Here’s an email that I sent to the SROA Design Committee and Executive Board …

October 26, 2025

Dear Design Committee members,

On the advice of the General Manager, I’m submitting the attached analysis and recommendations regarding the Design Manual “tree protection” rules.

Since the adoption of these restrictions, the Design Committee made a “game-changing” decision to adopt rules allowing extensive fencing by commercial owners, including the Sunriver Resort’s use of fences to protect golf course grass (on greens) from damage by elk. (Similar provisions for fencing on “community” property were also adopted.)

As the attached document discusses, the Design Committee’s decisions regarding such fencing provide substantial evidence and a useful example to warrant reevaluation of what are at the core of the “tree protection” rules, i.e., fencing restrictions.

To my knowledge, no Sunriver homeowners oppose rules regarding fences and their use of fencing materials. However, there’s substantial desire among homeowners for two things:

1) To be treated with the same respect and consideration as the Resort and other commercial owners for our investment in the valuable assets of our native landscaping; and

2) To have clear, reasonable, and evidence-based rules on fencing, in a similar approach as the Design Committee has taken with commercial and community fencing.

Thank you for your consideration.

Paul Conte
7 & 8 McKenzie Lane

Click here to view or download the analysis document

To subscribe to receive regular updates, click here.