Wasco County Community Development is partnering with Columbia River Gorge
Commission (CRGC) staff to modernize disaster recovery in the Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Area. This collaboration aims to address the recovery needs following
the Rowena, Burdoin, Broughton, and Tunnel Fires.
On September 9, 2025, Wasco County and the Columbia River Gorge Commission staff
will present a request to the Columbia River Gorge Commission to amend the Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan. This proposed Plan Amendment
seeks to streamline procedures, offer greater flexibility, and create opportunities for
temporary uses to support disaster recovery efforts.
“We appreciate the partnership with the Columbia River Gorge Commission as we work
together to find more effective ways to help our communities recover from these
devastating fires,” said Kelly Howsley-Glover, Community Development Director. “This
amendment is a crucial step toward modernizing our approach and ensuring that our
residents have the support and resources they need to rebuild.”
If the Gorge Commission approves the request, staff will prepare revised Management
Plan language. This draft language will then be shared with the public for a 30-day
comment period, providing an additional opportunity for community input.
Wasco County is urging citizens to show their support for the Plan Amendment request.
The community’s voice is vital in this process. Citizens are encouraged to share their
experiences with the Rowena Fire and its impact on the community, their vision for recovery, their sense of urgency for new options, and their desire to see Rowena continue as a vibrant part of the National Scenic Area. Support for the collaboration between Wasco County and CRGC staff are also welcome.
How to Provide Comments:
The Commission requires all written materials to be submitted no later than
Monday, September 8 at noon.
Email comments to: [email protected]
Subject line: Plan Amendment Request for Disaster Recovery Comment
Address comments to: The appointed Columbia River Gorge Commissioners.
Information about the Commissioners can be found at:
https://www.gorgecommission.org/about-crgc/commissioners-staff/
The agenda for the September 9th meeting will be available by the end of the day on
Tuesday, September 2nd, at https://www.gorgecommission.org/aboutcrgc/commission-meetings/.
For questions about how to provide comments, please contact Kelly Howsley-Glover at
541-2560 or [email protected].