Okanogan County Hearing Examiner Dan Beardslee reviewed Tinkey’s application and agency and public comments at the end of October and approved the project with conditions a few days later.
Tinkey intends to use a permit-exempt well to supply the campground and other infrastructure. Because water for instream flows in the river and for the Methow Valley Irrigation District has priority, if those levels fall below minimum flows, Tinkey must stop using the well and instead provide water for guests through an alternate water source approved by Okanogan County Public Health, Beardslee said.
In the first phase, Tinkey would construct five to seven campsites with walled tent platforms and fire pits, but no hookups. It would also include bathrooms, a hot/cold plunge or sauna and steam room and an outdoor kitchen, according to the project application.
In phase two, Tinkey would add a second communal kitchen, six more campsites and a bathroom. In phase three, she would build a house and office. Maximum buildout could include a greenhouse, garage, locker room and showers.
