Also of concern are the regulations allowing time share or fractional ownership of lodging facilities within the Camp Sherman Vacation Rental zone. The resulting limitations the changes will place on lodging access to the general public is an important factor for the seasonal economy of Camp Sherman.

The Friends of the Metolius, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and several other parties have filed notices of intent to appeal (NITA) the decisions with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

In a fiscal environment where financial needs are increasing and tax revenues are stalled, there is strong incentive for local government approval of land use changes that could increase the tax base.

Balancing this strong fiscal push against the goal of attempting to restore and maintain the pristine nature of Oregon's wild and scenic beauty is a delicate act for government.

Development can pump large amounts of money into local economies and revitalize stagnant communities. It can also fundamentally change the character of those communities.

Under LUBA's guidelines Jefferson County will have 21 days to file its record of decision. This is followed by another 21 day period in which petitioners may file their arguments as to why the county's actions should be overturned. The county must respond within 42 days at which time oral arguments before LUBA are scheduled prior to the Land Use Board's decision. On average the process takes six to eight months.