CSV Washington

Overview

  • 60 Acres

  • 10 residential lots

  • 15 acres of current farmable land

  • Authorized residential and irrigation water usage

CSV Washington at Challenger Ridge is an initiative to create a climate-resilient, off-grid-capable community nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades. Located just outside the town of Concrete, Washington, this project transforms a former vineyard and winery into a model for sustainable rural living. Drawing on the principles of permaculture, climate adaptation, and cooperative governance, CSV Washington is designed as a long-term refuge and thriving habitat for people, plants, and animals in a time of accelerating environmental uncertainty.

This development includes 10 clustered residential lots and a large agricultural open space, with infrastructure prepared for both on-grid convenience and grid-down resilience. With abundant water sources, fire defensible terrain, and food-growing potential, CSV Washington offers a rare combination of natural security and intentional community-building. As part of the broader Climate Safe Villages movement, this location serves as a living laboratory for regenerative systems, self-sufficiency, and collaborative decision-making.

Currently, 6/10 lots are remaining


About Us

The Mission of Climate Safe Villages (CSV) is to form climate change resilient and sustainable communities worldwide, founded in our commitment to respond and adapt to the urgent challenges of the climate crisis and its economic impact.

Nowhere on Earth will be 100% safe from all climate change consequences. But we can create climate-safer locations and communities using the practices of climate change preparation, adaptation, and resilience building. The CSV model will be focused on the necessary resources, essential skills, and innovative technologies that promote self-sufficiency and sustainable practices for humans, animals and plants. CSV Washington will have an emphasis on food, seed, and community networks.

CSV Washington, like other future CSV Network Villages, is independent of the CSV Organization. CSV Washington is in the early stages of planning, and these details may change as it progresses.

Core Values

  • We focus on strategies and solutions that strengthen the ability of individuals and communities to adapt to climate-related disruptions.

  • Our practices aim to support living systems that are both sustainable and regenerative, creating a positive impact on the environment.

  • The strength of community bonds forms the cornerstone of our efforts, emphasizing the importance of connectivity and mutual support.

  • Our actions are grounded in scientific evidence and factual information, driving informed decision-making in all our initiatives.

  • Recognizing the interconnectedness of social, mental, and physical well-being, we integrate health and wellness into our resilience-building activities.

  • We dedicate ourselves to the dissemination of knowledge that empower individuals and communities towards self-sufficiency and resilience.

Example of CSV Network Farming

The Land

Located on a ridge overlooking the Skagit River, CSV Washington is surrounded by natural beauty. There is abundant water: in addition to the river, two small creeks cross the property. In total, it has 60 Acres of Land, 700’ of Riverfront, and about 15 acres of current farmable land, all on a gentle South-facing slope. Previously, the site was used as a vineyard and winery, with a visitors’ tasting room. Currently, a farmer leases land separate from our 15 acres to operate an indoor growing facility for cannabis.

The property is conveniently located near the small town of Concrete, and is only 20 minutes away from the town of Sedro Woolley. It is about an hour and a half from Bellingham, and a little more to Seattle. A hiking and biking trail called the Cascade Trail runs through the property, and provides protected and beautiful walking and biking access to the towns of the Cascades and all the way to Mt. Vernon.

Design

CSV Washington is designed with 10 clustered residential homes along the Eastern side of the property, connected by Pinot Noir Lane. Community recreational spaces such as eating and picnic areas are being designed. There is a beach for camping, fishing, and with boat access, and a hiking and biking trail on site.

A valuable and uncommon feature of this property is the water claim, which is unusual for new construction near the Skagit. Each of the 10 lots (average size half acre) is authorized to use 318 gallons of water per day (175gpd for indoor, and 143 gpd for personal outdoor use), and the shared gardening program has a surface water claim (diverted from an on-site creek) of 375,000gal. Each lot is septic-ready and has water access. 

While every lot owner is able to construct their own home with their own builder (subject to regulatory limitations) we are working with the builder Formworks as an option for resilient, earth-sheltered homes. Formworks homes are estimated at $150 per square foot, and can be single or multilevel. These structures are engineered for worst-case scenarios, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. These homes have even been tested in simulated nuclear blasts. (Example of an earth-sheltered Formworks home at left)

While each lot has grid-connected energy and internet, the entire property will be prepared for off-grid living. Formworks homes are passively extremely temperature-resilient, regardless of outside temperatures. Several years of food, water, medicine, and other emergency items will be stored on site. Backup energy including solar panels and small scale hydro power will also be ready for grid-down conditions.

Because of the abundant water availability, the site is resilient in extreme drought conditions and is highly fire-defensible, and will be proactively managed to mitigate the risk of wildfires. 

Though the property is next to the Skagit River, and the low-lying (non-residential and non-agricultural) portion of the property is in the flood plain, the elevation makes it flood-defensible. Even in worst-case flooding scenarios, the residential portions of the property, which are higher on the ridge, are unlikely to be affected. Nevertheless, the community is committed to additional, proactive backup flood mitigation techniques to ensure extra layers of security from flooding.

Pictured at left: the Cascade trail that runs through the property.

Farming and Gardening

Central to this community is the gardening program, with a goal of environmental sustainability and long-term food self-sufficiency. We will engage professional permaculture designers for the final design.

1. Growing Beds & Gardening Infrastructure

The gardening program will start off small and then be scaled up over time. It will include:

  • Raised beds, in-ground beds, and food forests

  • Mulching and ground cover systems to improve soil health and reduce water usage

  • Water catchment for additional water supply

  • Pathways for accessibility, lined with natural materials (wood chips, gravel, or stepping stones)

We will grow:

  • Herbs

  • Strawberries 

  • Tubers

  • Beans

  • Grain

  • Dedicated pollinator-friendly plantings (wildflowers, native shrubs, and trees)

We may eventually include Beehives for pollination support and honey production (Located away from lots to prevent any issues with residents or the commercial properties)

3. Community & Recreational Spaces

  • Picnic Tables & Seating Areas to encourage community engagement

  • A North-side vegetation buffer along the highway to reduce noise, enhance privacy, and improve property values

Community and Governance

Over time, CSV Washington aims to make community central to living at Challenger Ridge. With regular community programs and celebrations, and opportunities to hike, fish, boat, and farm together, we will form strong bonds.

Every owner of a lot in Challenger Ridge has a membership vote in our community HOA. The HOA is based on familiar governance structures with a board voted by members. In addition, CSV Washington is committed to the vision and values of sociocracy. Sociocracy is a theory of governance that emphasizes peer-based, consent-driven decision-making within organizations and communities. We will be forming sociocracy circles for community decision-making to support and inform the HOA.

At right: proposed community amenity

Timeline

2-4 years - Initial buyers and gardening program

CSV Washington aims to sell all lots within the first year. The first two years are a critical time for our community formation and planning. During this time, the gardening program will be finalized with professional permaculture guidance, and farming will begin. Additionally, construction on some lots may begin as well. Preparation of supplies, food, and water will begin at this stage. The community completes its emergency preparedness plan.


4-6 years and beyond

As residential construction completes, farming will be expanded again to achieve full food self-sufficiency. Food and supply stores will be scaled up to 2 years, and further increased on an ongoing basis.

Other community projects are planned long-term, such as a workshop and library. The community will assess at this time if more expansion or projects are needed


1-2 years - Initial buyers and gardening program

CSV Washington aims to sell all lots within the first year. The first two years are a critical time for our community formation and planning. During this time, the gardening program will be finalized with professional permaculture guidance, and farming will begin. Additionally, construction on some lots may begin as well. Preparation of supplies, food, and water will begin at this stage. The community completes its emergency preparedness plan.


Pricing and How to Join

Lots are priced from $89,000-$110,000, depending on size and other factors. Prices will go up over time, so joining early has financial benefits.

Each lot, as a member of the HOA and gardening program, will be responsible for monthly dues ($400 per month.) Once our gardening program begins, we may offer discounts on monthly dues in exchange for work contributed to the community.

We are looking for members who share our vision and values, and who are enthusiastic about contributing to a cooperative, sustainable community. While practical skills such as gardening, crafting, or medical knowledge are appreciated, they are not required. All individuals who are supportive of our mission and interested in participating in community life are encouraged to apply.


To become an interested member of CSV Washington, or to request to be added to our information list, please complete these steps:

  1. Become a member of the CSV network organization if you have not already

  2. Fill out the membership interest form

  3. Schedule a short intro phone call using this link

  4. Optional: Schedule a site visit

  5. Attend meetings and events for 2 months as an Exploratory Member.

  6. At the 1 month mark, if both parties feel it is a good fit, you will be invited to become an Ownership Member.

For any additional information, please email info at climatesafevillages.org


CSV Washington is committed to upholding all federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, national origin, disability, or any other protected class. Our community welcomes people from all backgrounds who share a commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and cooperative living. Participation in CSV Washington is based on shared values, willingness to engage in community life, and agreement to abide by the community’s governing principles.