Should the Gorge Scenic Act be modified? Voice your opinion at an important meeting on Monday

from: http://www.gorgecommission.org/recresorts.cfm
Second Gorge Commission Event onRecreation Resort Issues to Include Open Comment Period

The Columbia River Gorge Commission staff will host an event including an open meeting and small-group discussions to provide an opportunity to express views on a possible amendment to the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Such an amendment would provide a framework with criteria to review conversion of an industrial site, the Broughton Mill property, to a recreation resort.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday June 11, from 4:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the PioneerCenter, 501 NE Washington St., in White Salmon. An introduction to the meeting and the evening’s agenda will be provided from 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This meeting is the second of a series of public meetings on this topic. The first, held May 30, featured panel discussions about issues to be considered as part of a plan amendment process. The panelists, who represented key stakeholder agencies and organizations, addressed questions about issues regarding recreation and other river uses, and potential positive and negative impacts to local communities and the economy.

About 80 people attended, and more than 130 comments were submitted through written comment cards during the panel discussions. Frequently-mentioned themes in the comments included: traffic congestion and safety, environmental impacts, the extent of economic benefits versus negative impacts, and possible demands to public services and infrastructure. A number of participants questioned the need for the plan amendment, and several expressed frustration at not having the opportunity to voice their comments verbally. A draft summary of comments, as well as a verbatim record of the comment cards, will be available for review on the Commission’s website prior to the June 11 meeting.

Based on the outcome of the May 30th workshop, the Commission has decided to modify its initial plan for a follow-up event to include additional opportunity for the public to comment directly on the possible plan amendment for conversion of the Broughton Mill site to a recreation resort. The June 11 meeting will feature a public comment period from 5:00 to 6:30, with small-group discussions on issues identified in the first workshop starting at 6:45. Additional time to allow anyone who didn’t have the opportunity to comment in the initial comment session will be provided following the small group discussion.

Gorge Commission Executive Director Jill Arens said “While we achieved one goal of gaining more information to help refine issues and potential impacts, we also heard clearly from a number of participants regarding their dissatisfaction with the workshop format and their desire to speak directly to the group.”

The Commission is asking those who wish to participate to make their comments concise (approximately 3 minutes), to allow as many people as possible to express themselves in the time available. Given the strong and diverse public opinions expressed thus far, the Commission wants to ensure ample opportunity to hear all views as it considers this complex and important issue.
See workshop agenda
See FAQ
If you have questions or comments, please contact Tom Ascher, Planner, Columbia River Gorge Commission: ascher@gorgecommission.org .