Update on Unmapped Lands

The Skamania County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider the Planning Commission’s (PC) recommendation for the Underwood Unmapped Lands at its meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Per the PC’s recommendation, one unmapped parcel owned by Broughton Lumber and one owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be zoned Residential 10 (R-10).

Want to catch up on this issue? Read previous updates here and here.

New Information: 120 Potential Homes

Recent clarification on how lot size averaging and cluster developments can be applied indicates that the unmapped Broughton Lumber parcel, combined with an adjacent Broughton Lumber parcel already zoned (R-10), would allow approximately 120 homes to be built on Chemawa Hill in Underwood.

This higher figure contrasts with earlier community understanding, which placed the potential closer to 30 homes, and the new estimate has prompted renewed attention and discussion. A community petition is now circulating in opposition to residential zoning of the unmapped lands. Residents who wish to join the petition, may do so here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/no-10-acre-zoning?source=direct_link&

Community Feedback Wanted

Our commissioners want to hear from you, and they have expressed a desire for Underwood residents to show up and speak at the December 9th meeting. The public can still offer comments at 9:30 a.m. before the BOCC’s decision. If the BOCC chooses to deviate from the PC’s recommendation, a public hearing will be scheduled. There are two ways to attend the BOCC meeting:

Attend in Person
Skamania County Courthouse
BOCC Boardroom (lower level)
240 NW Vancouver Ave
Stevenson, WA 98648

Attend via Zoom
To join using the Zoom app: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210
To join by phone with audio only, dial 1-346-248-7799
Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210

County Commissioners

District 1
Brian Nichols
(509) 427-3701
nichols@co.skamania.wa.us

District 2

Robert Farris
(509) 427-3702
farris@co.skamania.wa.us

District 3 (including Underwood)
Asa Leckie
(509) 427-3703
leckie@co.skamania.wa.us

This summary was compiled by Underwood resident, Kristy Podruchny. Kristy regularly attends Planning Commission meetings to stay informed. Any opinions expressed or implied here do not necessarily reflect those of the UPRD or its board members. If you feel there are critical considerations missing from this post, please email us your additions, and we’ll include them here for public discussion. If you’d like to contact Kristy with questions, you can reach her at kristyp99@gmail.com.

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