Big Lake Water. The way of our lives, our health, recreation, and happiness
Help Protect Big Lake Water Quality
NEW HEARING DATE OF DECEMBER 16TH
Due to a death in the family of our attorney, the hearing has been postponed to Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Skagit County Commissioners Hearing Room, 1800 Continental Pl #100, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
We are proceeding with our Motion for Summary Judgment which will be decided by the Hearing Examiner on the two rounds of pleadings which will be filed byOctober 30, 2025.
Our Motion asks the Hearing Examiner to reject the purported approval of Overlook’s new plan because of, among other things, there are no applications for these revisions in the record, nor any written review of them analyzing them for consistency with the Code. These are two fundamental procedures required by the Code. But of course, most significantly, there is no evidence in the record refuting Dr. Richard Horner’s expert opinion, based on a long and eminent career in stormwater management, that the Overlook project will pollute and degrade Big Lake, in violation of the special code provisions adopted to “effectively protect Big Lake water quality.”
Thanks to everyone who answered the match offered three months ago. We have another $5,000 match and ask those who can, to help. We’ve gotten this far ‘on a shoe string’ because of the dedicated efforts of professional volunteers, but more legal representation and expert opinion is needed going forward.
We need your help NOW!
A local team of Big Lake residents along with the Friends of Skagit County organization are working together to ensure no stormwater pollution enters Big Lake from a new 105-home development.
The new land plan packs 105 homes in 3 rows of ¼ acre lots on the slope above the golf course, in violation of various County land division requirements. The Skagic County Planning Department appears to violate State and County laws requiring a public review process.
We’re fighting back for the public’s right to know and participate in this important decision. WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW. Please help fund our experienced land use attorney to take this to Superior Court.
Skagit County's Hearing Examiner says the public is not entitled to notice of this new plan or an opportunity to participate in its review. The Planning Department refuses to conduct the public hearing on the stormwater system ordered by the Board of County Commissioners last November. The Planning Department says no Environmental Review is required, even with all of the new information since the original review. The Planning Department ignores Dr. Horner’s report that the new stormwater plan, although better than the first plan, will send pollution to Big Lake.
We APPEALED this unannounced and unreviewed new land plan. The Hearing Examiner dismissed our appeal, at the request of Overlook Crest with support of the Planning Department. Details at biglakeinformed.org.
Please send donations, in any amount to: Network for Good - http://nfggives.org/
or send checks to: Friends of Skagit County
PO Box 2632, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-2632
Mark Donations: Protect Big Lake Fund
QUESTIONS?
EMAIL: biglakeinformed@gmail.com or CALL Friends at 360-419-0988, leave a message.
We'll get back to you, ASAP!
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WE ARE IN IMMEDIATE NEED!
FUNDS TO HIRE CREDENTIALED EXPERTS in stormwater and soil hydrology for the hearing. Please donate today!
VOLUNTEERS that are motivated, technical, or have legal backgrounds.