Wheeler Ridge Pursues Claims Against Chelan County

Wheeler Ridge LLC has been working to conserve 390 acres of private property for habitat and develop 250 acres into an orchard in the Stemilt Basin. The company will now be pursuing unlawful procedural claims against Chelan County due to the length of the process, which has been two years.

"The decision was not taken lightly," said Aaron Laing, attorney for Wheeler Ridge. "Wheeler Ridge LLC believes very strongly in being a good steward of the environment,a good community member, working collaboratively with the county and other stakeholders."

After two years of review and consultation, Chelan County Community Development Department issued a State Environmental Policy Act Mitigation Determination of NonSignificance in response to develop the 250 acres. However, county delays and reportedly a potential unlawful process has caused the company to face significant and growing losses.

"After a protracted, unlawful two year process, it became evident that the county was going to try to delay and prevent the lawful use of the property," said Laing.

The press release stated, orchard development is expected to extend jobs to existing orchard staff, contribute millions of dollars annually to the economy, and protect 390 acres from being developed into an exclusive, private housing community.