Columbia River Gorge Commission

The Gorge Commission unanimously approved a major disaster-recovery amendment, aiming to speed rebuilding after the Rowena and Burdoin fires. But federal concurrence and staffing gaps still stand between new rules and real relief.

From debating “cheater ADUs” to navigating tribal consultations, here’s what happened across three December Gorge Commission committee meetings, and what it means for housing, transparency, and the next Gorge Management Plan.

The Gorge Commission spent hours debating disaster-recovery rule changes after the Rowena and Burdoin fires. While counties and survivors urged urgent action, unresolved tribal consultation and federal approval concerns stalled a vote, leaving rebuilding timelines uncertain.