THE GORGE — In response to wildfires that burned nearly 15,000 acres and destroyed more than 200 homes and structures in 2025, the Columbia River Gorge Commission and USDA Forest Service have revised the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to allow for expedited permitting processes and critical infrastructure repair while protecting natural resources within the Columbia River Gorge.
A major milestone in relief efforts was reached Feb. 24, when USDA announced its concurrence with the revised management plan approved by the Columbia River Gorge Commission.
Counties can immediately begin implementing the Management Plan amendment while working to revise their own ordinances.
"Wasco County is excited to support disaster recovery with a new expedited permitting path and options for temporary storage and recreational vehicle living” said Kelly Howsley Glover, Wasco County community development director. “We appreciate the teamwork with the Gorge Commission and Forest Service and the effort that went into this pioneering amendment to the Management Plan."
The revised Management Plan allows for temporary RV living and expedited landowner storage solutions. Amending the current management plan works to provide longer-term solutions for landowners while balancing the need to protect Gorge resources.
Current Management Plan amendments were submitted to the four Treaty Tribes for consultation and underwent a public review process. The Gorge Commission unanimously voted to adopt the Plan amendment on Jan. 13 and submitted the approved Plan amendment to the Secretary of Agriculture for concurrence.
“This amendment reflects the kind of collaborative work that defines the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In the wake of last summer's devastating fires, counties and landowners now have additional clarity to rebuild. We're committed to being responsive to the changes the Gorge experiences while protecting the resources that make this place special,” said Casey Gatz, acting forest supervisor for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Amending the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the impacted areas and ensuring the community emerges stronger from this hardship.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area encompasses 292,500 acres of Washington and Oregon, where the Columbia River cuts a spectacular river canyon through the Cascade Mountains. The USDA Forest Service manages National Forest lands in the National Scenic Area and works together with the Columbia River Gorge Commission to protect and enhance scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge while encouraging local economic development consistent with that protection. Learn more about the USDA Forest Service at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge and more information about the Gorge Commission at www.gorgecommission.org.
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