Author: dwood

Follow-Up Email Sent to Chelan County Commissioners Regarding Excluded Mission Ridge DEIS Comment

Following my public comment at the Chelan County Commissioners meeting concerning the Mission Ridge DEIS comment deadline, the commissioners requested that I forward the excluded comment and related information by email for review and possible inclusion in the official record.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:03 a.m., I sent the following email to Commissioners Brad Hawkins, Shon Smith, and Kevin Overbay.

The comment had originally been submitted on October 21 shortly after 5:00 p.m. after I relied on County website language stating comments would be accepted “until October 21.”

At the meeting, the commissioners appeared genuinely interested in understanding the circumstances surrounding the excluded submission and indicated they wanted to review the materials directly. As of this writing, I have not yet received a response regarding whether the comment will ultimately be included in the DEIS record.

from:David Wood <dwood@lostgringo.com>
to:Brad.Hawkins@co.chelan.wa.us,
Shon.smith@co.chelan.wa.us,
Kevin.overbay@co.chelan.wa.us

From: David Wood dwood@lostgringo.com
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026, 10:03 AM
To: Brad Hawkins; Shon Smith; Kevin Overbay
Subject: Request to Include Comment in Mission Ridge DEIS Record

Dear Commissioner,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment at today’s meeting regarding the Mission Ridge DEIS comment deadline.

As discussed, I am forwarding the comment I submitted on October 21 shortly after 5:00 p.m. after relying in good faith on the County website language stating comments would be accepted “until October 21.”

I respectfully request that this comment be included in the DEIS record.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
David Wood

Original Public Comment Submitted October 21

Subject: Request for Comprehensive Analysis of Water Supply Sustainability for Mission Ridge Expansion Master Planned Resort

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally request a more rigorous and scientifically defensible analysis of the water supply for the Mission Ridge Expansion Master Planned Resort, as referenced in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Fact Sheet [FS-1]. I urge that this critical issue be addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) with a specific focus on historical data and ongoing, independent monitoring.

My concern is rooted in the unique hydrogeology of our arid region. The DEIS’s reliance on new water supply wells is problematic given that sustainable groundwater recharge is often limited. In this area, reliable aquifers frequently draw their water either directly from major rivers like the Columbia or, crucially, through artificial recharge from long-term agricultural irrigation.

This project’s sustainability cannot be adequately assessed without a deeper understanding of our region’s specific water sources. I therefore requested that a specific study be commissioned that:

  • Analyzes decades of historical data from the reclamation project. The FEIS should explicitly include a study on historical trends of agricultural water usage and return flows within the specific reclamation areas contributing to the groundwater basin serving the proposed resort.
  • Assesses the impact of declining agriculture. The FEIS should model how the documented trend of declining agricultural activity and irrigation in the region is affecting groundwater recharge reliability.
  • Requires ongoing independent monitoring. Given the project’s proposed 20-year buildout and increasing climate vulnerability, I urged the FEIS to require annual independent third-party reporting on groundwater basin health, water table levels, and recharge data, with reports made publicly available.

Beyond the source of the water, I remain concerned about impacts on existing users and the long-term climate vulnerability of the supply. New wells risk affecting the water table and potentially drawing down water relied upon by existing users.

I believe the expansion’s water supply must be demonstrably sustainable and based on a proven resource that does not compromise the groundwater basin or existing water rights.

I look forward to reviewing the detailed hydrogeological analysis, particularly the findings from Appendix E, alongside the requested historical reclamation data study.

Thank you for your time and serious consideration of this issue.

Sincerely,

David Wood
826 S Chelan Ave
Wenatchee, WA

Mission Ridge DEIS – Public Comment Before Chelan County Commissioners

Today I addressed the Chelan County Commissioners regarding the Mission Ridge DEIS comment deadline and my request that my submitted comments be included in the official DEIS record.

The following is the full text of my public comment:

Good morning Commissioners,

My name is David Wood, and I’m speaking regarding the public comment deadline for the Mission Ridge D E I S.

I want to be clear – this is not about opposing the project. I support responsible growth, and I believe the process works best when it is clear and predictable for everyone involved.

The County website stated that comments would be accepted “until October 21.” I relied on that in good faith and submitted my comments shortly after 5:00 p.m. that day. I later learned that 5:00 p.m. was treated as the cutoff.

I understand a specific deadline time may have been included in a legal notice or linked document. However, the main County webpage only referenced the date. From a public standpoint, that can reasonably be read as a full-day deadline.

I’ve also been in communication with County staff about this and understand it has been reviewed.

My request is simple: that my comment be included in the D E I S record.

Thank you for your time.

Mission Ridge DEIS – Email to Commissioners Regarding Comment Inclusion

Following earlier correspondence with Chelan County Natural Resources staff regarding the DEIS comment deadline, I emailed the Chelan County Commissioners requesting inclusion of my submitted comments in the DEIS record.

David Wood → Chelan County Commissioners

Fri, Feb 20, 2026, 3:29 PM

to:Anabel.Torres@co.chelan.wa.us
cc:kevin.overbay@co.chelan.wa.us,
shon.smith@co.chelan.wa.us,
Brad.Hawkins@co.chelan.wa.us

Subject: Mission Ridge DEIS – Request for inclusion of good-faith public comment

Dear Chelan County Board of Commissioners,

I am writing regarding the public comment process for the Mission Ridge Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

Chelan County’s website stated that comments were being accepted “until Oct. 21.” I relied in good faith on that publicly posted statement when preparing and submitting my comments. My submission was sent shortly after 5:00 p.m. on October 21, and the website language did not specify a 5:00 p.m. cutoff time.

I understand that the legal notice referenced a 5:00 p.m. deadline. However, the discrepancy between the legal notice and the language displayed on the County’s website created confusion. In prior correspondence, the Natural Resources Director acknowledged this inconsistency.

While I do have substantive concerns about the proposed development and its impacts, this request is focused specifically on procedural fairness. Regardless of a commenter’s position on the project, citizens who rely on publicly posted County information should be treated fairly and allowed to participate in good faith.

In that spirit, I respectfully ask that the Board consider including my comments in the DEIS record.

Please include this correspondence in the official administrative record for the Mission Ridge environmental review.

Thank you for your time and attention to maintaining a clear and predictable public process.

Sincerely,
David Wood

Follow-Up

No response was received prior to my subsequent public comment before the Chelan County Commissioners regarding this matter.

Expanding the SW Spur – A New Direct Start on Jabberwocky Tower

Route Name: SW Spur Direct Start (Jabberwocky Tower)
Location: Jabberwocky Tower (6,840 ft), Chelan County, Washington – West Aspect / Southwest Spur
First Ascent: Erik Koch & David Wood, September 9, 2025
Route Stats: 400 ft (4 pitches), up to 5.8 — Direct Start addition
Total Length: Approximately 1,200 ft (Direct Start + Original SW Spur)

Route Description

On September 9, 2025, Erik Koch and David Wood established a new 400-foot direct start to the Southwest Spur of Jabberwocky Tower in the Enchantments. The addition introduces four new pitches (up to 5.8), extending the route and providing a more direct and aesthetic line from the lowest point on the right side of the west aspect.

The Direct Start begins at the toe of the formation, directly above the low point over Colchuck Lake. The route follows prominent features on the rock above, offering approximately 400 feet of new climbing before joining the original Southwest Spur on the left side of the distinctive “Sandpiper Ledge.” An interesting step-across connects the lower-angled terrain of the first two pitches with the steeper and more engaging third and fourth pitches.

The wide, grass and tree covered Sandpiper Ledge above tends to shed dirt and debris, leaving the lower pitches somewhat loose until further cleaning occurs. Combined with the original Southwest Spur (established the previous year), the route now offers roughly 1,200 feet of varied climbing along a technical ridge. The Direct Start contributes to the growing popularity of Jabberwocky Tower’s west aspect, which continues to see new development and variations.

Location Notes

Approach from the Colchuck Lake side, beginning near the lake’s edge directly below Jabberwocky Tower. Traverse along the shoreline rather than taking the Aasgard Pass Trail—this approach is easiest in the fall when lake levels are lowest. From the shoreline, head uphill directly toward the lowest point of the rock formation, following a natural line of boulders, scree, and large evergreen trees to the base.

Mission Ridge DEIS – Latest Correspondence

Mission Ridge DEIS – Follow-Up on Comment Acceptance

Following earlier correspondence regarding my DEIS submission and the unclear deadline language on Chelan County’s website, I requested confirmation of whether my comments would ultimately be included in the official record. The exchange below reflects the County’s final response on that question.

  1. David Wood → Mike Kaputa
    Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 6:52 AM

Hi Mike,

Thank you for checking back in. To clarify, yes—my comments were submitted shortly after 5:00 p.m. on October 21. At the time, I relied on the County website language stating that comments were accepted “until Oct. 21,” and I did not see any reference to a 5:00 p.m. cutoff.

My question is whether, under those circumstances, my comments will be accepted and included in the DEIS record.

Thank you for the clarification.

Best regards,
David Wood

  1. Mike Kaputa → David Wood
    Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 3:55 PM

Hi David. Under those circumstances, I believe they will not be considered part of the record since they were not submitted by the 5 PM deadline which was described in the legal notice.

Mike

Mike Kaputa, Director
Chelan County Natural Resources Department

Mission Ridge DEIS – Follow-Up Question

Mission Ridge DEIS – Follow-Up Question

Following up on my recent DEIS comment submission, I reached out to confirm how my input would be handled.

October 23, 2025 – 9:37 a.m.
I left a message on Mike Kaputa’s cell phone (509-670-XXXX), asking if he had an answer to my question: Will my comments be recorded? I suggested he respond via email.

Mission Ridge DEIS: A Timeline of My Public Comment Submission Issue

Mission Ridge DEIS – Comment Submission Issue and Request

An email exchange regarding public comment submission for the Mission Ridge Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

1. David Wood → Mike Kaputa

Wed, Oct 22, 2025 10:04 AM

Hi Mike,

I wanted to check whether you’re overseeing the public comments for Mission’s DEIS. Yesterday, I tried submitting my comments through the County’s website but ran into what appeared to be a server or website issue. I eventually sent them by email (missionridgeeis@outlook.com).

I’m hopeful my submission will be included in the record, but I’m concerned the issue may have caused others to miss the deadline. Could you consider extending the comment period and, if granted, make sure the extension is communicated publicly?

Thanks for your time and attention,
David Wood

Attachment: e50354d7-ca0a-4bec-9404-a8e1ffad8d11.jpg

2. Mike Kaputa → David Wood

Wed, Oct 22, 2025 10:10 AM

Hi David,

The comment deadline was 5 PM. Are you saying that you submitted your comment by 5 PM? If so, can you send me that email?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike Kaputa, Director, Chelan County Natural Resources Department

3. David Wood → Mike Kaputa

Wed, Oct 22, 2025 10:30 AM

My comments were submitted shortly after 5:00 p.m. As shown in the lower right corner of the attached screenshot, that was the time of submission. On your website, I relied on the following statement to determine the deadline:

“Chelan County is accepting comments until Oct. 21 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed expansion at Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort.”

I did not see any reference to a 5:00 p.m. cutoff time on the County’s website or in any other official source, despite reviewing several. Could you please clarify where that specific deadline was communicated? If the cutoff was indeed 5:00 p.m., does that mean my comments will not be included in the record?

4. Mike Kaputa → Daniel Chang & David Wood

Wed, Oct 22, 2025 1:44 PM

Hi David,

Attached is the notice which includes the comment details. That said, I see your point about what our website says under the “News” section. Let me discuss internally and get back to you.

Daniel, please flag for discussion.

Thanks,
Mike

Attachment: Scanned notice document

7/19/25-Mountian Day

Erik Koch and I climbed a 6-pitch route on the SW side of a small tower called Greater Walkie. The climb ranged from 5.0 to 5.7 difficulty on mostly loose and dirty terrain. Near the top, we encountered some enjoyable exposure on the route. We descended by downclimbing and scrambling about 250 vertical feet toward the NE.