Skamania County Board of Commissioners

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.

Early March Board of County Commissioners meetings tackled immediate local frustrations and looming state-level threats. Beneath routine approvals were major signals about recreational access, tax policy impacts, housing assistance, and long-term infrastructure maintenance.