Save our Farm

WILLAPA BAY HERITAGE FARM

Notice

The workshop may be over, but our fight continues. Please consider writing a letter and signing our petition, instructions below. Consider writing a letter to the editor, Chinook Observer – 250 words maximum.

The workshop was not recorded, so the way to get your comments registered is to make public commentary on the Save our Farm/Agritourism Now Campaign at the regular Board meetings the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Public Commentary is limited to a three minute session.

Attend the County Meetings

Second and Fourth Tuesday of the Month

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pacific County Courthouse Annex

1216 West Robert Bush Drive
South Bend, WA 98586

Join via Zoom

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82957237198

*Listed until 12 noon but meetings may be as short as 20 minutes, thus it is recommended to log on at the start and wait for the public comments portion of the meeting.

History of

Willapa Bay Heritage Farm

Founded in 2017 on the site of the former world-famous Clarke Rhododendron Nursery, Willapa Bay Heritage Farm is an educational farm demonstration project nurturing sustainable living, animal welfare, and organic farming practices.

Clarke Rhododendron Nursery, circa 1995.

The farm has been zoned agricultural for many years with many incarnations. It’s been a cranberry farm, it’s had cattle, and was the rhododendron nursery for over sixty years. Coast Seafoods still farms oysters and manila clams in the bay off the property, and it was homesteaded in the Oregon Territory days, then again in early statehood days. (My family settled pre-statehood in Washington, in Bickelton, Klickitat County.) I’ve been told the cousins of the owner of the Ilwaco Coffee Company are descendants of the early Washington State homesteaders who lived here.

When I first stepped on the property, I was struck by all the broken clam shells on the driveway, dropped by smart, hungry crows who would eat the tasty morsels inside. Originally, I wanted the name of the farm to be “Crows Dropping Shells” in the Chinook language, but that beautiful language is difficult for most to spell and pronounce, so with reluctance, I headed in another direction. Because of its amazing history, it has been named, for now, the Willapa Bay “Heritage” Farm. (Likely to morph some day soon to the Willapa Bay “Educational” Farm, as that is more reflective of what it is today.)

Whatever it may be called, I am but the caretaker and steward for this instantiation of the farm, with its long heritage stretching from prehistoric times up through the Chinook nation, whose people had aquaculture beds and grew maize, on to the present day. Hopefully into the future, however uncertain it looks right now.

Crossroads to the Future

Your friendly neighborhood farm is at a crossroads. We need your help to stay in business and continue contributing to our community.

The Pacific County Department of Community Development has ordered the farm to stop its overnight agritourism through Harvest Hosts.

This program provides more that 50% or our income. If it goes, we go too. Our doors will close.

Do you have fun on our tours, enjoy our unique eggs, delight in our cheeses and love our goats? Well then – you can add your voice and let them know what this farm means to you.

Add your voice and sign our petition.

Thank you for your support.

Our Proposal

We believe agritourism is not something to be discouraged or removed from the Long Beach Peninsula. Instead, it is the future.

Regulations are written for a time and place, reflecting the values and sensibilities of the era in which they were created. Times change, and it is easy to stay rooted in the past and miss opportunities that emerge with changing times. One such opportunity is agritourism. We believe it presents an economic, reputational, and marketing opportunity that promotes the Pacific County brand in general, and the Long Beach Peninsula brand in particular.

Agritourism generates direct farm income, drives visitor spending at local businesses, and strengthens the region’s identity as a destination rooted in authentic rural heritage — an opportunity, we believe, Pacific County and the Long Beach Peninsula cannot afford to miss.

Click the links below to see our case for promoting Agritourism in the area, then click to view our Letters of Support.

A Personal Note From Farmer Deb

Although the decision of the Department of Community Development has left me dismayed and embarrassed — some of you might be thinking, “the Farm must be doing something illegal if it received a ‘cease and desist’ order” — I believe with every fiber of my being what we are doing with our overnight agritourism program through Harvest Hosts is ‘legal’ under Ordinance 194 7.b. and 21.I.

And yet I also understand why the Department has done what they have done. It is expressly the lack of explicit agritourism policy that led to this decision.

That is why, after spending four years curating the Harvest Hosts overnight agritourism program; nine months chasing DCD’s edicts to “conform” my “non-compliant” issues; spending tens of thousands of dollars in fees, permits, ATF fines, consultants, tests, etc. — which is more than the gross of the farm the year before; followed by more than 80 hours researching and writing a special use and conditional use permit package; I have decided it is time to change tactics and move to strategy.

Instead of requesting permits — which may or may not fit, and which may or may not be granted, and which will certainly cost tens of thousands of dollars or more in additional expenditures — on behalf of the future of the Farm and other farms in Pacific County, I am asking for something much more important – let’s explore the future of agritourism for the land of which I am but a steward.

Let’s formulate a fair, rational, and balanced agritourism policy. Not just for now, but for the future.

Thanks for glimpsing into that future with me – please sign our petition here by clicking on the button below and adding your comments. Your petition will be emailed directly to the Board of Commissioners Secretary and to me, Farmer Deb.

Thank you for your support!

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Agritourism: A New Frontier For Pacific County

Agritourism

Why is Agritourism important?

Through its agritourism program, Willapa Bay Heritage Farm preserves farmland, strengthens our local economy and diversifies income. The overnight agritourism program through Harvest Hosts is an important economic and cultural driver of our community.

Economic diversification and income generation
For small farms and rural businesses, agritourism adds a second revenue stream beyond crop or livestock sales. It allows farmers to spread financial risk and reduce dependence on volatile commodity markets WSU Extension . In Washington, agritourism income has grown from $202 million in 2002 to $1.2 billion in 2022, showing its rapid expansion and economic impact Congressman Dan Newhouse .
Preserving farmland and rural character.
By generating income from tourism, small farms can maintain land in agricultural production rather than converting it to non-farming uses WSU Extension . This helps protect the rural landscape, supports sustainable farming practices, and keeps local food systems intact.
Supporting local jobs and businesses
Agritourism creates direct and indirect employment in hospitality, food service, retail, and transportation. It also boosts demand for local goods and services, benefiting nearby shops, restaurants, and service providers Congressman Dan Newhouse .
Enhancing community identity and heritage
The overnight agritourism program that Willapa Bay Heritage Farm provides connects visitors with the agricultural heritage and natural beauty of Washington’s rural areas. The overnight program through Harvest Hosts provides these experiences that celebrate local culture and attract tourists who value authenticity and sustainability State Regs Today.
Strengthening rural economies
In small communities, where population and economic bases are limited, agritourism can stimulate tourism-related spending and help offset economic challenges. It also supports the next generation of farmers by creating viable business models that combine agriculture with tourism Congressman Dan Newhouse .
Policy and infrastructure support
Washington state and local governments are investing in agritourism through zoning guidance, permitting support, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to make it easier for small farms to participate Washington State Agritourism Study and Report .

Letters of Support

Here are the Letters of Support we have received.

Thanks to all our supporters.

To View a Letter Click on the Entries under Title.

id	Name	Organization	entry_type	Date	Address	Title	letter
4	Eliecia Hale	Barnyard Bags, LLC	1	14/05/2026	Naselle, WA	Keep WBHF going	Good morning, My name is Eliecia Hale, owner of Barnyard Bags, LLC. I have Known Deb Howard and Willapa Bay Heritage Farm for years. This farm has supplied some of the livestock bags that we use for our small environmentally friendly business. Since both companies reside in Pacific County, we pay taxes and encourage local spending, buying and jobs. The farm offers a unique opportunity for people to experience rural life, hands on experiences and clean living. Why would we want to take this away? The selfish part of me is concerned about my supply chain of feed sacks. The farm supports my business by carrying my products, the loss of this opportunity would be devastating to my business and to the area. Let's do the right thing and keep Willapa Bay Heritage Farm!!!!! Thank you for your consideration, Eliecia Hale, owner Barnyard Bags, LLC www.barnyardbags.com contactbarnyardbags@gmail.com
8	Lesley Ferguson	Bolderson Realty	1	14/05/2026	Long Beach, WA	Collaboration not Extinction	Dear Commissioners and Directors, I am writing to respectfully ask for your attention and leadership regarding the recent cease and desist order issued against Willapa Bay Heritage Farm and its participation in the Harvest Hosts program. Across Washington and Oregon, working farms increasingly rely on carefully managed agritourism activities to remain financially viable. Programs such as Harvest Hosts provide supplemental income that helps preserve farmland, support local food production, and attract respectful visitors who contribute to surrounding communities. For many small farms, these activities are no longer optional luxuries — they are essential to survival. This issue extends beyond just WBHF... it speaks to the future of agritourism, small-scale agriculture, and rural economic sustainability in Pacific County. I respectfully ask the Commissioners to encourage a collaborative and practical solution that recognizes the realities of modern agriculture and the importance of agritourism to Pacific County's rural economy. Rather than treating low-impact farm stays as equivalent to commercial RV parks, I urge the County to consider clearer pathways and policies that support responsible agritourism while maintaining appropriate oversight and protections. Pacific County has an opportunity to support working farms, preserve open space, strengthen rural tourism, and encourage responsible stewardship of agricultural land. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm represents those values. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm is not an RV park in the traditional sense. It is a working agricultural operation that has thoughtfully incorporated agritourism as a supplemental source of income — something increasingly recognized across Washington and Oregon as essential to the survival of small farms. For four years, the farm has successfully operated within the Harvest Hosts model, welcoming travelers for short overnight stays tied directly to the agricultural experience of the property. Guests visit a working farm, purchase locally produced goods, learn about sustainable farming practices, and contribute to the rural economy. This is fundamentally different from a commercial RV park designed for long-term occupancy and dense recreational use. The owner has invested enormous personal resources into improving this property and operating responsibly. What was once a former nursery reliant on pesticides and conventional commercial practices has been transformed into a beautiful organic farm that contributes positively to the Willapa Bay ecosystem. Improvements include a permitted septic system, an educational barn for school groups and tours, a goat barn, certified goat milk product production, and extensive agricultural infrastructure. The farm pays taxes, follows regulations, and actively contributes to the community and local economy. It has been on the annual garden tour for several years, and hosted school tours and local youth training. It is deeply concerning that after years of attempting to comply with county requirements and permitting processes, the farm is now facing enforcement actions that threaten its very survival. Small farms throughout Washington are already under significant economic pressure from rising costs, development pressure, and shrinking agricultural margins. Agritourism has become one of the few viable tools available to help preserve working farmland. Washington State itself recently recognized the importance of agritourism in a statewide report commissioned by the Legislature. The report noted that farming in Washington faces "significant challenges, with the ongoing loss of farmland and pressure on small producers," and specifically identified agritourism as an important strategy for preserving rural agriculture and strengthening local economies. Washington State Agritourism Report Other Washington counties are actively exploring ways to support low-impact farm stays rather than prohibit them. Skagit County, for example, studied temporary farm stays associated with programs like Harvest Hosts and found significant public support for allowing limited, low- impact RV stays connected to working farms. Their public policy discussions recognized that these stays help support farms while preserving rural character. An Ordinance Adopting Title 14 Agritourism Development Regulations Research on agritourism in Washington has consistently shown that supplemental agricultural tourism income helps farms remain economically viable. Farmers surveyed identified additional income and agricultural education as primary reasons for participating in agritourism, while also citing land use and zoning regulations as one of the greatest barriers to success. Nationally, the Harvest Hosts model has become widely recognized as a low-impact agritourism tool rather than a conventional campground business. Guests typically stay only one night, no hookups are required, and visitors are encouraged to support the host farm through purchases and educational engagement, as well as visit other local businesses. Pacific County is a rural county whose identity and economy are closely tied to agriculture, tourism, and small local businesses. Supporting responsible agritourism operations like Willapa Bay Heritage Farm should be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat. Farms that educate the public, preserve open space, promote sustainable agriculture, and attract respectful visitors are exactly the kinds of businesses our community should encourage, with progressive policy making and a clear path to success for all parties. I respectfully ask the County to work collaboratively with the owner toward reasonable standards and compliance pathways rather than punitive enforcement that could jeopardize the future of a farm that has clearly operated in good faith and invested heavily in the community. Protecting agriculture should include protecting the ability of modern farms to survive economically. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Lesley Ferguson Long Beach Peninsula, WA
31	Rachel Palmer	Co-Executor, Deborah A.Howard Trust	1	31/05/2026	Long Beach, Washington	Protect our Agricultural Future	Dear Commissioners and Community Development Staff, I am writing to express my strong support for Willapa Bay Heritage Farm and to encourage Pacific County to recognize the important role that agritourism plays in sustaining working farms, strengthening the local economy, and preserving the rural character that makes this region unique. As a board member of the Willapa Bay Heritage Farm Non-profit and a trustee for Farmer Deb's estate, I have witnessed firsthand Farmer Deb's passion and commitment to this land. I've also had the privilege of working with and being a friend of Deb's for more than 14 years. She is a person of the utmost integrity. Farmer Deb has dedicated years of her life and many, many thousands of dollars to restoring, stewarding, and protecting this land, viewing herself not simply as its owner, but as its caretaker for future generations. Her vision extends well beyond her own lifetime: she intends for the farm to remain a permanent community resource, serving as a living farm laboratory where people of all ages can learn about agriculture, the rich history of farming in the region, sustainable and organic growing practices, and the vital connection between healthy land and healthy communities. Through her long-term planning and commitment, Farmer Deb is creating a legacy that will continue to educate, inspire, and connect people with nature for generations to come. Pacific County has long been defined by its connection to the land. Agriculture, tourism, natural resources, and small local businesses are all deeply intertwined. As economic pressures on family farms continue to grow, many agricultural operations must diversify their revenue streams in order to remain viable. Agritourism has become one of the most effective and widely accepted ways to accomplish that goal. The Harvest Hosts program is an excellent example of responsible agritourism in action. Unlike commercial RV parks or campgrounds, Harvest Hosts connects travelers with working farms and agricultural businesses for brief overnight visits that encourage guests to learn about local agriculture, purchase farm products, and support nearby businesses. These visitors come specifically because they want to experience authentic rural communities and contribute directly to them. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm exemplifies the type of operation that Harvest Hosts was designed to support. The farm is not simply a destination for overnight guests; it is a working agricultural enterprise that provides educational opportunities, supports local food production, promotes environmental stewardship, and contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of Pacific County. Over the years, the farm has become a valued community asset. It has welcomed visitors from across the country, introduced countless people to agriculture and sustainable farming practices, provided educational experiences for youth, and transformed agricultural land into a vibrant and productive operation. The investments made in the property demonstrate a long-term commitment not only to farming, but also to the community itself. The benefits extend far beyond the farm's boundaries. Visitors who stay through Harvest Hosts purchase local products, dine in local restaurants, shop in local stores, and help support the broader tourism economy. In a rural county where every economic opportunity matters, these small but meaningful contributions add up and help strengthen local businesses throughout the region. Pacific County has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in supporting innovative agricultural enterprises while maintaining appropriate standards and oversight. Encouraging responsible agritourism does not diminish the county's rural character—it reinforces it. Programs such as Harvest Hosts help keep farms in operation, preserve open space, educate the public about agriculture, and create economic opportunities that allow working lands to remain productive for future generations. I respectfully urge the County to pursue a collaborative approach that recognizes the distinction between low-impact agritourism and traditional commercial recreational facilities. The goal should be to develop practical pathways that allow responsible agricultural businesses to operate successfully while meeting reasonable county requirements. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has demonstrated its commitment to the community, to agriculture, and to the long-term vitality of Pacific County. Supporting farms like this is an investment in the county's economic resilience, agricultural heritage, and future prosperity. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Rachel Palmer
28	David Thomas	Co-Executor, Deborah A.Howard Trust	1	31/05/2026	Long Beach, Washington	Valuable piece of the Future	I am writing in support of Willapa Bay Heritage Farm. The biggest part of WBHF's mission is educational. Allowing some measure of agritourism supports that mission, to the benefit of the region and beyond, and you ought to find a way to permit it even if you wish to place tighter restrictions on agritourism more generally (itself an open question). I've known Deb for decades, I am co-executor of her trust, and in that role have served on the board of the WBHF Foundation. I know Deb to be conscientious and responsible. I have every confidence that Deb will do what is necessary to run the agritourism program in line with requirements, but the requirements must be stable, public, and attainable. WBHF strives to serve the local community and is intended as a lasting legacy that will continue operating for future generations beyond its current owner. If it is unable to stay open, the community will lose a valuable piece of its future. David L L Thomas
40	Wes Clark	COO, Harvest Hosts	1	09/06/2026	Vail, Colorado	Harvest Hosts supports WBHF	To the Pacific County Board of Commissioners and Community Development Department, On behalf of Harvest Hosts, I am writing in support of Willapa Bay Heritage Farm in its request for a collaborative resolution regarding agritourism practices in Pacific County. Harvest Hosts is an RV membership program that connects road travelers with a network of small businesses, farms, and non-profits across North America - our "Hosts". The Hosts do not operate as campgrounds. Instead they simply welcome Members to their location, and allow them to stay overnight for free, with the expectation that the Members will support the Host with a purchase at their establishment. The Members are self-contained travelers who stay briefly, support local businesses, purchase local products, and then continue their journey. For more than four years, Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has demonstrated the positive impact agritourism can have on a community. The farm has welcomed visitors from across the United States and abroad, generating economic activity that extends beyond the farm itself to local restaurants, shops, attractions, and neighboring businesses throughout the Long Beach Peninsula and surrounding communities. Farming is the lifeblood of our country, and agritourism has become an increasingly important tool for preserving working farms, diversifying farm income, and promoting local agriculture. This revenue stream is a vital one for many farms given the challenging world of agriculture, which gets harder by the day given changing weather patterns, new tariffs, labor shortages, and more. In fact, Washington state has seen significant growth in agritourism over the past two decades because it provides these meaningful benefits to both agricultural operations and local economies. We hope that Pacific County can find a way to work collaboratively with local agricultural businesses to establish a framework that supports innovation, preserves farmland, and allows responsible agritourism operations to continue contributing to the region's economy and identity. We believe that Harvest Hosts can be a part of that solution. From our vantage point, Willapa Bay Heritage Farm represents the type of small business that communities should seek to support - one that educates visitors, promotes agriculture, welcomes tourism, and creates economic opportunity while maintaining the character of the area. Hopefully, there will be a path forward here. Respectfully, Wes Clark President & COO, Harvest Hosts
33	Susan Yirku	Executive Director, PCEDC	1	01/06/2026	Long Beach, Washington	How to incorporate Agritourism	Our economic partners have shared some resources on how they have addressed the common challenge of how to incorporate agritourism activities in their Counties. Skagit County https://www.skagitcounty.net/departments/planningandpermit/agtourismmain.htm Clallum County Code: https://clallam.county.codes/CCC/33.48.110 Thurston https://thurstonedc.com/agricultural-business-services/ Jefferson County Code https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/JeffersonCounty/html/JeffersonCounty18/JeffersonCounty1820.html#18.20.030 Susan Yirku, Executive Director Pacific County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) www.pacificcountyedc.org
38	Chandra Stevens	Harvest Hosts, Host Experience Manager	1	12/06/2026	Vail, CO	Harvest Hosts are not Campgrounds	To whom it may concern, I am writing in support of Farmer Deb and her participation in the Harvest Hosts program at Willapa Bay. My name is Chandra Stevens, and I serve as Deb's Host Experience Manager at Harvest Hosts. In this role, I have the privilege of working directly with her and witnessing firsthand the positive impact she has on travelers, local businesses, and the surrounding community. I also write from a deeply personal perspective. I grew up across the river in Astoria, Oregon, and my family continues to own and operate a business in Ilwaco, Washington. Having spent much of my life on the coast, I understand how important tourism, small businesses, agriculture, and community connections are to the economic and cultural vitality of this region. Coastal communities have long depended on seasonal visitors. Local businesses often work hard throughout the summer months to sustain themselves during the quieter winter season. What makes Deb's location unique is that she attracts visitors throughout the year. These travelers are not simply parking overnight. They are exploring local restaurants, shops, museums, attractions, and neighboring communities. They spend money intentionally, locally and contribute to the regional economy while seeking authentic experiences that connect them with the people and places that make the Pacific Northwest special. I believe there may be some misunderstanding regarding how Harvest Hosts operates. Harvest Hosts is not a traditional campground system. Participating locations are not campgrounds, RV parks, or long-term rental facilities. Members are self-contained RV travelers who are required to provide their own sleeping, restroom, and waste management facilities within their vehicles. They are expected to arrive for a brief stay, typically one night, and then continue their travels. Unlike a traditional campground, locations generally do not provide extensive infrastructure such as multiple campsites, utility hookups, bathhouses, dump stations, or long-term accommodations. Many locations offer no hookups at all. While some hosts may choose to provide limited amenities at their discretion, these are not required and are not the foundation of the program. Our model creates a minimal physical impact on the land. Guests are temporary visitors rather than long-term occupants. They do not establish residency, they do not remain for extended periods, and they do not create the type of ongoing operational footprint commonly associated with commercial campgrounds. Additionally, Harvest Hosts does not collect payment for overnight stays on behalf of hosts. The experience is based on hospitality, mutual respect, and supporting local businesses. Members are encouraged to purchase products, services, tours, experiences, or goods directly from the host and neighboring businesses. This model allows revenue to remain within the local community rather than being diverted elsewhere. Farmer Deb exemplifies everything that makes this program successful. She is not simply offering a place for travelers to stop. She is creating meaningful educational experiences, supporting agriculture, connecting visitors to the local community, and helping preserve the rural character that makes Willapa Bay special. Through her work, she educates both children and adults about farming, stewardship, and the importance of local agriculture. She actively encourages visitors to explore the surrounding towns, attractions, and businesses, creating economic benefits that extend well beyond her property. In my experience working with thousands of hosts across North America, Deb stands out as one of the most thoughtful, community-minded, and dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure of supporting. Her participation in Harvest Hosts aligns with the values of sustainable tourism, local economic development, agricultural education, and community engagement. I respectfully ask that any review of her Harvest Hosts participation consider the unique nature of this program and the substantial benefits it provides to both travelers and the local economy. Farmer Deb's operation is fundamentally different from a traditional campground and serves as an example of how responsible agritourism can strengthen rural communities while preserving the character and values that make them worth visiting. Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to supporting the businesses and individuals who contribute so much to the Willapa Bay community. Respectfully, Chandra Stevens Host Experience Manager Harvest Hosts chandra.stevens@harvesthosts.com 970-401-7743
1	Sally Macy	Ocean Beach Health Foundation	1	11/05/2026	Ocean Beach, WA	To Whom It May Concern	May 11, 2026 To Whom It May Concern: Ocean Beach Health Foundation supports the hospital and clinics in South Pacific County. We do this in various ways including fund raising events. Over the past 3 years Deb Howard of Willapa Heritage Farm has been a generous donor to our auctions and other events. The items she donates always generate excitement and generous bids. Willapa Heritage Farm is a valued community partner to OBH Foundation and we appreciate everything they do to support us. Hospital District #3 is lucky to have Willapa Heritage Farm as a part of the area we serve. Best Regards, Sally Macy President Ocean Beach Health Foundation
10	Jeanne Brooks	Pacific County Economic Development Council	1	15/05/2026	Pacific County, WA	A Personal Appeal	Dear Commissioners Doyle, Tobin, and Olsen, I want to start this letter somewhere personal, because I think it matters to what I am asking of you. This is a long letter, because it must be. Thank you for full consideration. I grew up in a farming family in Kansas. I watched my grandfather's stories shape the way our family understood land — he was a man who, during the worst years of the Depression, ate the plow horse rather than sell the farm. He held on. Generations later, I was the one who could not. Equipment broke down, livestock and grain futures tanked, lending criteria changed in banking, weather patterns shifted. The economics of small-scale farming changed in ways no amount of hard work could outrun, and in the end, I was the one who had to sign the papers and sell the land my family had fought so hard to keep. I have carried that with me ever since. It is a large part of why I serve on this Economic Development Council — because I live here now, in Pacific County, surrounded by cranberry farmers, oyster growers, small animal operations, and family food producers who are working just as hard as my family ever did in Kansas. I do not want to watch them lose what they have built for the same reasons I lost mine: not for lack of effort, but for lack of support — and for lack of a policy framework modern enough to let them adapt and survive. I am writing today about a specific, solvable policy problem. Pacific County's Agricultural zoning code does not expressly define or permit agritourism as a permitted accessory agricultural use. That gap recently led the Pacific County Department of Community Development to issue a cease and desist against Willapa Bay Heritage Farm on Sandridge Road in Long Beach — right at the start of the tourism season, at the moment of greatest income need. With your June 1, 2026 community workshop approaching, I am asking this Board to use that occasion to initiate a commitment to amend the definition of permitted agricultural activities in our Agricultural zones to expressly include agritourism. This is not a radical ask. It is overdue. Farm Business Is Business I want to say this plainly, because it sometimes gets lost in zoning discussions: a farm is a business. It has overhead, payroll, capital costs, seasonal cash flow gaps, and the same relentless pressure to diversify revenue that any small business faces. The farmers in Pacific County are not hobbyists. They are business owners who happen to grow food, raise animals, and steward land. They deserve a regulatory framework that treats them accordingly. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm is a five-acre working operation on the banks of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, owned and operated by Farmer Deb Howard since 2017. She produces certified goat cheese — the only such producer on the Long Beach Peninsula — along with organic eggs, heirloom vegetables, seasonal flowers, and value-added food products. She sells at the Columbia Pacific Farmers Market, through V's Coastal Market & Deli, and at the Ilwaco Cider Company. But the farm is far more than its product list. In nine years of operation, Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has: Welcomed thousands of visitors from all 50 states and more than 12 countries Trained local youth through 4-H, FFA, and Junior Farmhand programs Hosted school groups, garden clubs, and educational tours Provided animal-assisted visits for people with special needs, trauma histories, and those in recovery Built a nonprofit foundation committed to preserving the farm in perpetuity for the community This is not a marginal agricultural operation. It is a community institution — one that educates, employs, heals, and brings the world to Long Beach. The farm's founders have committed to its permanent preservation. What it needs from Pacific County is not a cease and desist. It needs a definition. The Harvest Hosts Program: Four Years of Proven Operation Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has participated in the Harvest Hosts program — a national network of more than 5,500 vetted farms, vineyards, breweries, and rural businesses that welcome self-contained RV travelers for single-night visits by appointment — for over four years. This is not a new experiment. It is a demonstrated, functioning agritourism model with a four-year track record at this farm, on this land, in this community. Harvest Hosts guests are self-contained RV travelers who arrive by appointment. They require no hookup infrastructure. They explore the farm, purchase directly from its products, and return home as ambassadors for the Peninsula. Harvest Hosts specifically features Willapa Bay Heritage Farm in its Western Washington guide. These are visitors who drove past dozens of ordinary campgrounds to spend the night on a working farm and buy eggs and goat cheese in the morning. They come from across the country and the world, and they spend locally when they arrive. This program currently provides more than 50% of the farm's revenues while its core agricultural production grows toward financial independence. The cease and desist does not protect the land. It puts the farmer — and everything she has built here — at risk of closure. Washington State Has Already Made Up Its Mind The Washington State Legislature codified its support for agritourism in RCW 4.24.830, defining agritourism activities broadly to include "recreational farming programs that may include on-site hospitality services" and "camping" on working farms. The Legislature's own findings in RCW 4.24.832 state that agritourism "provides valuable options for farmers and ranchers and rural residents to maintain their operations and continue a traditional economic development opportunity in rural areas." House Bill 1261, signed in 2025, further ensures that farmers engaged in agritourism retain eligibility for Open Space tax relief — a direct legislative signal that the state considers agritourism compatible with productive agricultural land use. The Washington State Legislature also commissioned a comprehensive Agritourism Study through the Department of Commerce, begun in October 2024, specifically examining how county zoning and permitting frameworks affect agritourism viability across the state. That report is in final review. Pacific County has a choice: position itself ahead of that guidance, or explain why its code has fallen behind it. What Other Washington Counties Have Already Done Pacific County is not being asked to pioneer something untested. Multiple counties in Washington have already modernized their Agricultural zone definitions, and farms across the state are benefiting from Harvest Hosts participation right now — legally, sustainably, and with measurable local economic impact: Whatcom County expressly permits agritourism — including farm festivals, barn parties, camping, and farm stay accommodations — in its Agricultural District code, with tiered standards scaled to the intensity of the activity. There is no controversy; the code simply reflects what farms need to survive. Chelan County has added "agri-tourism activities when allowed in the zone applicable to the farm" directly into its Agricultural zone permitted use list, with a dedicated chapter providing scaled standards that distinguish a quiet overnight farm stay from a large ticketed event. Skagit County — while engaged in ongoing conversations about upper intensity limits for larger commercial events — has long recognized agritourism as a permitted accessory use. Its proposed definitional language captures the principle well: agritourism is "a range of activities conducted on a working farm or ranch that engages the public for the purpose of agricultural education, enjoyment or recreation that may generate income for the owner or operator." Harvest Hosts farms are operating legally and profitably across Washington right now, in counties that have done this definitional work. One Green Bluff orchardist told the Spokane Spokesman-Review that Harvest Hosts has been "a really good tool to draw customers in before things are ripe and ready for the season, to get that revenue stream in a month or two before the season begins." That bridge revenue — between seasons, between years — is exactly what keeps a small farm solvent while its core agricultural base matures. It is exactly what Pacific County's code is currently blocking. The Broader Case for Our Community The farms here are not background scenery. They are the reason this place has the character it has. Cranberry farmers, oyster growers, dairy and goat operations, flower and vegetable producers — they are ambassadors to every visitor who comes here. They are employers of local people. They are the living agricultural heritage that distinguishes Pacific County from any generic coastal destination. Agritourism — farm tours, farm stays, educational visits, direct sales to visitors — is among the fastest-growing segments of rural travel. The economic evidence is substantial: A 2024 OSU Extension study found that agritourism in Oregon's Willamette Valley alone generates nearly $1 billion annually in direct economic impact, supporting approximately 9,000 jobs — with agritourism farmers reporting an average of 50% of their revenues from agritourism activities A WSU Extension industry profile surveying Washington farms across 26 counties found that land use and zoning rules are among the primary barriers to agritourism success for Washington farmers Nationally, USDA data shows agritourism contributed $1.26 billion in agricultural revenues in 2022, growing steadily year over year We do not need to import this industry to Pacific County. It is already here. Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has been quietly proving the model for four years, welcoming visitors from every state in the nation and over a dozen countries, generating local economic activity that no ordinary campsite or hotel room could replicate. We simply need our code to say, clearly, that this is permitted. A definition change in Pacific County's Agricultural zoning would benefit every farm in this county willing to invite a visitor, host a tour, or open a farm stand to a traveler. Cranberry operations could host harvest experiences. Oyster growers could welcome guests to the tideland. Animal farms could build educational programs with the confidence of a regulatory framework behind them, not a cease and desist waiting around the corner. My Request, In Advance of June 1 As Board President of the Pacific County Economic Development Council, I am asking three things ahead of the June 1 workshop: First — please suspend enforcement of the cease and desist against Willapa Bay Heritage Farm while this policy dialogue proceeds. She is losing income now that she cannot recover. The gap in our zoning code is a policy problem, not a farm compliance problem, and a farm that has operated successfully for four years and harmed no one should not bear the cost of it. Second — please use the June 1 workshop as the opening of a genuine process to amend the permitted use definitions in Pacific County's Agricultural zones to expressly include agritourism as a permitted accessory agricultural use. The PCEDC is prepared to support that process — to research model language, facilitate stakeholder input, and help develop standards proportionate to the low-intensity nature of farm stay and farm tour activities. Third — please think of every farm this change would affect, not only one. The cranberry growers. The oyster families. The animal operations. The flower and vegetable farms. Every one of them would operate with greater clarity, security, and the ability to build the revenue bridges that keep working farmland in production. A definition in the code sends agricultural entrepreneurs a signal: Pacific County is open for the kind of business that keeps farms alive. I was the one in my family who had to sell the farm in Kansas. I made peace with that long ago. But I have not made peace with watching it happen again — here, now, to people who are doing everything right — because our zoning code has not caught up with what farms need to survive in the twenty-first century. Pacific County's farmers deserve better than that. I believe this Board can give it to them. Thank you sincerely for your time, your service, and your consideration. Respectfully submitted, Jeanne Brooks, Pacific County, WA Board President Pacific County Economic Development Council Supporting References RCW 4.24.830 — Washington State Definition of Agritourism Activity RCW 4.24.832 — Agritourism Immunity; Legislative Findings (2017) House Bill 1261 (2025) — Agritourism and Open Space Tax Eligibility Washington State Agritourism Study, WA Dept. of Commerce (commissioned October 2024, final review pending) WSU Extension: Agritourism in Washington State: An Industry Profile (26-county survey) OSU Extension: Economic Impact of Agritourism in Oregon's Willamette Valley (2024) USDA NASS: National Agritourism Revenue Data, 2022 — $1.26 billion Harvest Hosts: Washington State Host Directory — harvesthosts.com/hosts/washington Whatcom County Agricultural District Code — Permitted Agritourism Uses, including farm stays Chelan County Title 17.47 — Agricultural Tourism, Permitted and Accessory Uses Skagit County Proposed Agritourism Code Amendments (2025) The Spokesman-Review, September 5, 2024 — "Harvest Hosts: RVers do overnighters at region's orchards, breweries or ranches" NPR, December 6, 2023 — "New agritourism rules are being debated in Washington state's Skagit Valley"
21	Reva Lipe, Shelley Piel, Elisabeth Todd	Peninsula Wild Care (PWC)	1	18/05/2026	Pacific County, WA	Guidance, Education, Animal Husbandry	Good Morning Amanda, My name is Shelley Piel and I serve on the Board of Directors for Peninsula Wild Care (PWC). PWC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) wild animal rescue/rehabilitation/release center located in Ocean Park, WA. Our mission at the center is to assist injured and/or orphaned wild animals in southwest Washington, from the western Cascades to the WA peninsula. Our emphasis is on environmental recovery and stabilization. PWC maintains a highly collaborative relationship with Willapa Bay Heritage Farm. Not only do we share organic, nutritional food sources for the animals that we service at both centers, but Willapa Bay Heritage Farm serves as a readily available treasure trove of information and guidance related to self-sustainability, preservation and eco-friendly practices. Their advanced knowledge and experience relative to animal birthing and rearing has also assisted Peninsula Wild Care with some delicate births here at the center. Having a local resource like Willapa Bay Heritage Farm has been a very valuable asset not only for local non-profit centers such as PWC, but also for a host of other community members and platforms including 4H, Harvest Host, garden clubs, current and future farmers, schools, tourists, and individuals seeking highly nutritious and/or organic products for use and consumption. We here at Peninsula Wild Care strongly support Willapa Bay Heritage Farm and it's continued mission of teaching and modeling high standards of self-sustainability, environmental responsibility, and animal husbandry to current and future generations alike. Best Regards, Reva Lipe - Owner/Lead Rehabilitator Shelley Piel - Board Member Elizabeth Todd - Board Member EIN 87-1635609 360-947-3188
	Name	Organization	entry_type	Date	Address	Title	letter

Pen

Our Petition

Pen

We the undersigned support Willapa Bay Heritage Farm in its requests for the following items from the Pacific County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Community Development:

Suspend enforcement of the current cease‑and‑desist position as applied to the Harvest Hosts agritourism program at Willapa Bay Heritage Farm, pending agritourism policy review.
Allow interim continuation of the Harvest Hosts program at all County agricultural properties with such a program in place on or prior to June 1st, 2026, while an agritourism policy is under development.
Continue work toward an administrative, permitting and/or policy resolution of overnight agritourism visits that is lawful, practical, and consistent with the long‑term preservation of working farmland in Pacific County.
Consider establishing an agricultural advisory council and an agritourism policy committee for Pacific County.
Review and adapt as applicable the findings of the Washington State Department of Commerce study on agritourism to the special needs of Pacific County.
Establish a clear, transparent, and formal escalation path for complex permit and regulatory matters, for example, if a permit process exceeds six months and/or >$10K in permitting fees.
Provide advanced customer‑service training for front‑line and supervisory staff in the Department of Community Development.

Our Signatories

To View Personal Message(s) – Click on the Text under the Personal Message column.

entry_id	Submitted	Full Name	signature	date	email	Address	Personal Messages
3.851	01/06/2026 03:40 AM	Zwick, Sandi	Sandi Zwick	31/05/2026	alohasandiz@gmail.com	981 vía Panfilo Ave, Henderson	Please keep the Harvest Host and agritourism programs in Washington, specifically at Willapa Bay Heritage Farm. We learned so much about farming there. Then we patronized many local businesses, like the cranberry farm and many restaurants in Long Beach and State Park
3.852	01/06/2026 03:43 AM	Zwick, Jeff	Jeff Zwick	31/05/2026	Zwickedlife@gmail.com	Henderson, NV
3.796	30/05/2026 02:40 AM	Zunino, Patty	Patty Zunino	29/05/2026	pattyzunino@gmail.com	Murphys, CA
3.527	24/05/2026 06:11 PM	Ziel, Diane	Diane Ziel	25/05/2026	dianeziel1@gmail.com	10263 US RTE 101, Raymond
3.887	01/06/2026 05:58 PM	Zars, Janet	Janet Zars	01/06/2026	jzars@ymail.com	Olympia, WA	This farm provides important education
3.888	01/06/2026 05:58 PM	Zars, Janet	Janet Zars	01/06/2026	jzars@ymail.com	Olympia, WA
3.615	29/05/2026 03:58 PM	Yen, Brittany	Brittany Yen	29/05/2026	brittany@jads.com	Edmonds, WA
3.636	29/05/2026 05:35 PM	Yeh, Theressa	Theressa Yeh	01/05/2026	theressasreadingrainbow@gmail.com	PORTLAND, OR	The farm does not deserve this death sentence. This farm is a special part of the Long Beach Peninsula and gives kids and families a chance to learn about animals, agriculture, and farm life in an intimate setting. There really isn’t anything else like it on the Peninsula for kids with hands on live animal experiences. To end that would be detracting from the growing tourism for the area that the farm enables. Places like this are important for education, community connection, and local tourism. I hope the County will allow the program to continue so future generations can keep enjoying and learning from this unique farm.
3.703	29/05/2026 07:07 PM	Wynands, Nicole	Nicole Wynands	29/05/2026	nicolewynands@gmail.com	12121 Stirrup Rd, Reston	This beautiful place is a real treasure and should be supported by the local government! It was our favorite place to stay at as part of our two week long San Francisco to Seattle RV trip.
3.824	30/05/2026 10:14 PM	Wright, Jan	Jan Wright	29/05/2026	Plants4heart@yahoo.com	PO Box 80183, Portland	Willapa bay farms is a treasure to visit! Deb is a very conscientious farmer and takes absolutely the best care of her land and animals. We have also learned a few things from her while staying there. It would be a complete shame to shut this down from harvest host. There is no good reason to do that. Thank you.
entry_id	Submitted	Full Name	signature	date	email	Address	Personal Messages

Background and Origins

How did WBHF get here? Why did the County take this course of action? And why, once they started down this road, did they not reconsider the impact of their actions? How did this happen?

Some of the answers to those questions can be answered below. Open each section and view the correspondence between the County and Farmer Deb. If you want to keep a copy, you can download the document.

County Notice of Findings (August 28, 2025)

In August 2025, Farmer Deb requested a permit from the Pacific County Department of Community Development for her personal retirement home to be built on the Farm. The Department of Community Development replied they would have to complete a site visit. On August 27th, 2025, eight members of the DCD staff met with Farmer Deb, who, not having been informed such a large meeting was to take place, came by herself to the meeting. Department Director Humphreys attended via Zoom, the one and only time to date* he has met with Farmer Deb in the eight years she has had the Farm. To date, he has not visited the Farm*.

The attachment here is a report of their findings.

* As of May 26th, 2026, when this note has been posted. An in-person meeting between The Director and Farmer Deb has been scheduled for May 27th, 2026, with results to be reported at the workshop scheduled for June 1st, 2026.

WBHF Amelioration Efforts (2025-2026)

A work in progress, this section will document the past nine months of efforts Farmer Deb has spent chasing DCD’s edicts to “conform” the farm’s “non-compliant” issues, in the process spending tens of thousands of dollars in fees, permits, ATF fines, consultants, tests, etc. — which is more than the gross of the farm the year before.

County Cease and Desist Notice (February-April 20th, 2026)

In April 20 2026, Director Humphreys of the Pacific County Department of Community Development issued a Cease and Desist Letter to Farmer Deb. This letter was issued in response to her previous letter explaining that there was not direct ordinance categorizing the usage of her land for Harvest Hosts as an RV park. This categorization and application of an adjacent ordinance to her Harvest Hosts program is his interpretation alone.

The attachment here is a history of these interactions.

WBHF Permit Package (April 26th 2026)

This section documents Farmer Deb’s continuing efforts to respond to the DCD and to clarify her position with them.

Response to the DCD Staff and Hearing Officer

Pacific County Department of Community Development

7013 Sandridge Road
Long Beach, WA 98631
shumphreys@co.pacific.wa.us

Re: Special Use Permit & Conditional Use Permit Applications – Harvest Hosts Agritourism Program Continuation

Parcel #11112705061 | 15720 Sandridge Road, Long Beach, WA 98631

WBHF Permit Addendum (April 26th, 2026)

PROJECT/PROPERTY INFORMATION

Tax Parcel ID No.: 1111 270 506 1

OWNER/APPLICANT INFORMATION

Owner: Deborah A. Howard Trust,

“Farmer Deb”

Applicant: same; Co-Applicants: Willapa Bay Heritage Farm, LLC (EIN 84-2211218, UBI 604479098) and Willapa Bay Heritage Farm

Foundation (WA nonprofit EIN 87-4102436, UBI 604-874-893)

A Special Use is a use permitted in one or more Land Use Districts, as defined by Pacific County Ordinance 194, Zoning, or any amendments thereto, but because of certain characteristics peculiar to it requires the exercise of limited discretion by the review authority to ensure the use is compatible with other permitted uses and is consistent with the overall public interest.

WBHF Permit Package County Forms (May 26, 2026)

Farmer Deb’s Land Use Planning Permit

Development Permit Application

Pacific County Department of Community Development

Internet Address: www.co.pacific.wa.us

Responses to DCD Staff and Commissioners (April 26th to present)

Letters that Farmer Deb wrote to Director Humphreys regarding the “Cease and Desist” order from the Pacific County Department of Development.

It is notable that to date Director Humphreys has not visited Willapa Bay Heritage Farm once in all this time.

15720 Sandridge Road,
Long Beach, WA 98631

Farm Tours by Appointment:

Text Us: (408) 204-2085

15720 Sandridge Road,
Long Beach, WA 98631

Farm Tours by Appointment:

Text Us: (408) 204-2085

15720 Sandridge Road,
Long Beach, WA 98631

Farm Tours by Appointment:

Text Us: (408) 204-2085

15720 Sandridge Road,
Long Beach, WA 98631

Farm Tours by Appointment:

Text Us: (408) 204-2085

Save Our Farm

Attend the County Meetings

History of

Clarke Rhododendron Nursery, circa 1995.

Crossroads to the Future

Our Proposal

Agritourism: A New Frontier For Pacific County

Why is Agritourism important?

Letters of Support

Our Petition

Our Signatories

Background and Origins

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