🏛️ Skamania County Board of Commissioners - April 28–29, 2025
A new property purchase, youth forestry funding, and an apology from Friends of the Gorge — here’s what happened at this week’s County Commission meetings.
A new property purchase, youth forestry funding, and an apology from Friends of the Gorge — here’s what happened at this week’s County Commission meetings.
📅 Monday, April 28 — Special Session
🧭 Planning Commission Interview
Commissioners interviewed Dan LeSieur, a local resident, for an open seat on the Skamania County Planning Commission. LeSieur shared his experience with local permitting challenges and expressed his commitment to fairness, property rights, and preserving rural character.
👉 Read the full April 28 summary
📅 Tuesday, April 29 — Regular Meeting
🗣️ Public Comment
Friends of the Columbia Gorge issued a public apology for a past social media post on Friends' Facebook Page that criticized county planning staff, suggesting that county land use planners "lacked expertise" if the Gorge Commission were defunded.
Executive Director Kevin Gorman clarified that the comment was poorly worded, apologized, and praised county planners’ professionalism. Renee Tkach, Conservation Director at Friends and a local resident, also spoke briefly to support Gorman's apology and stressed the desire for future collaboration with the county.
✅ Official Actions and Approvals
- 🏢 Real Estate Purchase
The county approved a $1.05 million purchase agreement for 266 SW Second Ave, Stevenson. The building may support future county operations and is under a 45-day review period.
📄 Read the purchase agreement - 🧠 Behavioral Health
Approved a contract amendment with Carelon Behavioral Health to expand services and funding. - 🚐 ADA Accessibility
Approved purchase of two ADA-accessible minivans for Senior Services using grant funds. - 🚛 Equipment Clarification
A consent agenda correction clarified the county is purchasing one dump truck, not three. - 💸 Vouchers Paid: $149,009.41
📄 View the full April 29 agenda
🏗 Department & Program Updates
- 🌲 Forests Youth Success Program
County leaders committed bridge funding to ensure the youth forestry program proceeds this summer despite delays in federal reimbursement. - 🏘 Affordable Housing
Ongoing planning and partnership discussions with housing nonprofits continue for potential developments in Skamania County. - 🔥 Fire Season Preparedness
Anticipated early fire season prompted planning for burn bans and community education. - 🚧 Infrastructure & Roads
Reports included major water loss investigations, new road upgrades, and use of surplus Forest Service guardrails to cut costs.
📬 Get Involved
Skamania residents can participate in public meetings in person or via Zoom.
To submit a written comment: publiccomments@co.skamania.wa.us
📎 Access full meeting materials here
Thanks for staying informed and involved in your local government.