Skamania County Board of Commissioners

A quiet-looking July that teed up bigger fights: commeters urge the Storedahl gravel quarry to "die on the vine" before its July 30 comment deadline, the state's energy-siting council reached into the Scenic Area, and commissioners seated new board members and reset the budget.

Disaster survivors get ten years to rebuild under new county rules. Plus: a $5M storm road program, a mining company circles the Green River Valley, the timber fight sharpens, Carson hurts through the detour, and Skamania starts talking visitor fees.

Skamania BOCC pauses the $1,000 Search & Rescue fine ordinance after public pushback. Plus, drone testing in Wind River, new stream buffer lawsuits, and the kickoff to the 2027 budget season.

State budget cuts hit Skamania's public health funding by 21%, while exploding recreational traffic along Highway 14 pushes boat launches to a breaking point. Plus, commissioners confront Friends of the Gorge leadership over aggressive PR tactics and a leaked email.

Skamania considers a new $1,000 fine for reckless hikers needing search and rescue. Plus, a sudden federal contract rejection threatens the Forest Youth Success summer program, and SBA disaster loans open for winter storm victims.

Skamania BOCC weighs $1,000 fines for negligent hikers requiring rescue, approves an armed Sheriff's Auxiliary, and fields escalating West End concerns over the Storedahl Quarry EIS. Plus, Stevenson’s library expands to 7-day service.

Major traffic impacts are coming to Wind River Highway this May, new federal SNAP rules are straining Gorge support systems, and Skamania faces a 30% drop in expected timber harvests. Plus: WAGAP leadership transitions and weed season arrives early.

Title III emergency funds are secured, but bureaucratic delays threaten youth programs. Plus, a legislative wrap-up reveals how state budget maneuvers could cost Skamania's infrastructure.

Skamania County faces impending state-level public health budget cuts while grappling with the aging infrastructure of local homeless shelters and ongoing debates over guide access at the Wind River boat launch.