Plan for monastery on remote Wyoming ranch sparks debate

Monastery plan on Wyoming ranch sparks debate

MEETEETSE, Wyo. — A proposal to build a 145,000-square-foot monastery and coffee-roasting barn on a remote Wyoming ranch drew so many opponents and supporters to a public hearing that a second session had to be scheduled.

The New Mount Carmel Foundation of America wants to buy the 2,500-acre Elk Meadow Ranch outside Meeteetse in northwest Wyoming and build a French Gothic-style monastery for the Carmelite Order.

Forty monks would live at the monastery. The coffee roasting facility would supply the group’s Mystic Monk brand.

The New Mount Carmel Foundation needs two permits from Park County, which require the approval of the planning and zoning commission and the county commissioners.

An Aug. 17 hearing of planning and zoning panel lasted nearly four hours, and about 20 residents were still waiting to be heard when it ended. Commissioners voted to resume the hearing on Sept. 7.

Opponents said the monastery would increase traffic and could affect wildlife and livestock. They also raised concerns about wastewater and effects on the landscape.

Some said they were not given enough time to review the plans and applications, and that the documents leave unanswered questions.

“This structure is built for 1,000 years — we’re only asking for 30 more days,” said Debra Wendtland, a Sheridan attorney representing four nearby landowners.

An attorney for the New Mount Carmel Foundation, Joey Darrah of Powell, called that a delaying tactic.

“We’re on a very tight schedule here, and we can’t wait,” he said.

Darrah said blocking the plan would infringe on the foundation’s rights.

Access to the ranch is on a private road. Photos on the group’s website depict a broad valley with streams, meadows and forests, with high mountains in the distance.

Online:

www.newmountcarmelfoundation.org/

Information from: Powell Tribune - Powell, www.powelltribune.com