Public hearing set for May 18 to gather comments on special use permit
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, April 6 — The Page County Board of Supervisors passed a motion on Monday night to hold a public hearing at its May 18 regular meeting for a special use permit application by Checkers LLC — doing business as Downriver Adventure Company — to operate a commercial outdoor recreation area and facility consisting of guided rappelling trips at Golden Rock Campground.
“Downriver Canoe Company has earned the trust of thousands of visitors over 50 years through our unwavering commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and exceptional outdoor experiences. We approach this new venture with the same values and professionalism that have defined our business
for five decades,” the applicant states in its proposal to the county. “The proposed guided rappelling program at Golden Rock campground represents a natural evolution of our services — one that will enhance visitor experiences, create local employment, support regional tourism, and showcase the remarkable natural features of the Shenandoah Valley.”
The applicant is proposing to offer two- to four-hour scheduled guided rock rappel tours three or four times a week to individuals and small groups of no more than 15 participants, April through October. Participants will utilize existing parking facilities at Downriver’s headquarters at Bentonville Low Water Bridge. Shuttle transportation to Golden Rock will be provided using their already-established fleet. The Golden Rock Campground sits near the Compton Rapids along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River a few miles north of Luray.
“As described by the applicant, the proposed activity will complement their existing water-based recreation services and provide visitors with a diversified outdoor adventure experience that showcases the natural beauty and geological features of the area,” the county staff report reads.
The campground, established in 1974 at 9751 U.S. Hwy 340 N in Rileyville, is owned by Mark Harris. The parcel contains 44.66 acres and is zoned Woodland-Conservation (W-C). Golden Rock is a non-conforming campground, which means it was in business prior to the establishment of the Page County Zoning and/or Campground Ordinance, and it consists of 20 primitive campsites.
“VDOT has no issues with the special use permit,” reads a report from Oakley Wade Hill of VDOT. “It is not expected to have a negative impact on US 340N Hwy.”
Ashley Walker and Jeffery Mason with the Page County Health Department stated “no objections…Must have proper sewage disposal system to accommodate guest… Golden Rock Campground is a Primitive Camping facility already serviced by required number of privies. These should be sufficient to service proposed guided Rappelling trips on the property.”
Page County Building Official James Campbell reported that inspections must be conducted by a third party “on harnesses, ropes, carabiners, helmets, and anchors prior to operation and annually thereafter.”
The applicant introduced the proposal to the Page County Planning Commission on Feb. 10, and a public hearing was held before the members of the commission on March 10. During the hearing, concerns were raised about protecting the Golden Rocks, preservation of the historic Keyser Farm Site and the nearby prehistoric Indian Village, and the protection of nearby Bald and Golden Eagles.
County staff worked with experts to create conditions within the permit that address each of these issues, and most were mitigated with some research. Based on research conducted, staff concluded that the proposed location for the rappelling site does not appear to be the Keyser Farm Site, and the prehistoric Indian Village excavated in 1936 by the Smithsonian and its archeologists sits across the river. Although there has been no eagle presence detected at the site, staff developed a condition to recognize the Code of Virginia and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Chris Anderson, from the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, helped with research in these areas.
On March 25, the planning commission voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend approval of the permit, with its attached conditions, to the board of supervisors.
Pursuant to the Page County Zoning Ordinance, commercial outdoor recreation areas and facilities are only permitted by special use permit, and only if constructed and operated in conjunction with a campground.
The guided rappel trips will feature comprehensive safety briefings and equipment checks; professional instruction on rappelling techniques; supervised descents appropriate for various skill levels; environmental education about local geology and ecosystems; and “Leave No Trace” principles integrated throughout the experience.
“It seems like that would be something unique for this area,” District 2 supervisor and vice chairman Allen Louderback said on Monday night. “It would draw people to the area.”
For more information about Downriver Canoe Company,
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