It’s been more than 30 years since The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA) was established by Congress in 1986, and it’s been 27 years since the Management Plan that governs how the Gorge Commission and the U.S. Forest Service was adopted in 1991. Part of the Act of Congress that created the NSA was a requirement that every 10 years, the Management Plan be reviewed and updated if necessary to face changing conditions. The Gorge Commission and Forest Service are currently involved in that process, called Gorge 2020. Last year the agencies conducted listening sessions from The Dalles to North Bonneville to get input on what key issues of the plan need work.
This month, they are presenting information sessions designed to let residents know what they heard – more than 400 comments were received. The final and easternmost meeting is Tuesday, February 20 at the Readiness Center at Columbia Gorge Community College. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6:00. New input will not be taken at the meeting, but there will be instructions given on how to make further comments online.
It’s a long process, and the Gorge Commission and the Forest Service are taking the time to get widespread involvement. More information is available at http://www.gorgecommission.org.