Protecting Evergreen’s Forests, Safety & Character — Not Opportunistic Development
This is a community-driven effort grounded in facts, respect for local regulations, and a long-term vision for Evergreen’s future.
Click or tap the questions below to learn about ECACD:
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ECACD will never sell or convey your email or personal information. Your email will be kept strictly confidential for the sole use of providing you information regarding WKLR LLCs proposed Wah Keeney development.
WHO WE ARE
The Evergreen Community Against Criminal Development (ECACD) is a volunteer grassroots coalition committed to safeguarding Evergreen’s natural environment, neighborhood integrity, and public safety. We oppose reckless and under-qualified development schemes that threaten our forests, overload infrastructure, and disregard community input and legal standards.
Our Values
Community First: Decisions must reflect what Evergreen residents want — not speculative profit schemes.
Transparency: Residents deserve full clarity on development plans, impacts, and legal compliance.
Environmental Stewardship: Evergreen’s forests and waterways are irreplaceable, and development must protect (not degrade) them.
Safety & Infrastructure: Any growth must be responsible, supported by adequate infrastructure and emergency planning.
WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
The Evergreen Community Against Criminal Developers (ECACD) is committed to stopping WKLR LLC from destroying 16 acres of pristine forest in Evergreen's Wah Keeney Park. This is not just about preserving trees; it’s about safeguarding the heart of our community. WKLR’s unethical practices, complete lack of development experience, and repeated legal violations, and ongoing litigations make this project a direct threat to our environment, safety, and way of life.
Approximate location of the WKLR land takeover and proposed development.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
WHY THIS MATTERS
Evergreen is more than a place on a map — it’s a community of families, neighbors, and long-term residents who cherish our forests, trails, and way of life. Today, powerful out-of-town interests are pushing development that risks:
ANOTHER GET RICH QUICK SCHEME MUST BE SHUT DOWN
We have seen this before. The disastrous 2023 Hilltop proposed development was directly across the hillside from WKLR. And strikingly similar on most every level. Out-of-town developer. Zero experience. Clear-cut acres of forest land for high density units. Single ingress and egress for 500 new residents. No desire to support the community long-term. No local community or neighborhood support. Developers will leave town as soon as they cash out for a quick profit. Our Evergreen community rallied together and was unified in defeating the Hilltop development. AND WE WILL DO SO AGAIN. Amateur developers looking to harm our beautiful land to snake a quick profit have no place in Evergreen. The time to act is NOW.
Link to articles and facebook page regarding Hilltop development:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1144656239593838/posts/1146718426054286/
Major Concerns with WKLR Development
Safety and Emergency Services: Single access roads, increased traffic, and high-density housing create untenable conditions for wildfire evacuation, emergency response, and everyday public safety — especially given Evergreen’s steep terrain and limited routes.
Unregulated, High-Risk Housing: Plans for duplex units may be repurposed for high-risk transitional housing without proper oversight or community safeguards, amplifying concerns around safety, oversight, and neighborhood impact.
Proximity to Vulnerable Populations: The WKLR high-risk housing directly borders neighbors with young children, allowing high-risk housing in such close proximity could endanger the safety of our most vulnerable residents.
Extreme Population and Traffic Density: The proposed single road in-and-out of the WKLR development could serve people living in the proposed 48 new dwelling units. Emergency services and evacuation would be impossibly overwhelmed. Traffic safety for the local wildlife and current residents, including minors, will be dangerously and unalterably changed.
Community has been ignored: Every household near this proposed development has voiced opposition. Local voices matter — and far too often, out-of-town developers proceed without meaningful engagement or accountability.
2. Environmental Violations
Erosion and Flooding Risks: This large scale proposed development is directly and steeply uphill from existing homes and the Troublesome Creek waterway. WKLR has shown no competence and has zero experience in mitigating the severe erosion and flooding risks that accompany construction in our community. The Pinecrest Ridge development west of Highway 74 uphill from the Safeway Center mudslide and flooding disaster is a glaring reminder of the potential for catastrophic failure of developers.
Clear-Cutting of Old Growth Virgin Forest: Proposals on Wah Keeney Park would permanently clear pristine forestland, destroying wildlife habitat, undermining natural flood barriers, and forever altering the landscape that defines our community.
3. Illegal Activities
Trespassing and Land Clearing: WKLR has already demonstrated their disregard for the law by illegally entering multiple neighboring properties and clear-cutting old-growth trees to build unauthorized roads. (link to below photos)
Unpermitted Construction: Ongoing road grading, structural repairs, and other construction have been conducted without required permits, showing a blatant disrespect for local regulations.
4. Ethical and Legal Concerns
Misrepresentation and Fraud: A 70-year-old property owner was duped into selling under false pretenses. WKLR claimed no development would occur, yet they had already drafted plans for roads and duplexes on that exact parcel. As the seller remarked: “If I had known the truth, I wouldn’t have sold to them. Period.”
Lawsuit Against Elderly Neighbor: WKLR sued an 85-year-old local resident reliant on social security, for over $350K in damages to force the sale of their property —a cruel and exploitative move
5. Lack of Credibility and Experience
Inexperience: WKLR has zero experience and has never completed a single development project, making this proposal reckless and amateurish at best.
Community Distrust: Evergreen residents are tired of seeing poorly executed projects that leave lasting damage. This ill-conceived scheme must not move forward.
Additional Concerns
This extreme density will overwhelm community resources, exacerbate safety and fire concerns, and create a permanent burden for the Evergreen community.
Lastly, but perhaps of greatest impact to our community, is WKLR LLC’s proposed use of the WKLR’s use of the possible 24 Duplexes (48 total housing units). These duplexes may be used for “transitional” housing for people with substance abuse and addiction, sex offenders, and recent parolees for WKLR’s “recovery” group. If approved, current zoning would allow up to 15 unrelated individuals to live in each unit. 180 people total.
WHAT CAN I DO?
This is a fight for the future of Evergreen. Community action is critical to HALT this development. Here’s how you can make an impact:
Contact Jefferson County Officials: Tell decision-makers why this project does not align with Evergreen’s needs and standards. Click here to send an email to Jefferson County decision makers.
Participate in Public Hearings: Your testimony at hearings has a real impact and ensures elected officials hear resident concerns directly.
Engage Neighbors: Share updates with friends, neighbors, and online community groups so others can stay informed and involved.
Show up at Community Events: Attend town halls and neighborhood meetings. When Evergreen residents unite, our collective voice is powerful.
This fight isn’t against growth — it’s against unchecked, irresponsible development that compromises public safety, destroys irreplaceable natural habitat, and puts profit over people. When Evergreen stands together, our land, homes, and heritage are stronger. Let’s make sure future generations inherit the Evergreen we know and love.
WKLR has already demonstrated their disregard for the law by illegally entering multiple neighboring properties and clear-cutting old-growth trees to build unauthorized roads.