About us

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The Columbia Rim Owners Association (CROA) is located on the upper elevations of Burdoin Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge, near the town of White Salmon, Washington. This approximately 320-acre community consists of just over 60 parcels and was established in 1978. The CROA maintains its own water system and private roads and maintains established bylaws regarding land use and building structures.

 

The CROA is guided by its members with an elected board of directors. Of utmost importance to the CROA is the responsible stewardship of its water system. Conservation of water resources is highly encouraged. The CROA holds an annual meeting in May, as well as Board Meetings during the year, as needed. Volunteerism (such as our board, water commissioner and roadmaster) among our members is vital to the management of our community.

 

The CROA is a mix of permanent and seasonal (primarily from Portland and Seattle) residents. The community consists of lots from 2 acres to 20 acres, with over 2/3 of lots having been developed to include homes (and outbuildings). The landscape is a mix of grasslands and forests, with the topography varying from flat to highly sloped.

 

The community sits at approximately 2,000 feet in the Cascade Mountain Range and includes lands within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, featuring views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood (OR) and Mt. Adams (WA). The area is renowned for outdoor recreation with access to numerous adjacent trails and recreation areas. All lands and roads (excluding Tunnel and Courtney roads) within the CROA are privately owned and public use is restricted.

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Water System/Membership Charges (current as of 2025, refer to any subsequent recorded Bylaws for any changes)

• Initial Membership Charge.   When a property is sold and title is transferred to a new member for consideration in money or money's worth. The member is charged $4,000.  (ByLaws, Article 7, Section 1)

• Base Annual Dues.   CROA members pay annual dues of $450. (ByLaws, Article 7, Section 2)

• Supplemental Annual Dues. 

The amount of Supplemental Annual Dues shall be based on the volume of water used by a lot during a twelve-month period ending on or about March 31st of each year (Billing Cycle), as measured by the amount of water passing through a member’s water meter during said period.  The Supplemental Annual Dues shall be charged based on water usage levels per lot as follows:

$3.00 per 1000 gallons of water used up to 84,000 gallons per year
$4.50 per thousand gallons for 84,001 to 102,000 gallons per year
$7.50 per thousand gallons above 102,001 gallons per year

The CROA Water Committee takes owner water meter readings annually on or about April 1st. Members are encouraged to read their meters more frequently to keep track of water usage throughout the year. If a member would like to pay water usage supplemental dues on a twice-yearly or quarterly basis, they can contact the CROA Treasurer to report their meter reading and arrange payment.

• Late Fee Fine.   $25 or 10% of the delinquent amount, whichever is greater. (ByLaws, Article 7, Section 6)
   

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