What is the status of the Gorge Commissions proposed Plan Amendment?
The Gorge Commission has amended the National Scenic Area Management Plan by approving Plan Amendment PA-06-01allowing development of Recreation Resorts on Commercial Recreation-zoned former industrial sites and the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture subsequently concurred with the Commission’s action. Skamania County can now begin the process of revising its land use code to be consistent with the amended management Plan. Plan Amendment PA-06-01 was approved by the Columbia River Gorge Commission by a vote of 10-2 on April 8, 2008. The Gorge Commission issued its Final Order regarding Plan Amendment PA-06-01on July 7. As required by the National Scenic Area Act, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture formally concurred with the Gorge Commission’s Plan Amendment on October 8. The next step in the process will occur by mid-April of 2009 (within 270 days from the Final Order) by which time Skamania County must incorporate the Amendment language
