The board that oversees the embattled 1,100-acre Explore Park property met Tuesday morning for the first time since its main collaborator found himself the subject of an international controversy.

Members of the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority board Tuesday seemed largely resigned to cautious optimism, with an eye toward "Plan B" alternatives, as they waited to see how the incident involving Larry Vander Maten would play out.

Vander Maten, a Florida-based developer, was forced on Thursday to release to sheriff's deputies three Ukrainian girls he hosted as part of a summer exchange program. The girls, who are sisters ages 9, 11 and 13, had been slated to return to Ukraine on Aug. 31, but Vander Maten delayed their departure and then filed to become their guardian.

According to Vincent Rosini, president of Frontier Horizon, the organization that brought the sisters to the United States, the girls were back in the Ukraine on Saturday. In a telephone interview Tuesday, Rosini professed frustrated sympathy for Vander Maten.

"Those kids would be better off with him," Rosini said. "I don't doubt they love those children. The only difference is, Larry needs to go about it legally, like everybody else."

Locally, Vander Maten has, since 2005, been the primary force behind a $200 million revamp of Explore Park that he calls "Blue Ridge America." The venue would include a resort and spa, a golf course, an equestrian center and "the longest, highest zip line anywhere," among other attractions.

Vander Maten's lease with the authority board has a June 13, 2010 "drop-dead date" for starting construction.

"We have to see what the economy is going to do, see what Larry is going to do," said new board member Elmer Hodge, a former Roanoke County administrator, during an executive session Tuesday morning.

Board member Barry Baird said he expected Vander Maten, in the wake of recent events, might request an extension of his lease. In April, well before the controversy arose, Vander Maten speculated it was possible he would seek an extension as he looked for financing.

At the previous board meeting, in July, steps were taken to find alternatives if Vander Maten's plan didn't come through. Executive Director Debbie Pitts urged the board to approve creating an economic development consortium to discuss strategies and opportunities for development. She and board member K.C. Bratton were then authorized to meet with stakeholders, including Roanoke and Bedford counties and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The legislation that created the park requires the authority operate an educational, historical and environmental attraction or relinquish control of it.

Few alternative plans were discussed at length Tuesday, with most of the business devoted to maintenance and safety issues, finances and recognition of Explore Park's volunteer staff, a group of about a dozen people who inspect the park and its bike trails.

"We no longer have the staff," said Chairman Fred Anderson of the circumstances that now force them to take on a larger role. "The board is responsible because we no longer have staff to say, 'Take care of this.' "

For now, the only absolute is that something has to be done.

"In the next six months, until we know what Larry Vander Maten is going to do, let us occupy ourselves," Hodge suggested to colleagues. "In doing that we are going to have some idea what we're going to do if Larry does come back and if he doesn't."