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Community Roadmap

Shepherd’s Valley Homesteads develops gradually, intentionally, and responsibly.
This roadmap reflects intent and sequencing, not guaranteed timelines.

All phases depend on actual community participation, available funds, weather, and practical needs on the land.

🗺 PHASE 1 — Explore the Land

(After Property Closing)

Each reservation tier will receive a dedicated exploration window.

During this phase, families are encouraged to:

  • walk the land

  • hike or ride existing logging roads

  • explore ridge lines, valleys, and potential homesites

  • evaluate slope, access, sunlight, and water

  • meet neighbors

  • camp or RV in simple, undeveloped conditions

  • pray over their decision and discern where to settle

This phase is for learning the land, not rushing decisions.

📍 PHASE 2 — Lot Selection

Once exploration is complete, lot selection begins.

  • Selection follows reservation order

  • Appointments may be:

    • in person

    • phone

    • Zoom (for distant families)

During selection:

  • preferred lots are reviewed

  • terrain and access realities are discussed

  • final selections are marked on the master map

Lots are shaped around:

  • existing logging roads

  • ridges and spurs

  • natural drainage

  • safe future access routes

Lot boundaries remain provisional until access planning is finalized.

🛠 PHASE 3 — Early Setup & Pioneer Development

After lot selection, early community setup begins.

This phase focuses on:

  • maintaining existing trails and logging roads

  • establishing basic staging areas

  • preparing locations for future tools and shared spaces

  • light trail work and cleanup

Early work primarily uses:

  • hand tools

  • chainsaws

  • personal equipment brought by homesteaders

  • cooperation and shared labor

This phase establishes the foundation for future improvements.

 

🚜 PHASE 4 — Community Tools & Equipment (Phased, Best-Effort)

As finances allow and real needs emerge, shared equipment may be acquired in the following general order, not on a fixed schedule:

  1. Tracked Skid Steer

    • trail maintenance

    • brush clearing

    • light grading

    • material handling

  2. Portable Sawmill

    • milling lumber from on-site trees

    • cabin, barn, and garden structures

    • reducing building costs

  3. Mini Excavator

    • homesite pads

    • terraces

    • drainage

    • utilities and trenching

    • switchback pads where needed

  4. Crawler Dozer

    • improving existing roads

    • cutting new access spines where justified

    • long-term efficiency for mountain access

All equipment:

  • is community-use, not a construction service

  • depends on available funds, operators, and safety conditions

  • has no guaranteed acquisition date

🤝 Community Use of Equipment

Shared equipment is intended to support:

  • cooperative work days

  • neighbor-to-neighbor help

  • common infrastructure

  • individual homestead development

Use depends on:

  • operator availability

  • weather and ground conditions

  • safety considerations

Some members will naturally specialize (operators, builders, sawyers), while others may trade food, labor, or services. This specialization is voluntary and organic.

🌄 PHASE 5 — Homestead Building & Community Growth

Over time:

  • homesites take shape

  • gardens expand

  • access improves incrementally

  • shared spaces emerge

Shepherd’s Valley is not a pre-developed subdivision.
It grows as families build, adapt, and steward the land together.

Progress happens over months and years, not weeks.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This roadmap reflects intent, not obligation.

All development:

  • is best-effort

  • depends on funds, weather, participation, and safety

  • may change as conditions evolve

No roads, tools, wells, buildings, or timelines are guaranteed.

Each family is responsible for developing their own homestead in a way that fits their land, skills, and pace.

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