Rosario Resort, located in Eastsound on Orcas Island, has become the focus of an investigation by San Juan County officials following the unpermitted installation of glamping tent platforms within a designated archaeological buffer.
The platforms were installed in April 2025 by Chris Robison, owner of Rosario Resort, and Beau Brandow, owner of Rosario Harbor.
According to the San Juan County Department of Community Development, the work was carried out without the necessary permits or prior consultation with the Lummi Nation, whose ancestral ties to the area are well-documented.
The site, historically home to a Lummi longhouse, is protected under county, state, and federal laws that require consultation with the Lummi Nation before any ground-disturbing activities occur.
Former Lummi Nation chairman Jay Julius W’tot Lhem, now leading the nonprofit Se’Si’Le, emphasized the site’s cultural importance, describing it as sacred ground.
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) is working alongside the county and the Lummi Tribal Historic Preservation Officer to assess any potential impacts and determine appropriate restoration measures.
Deputy Director Kyle Dodd of San Juan County said that while some digging had occurred for the installation of 8-by-8-by-8-inch concrete piers and power trenches, the work did not appear to be “very invasive.”
However, the presence of the glamping platforms led to a stop-work order and subsequent notices of violation issued to both property owners.
“As long as we’re on the right track here and we can resolve it, then we’ll have that conversation internally here with our prosecuting attorney on whether or not we think penalties are appropriate,” Dodd told the Salish Current.
Dodd noted that Rosario Resort lies within a well-documented archaeological buffer and that the permitting process is clear about the need for prior consultation.
“We have archaeological buffers mapped. If anything is within that, then we direct people to an archaeologist to do some survey work to determine if their project is going to impact it,” he said.
The property’s complex legal and planning framework has further complicated matters. San Juan County Council member Justin Paulsen pointed out that the area is governed by the Rosario Resort Master Plan, a document established in 2007 that sets unique guidelines for development on the site.
In addition to the archaeological concerns, the recent changes have strained relationships between resort owners and nearby residents.
Following the violations, “No Trespassing” signs were posted on the property, prompting objections from the Rosario Property Owners Association.
Association president Gregory Hancock said that original property plats included access rights to the waterfront and amenities, which were later clarified through a 2008 lawsuit. The signs are seen as infringing on those rights.
“We want Rosario to be sustainable. We want it to be well managed,” Hancock said. “We certainly want the laws to be followed, and if the association or neighbors see that laws are not being followed, we may be in touch with authorities.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this case highlights the importance of regulatory compliance, particularly when developing within historically or culturally sensitive areas.
Due diligence, early consultation with tribal authorities, and adherence to local planning frameworks are essential for avoiding costly delays, legal consequences, and reputational damage.