Ultimately, an 18-hole golf course, lodging and camping for recreational vehicles and airplanes are planned for the land, some of which would be acquired from Flying M Ranch owners Bryce and Barbara Mitchell. Earlier this year, the Mitchells began marketing the ranch's lodge, airstrip and motel and some of its campground for $4.6 million.

The ranch is located along the North Yamhill River halfway between Portland and the coast, amongst the foothills of the Oregon Coast Mountains. The log lodge houses a conference center, dining room and the Sawtooth lounge. Cabins and the bunkhouse motel are nestled in a wooded area a short distance from the lodge.

The Mitchells say they plan to retain the homes and stables on the property and will continue to offer horseback rides, but also are considering the sale of another 200 to 300 acres around the resort. Stage Ranch Road LLC is eying that land for its golf course.

The golf course application will come later this summer, however. First, the Mitchells and Stage Ranch Road LLC are seeking approval to develop more lodging and campsites for RVs and airplanes, says Stage Ranch land-use consultant Frank Walker. In addition to development approvals, a change in zoning from exclusive farm use and forestry to recreational commercial will be necessary for the project to proceed, Walker tells GlobeSt.com.

The Yamhill County Planning Commission will continue a hearing on the proposal at 7 p.m. April 5 at the Yamhill County Courthouse in McMinnville. Some area residents are concerned about the increased traffic on their gravel roads. Walker says at least one road would be paved out to the resort because RV owners won't subject their expensive vehicles to the beating of a pot-holed gravel road.

County planners have recommended denial of the proposal, mostly due to the lack of a traffic impact study, says planning director Mike Brandt. Walker says it's in the works but not complete. "We wanted an extension but the staff wanted more money to renotice interested parties so the hearing is continuing without the traffic study," says Walker. "The planning commission only makes recommendations, so we will submit the study at the county board of commissioners level; they are the final authority."

Instant Insights /

Golf Resort Proposed for Yamhill County

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