The press release below was sent to media outlets across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, April 28, 2025.
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Wash., April 28, 2025 – The Columbia River Gorge Commission, the bi-state agency tasked with protecting the landscapes, wildlife, small towns, working farms, and cultural heritage of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, will continue operations following a partial restoration of funding in the 2025–27 Washington state budget.
On March 27, the Washington State House voted to eliminate all state funding for the Gorge Commission, placing the agency’s future in jeopardy. Under the bi-state compact governing the Scenic Area, a complete funding cut from Washington would have triggered a corresponding cut from Oregon, effectively crippling the Commission’s ability to function.
Yesterday, the Washington State House and Senate approved a final budget that restores funding for the Gorge Commission for the 2025–27 biennium. However, the agency’s budget was reduced by 27% from its original request, allocating approximately $1.6 million instead of the $2.2 million sought. Under the bi-state agreement, Oregon will now match Washington’s reduced funding, resulting in a combined total of approximately $3.2 million—down from the $4.4 million originally proposed.
Following the defunding vote, Friends of the Columbia Gorge launched a public advocacy campaign, mobilizing more than 1,300 people to send letters and make calls to lawmakers in support of funding the Commission.
Without the Commission, the Columbia River Gorge would have been vulnerable to unregulated residential sprawl, industrial and commercial development, and the erosion of the rural character that defines many Gorge communities. While counties within the National Scenic Area—Clark and Skamania in Washington (with Klickitat County overseen directly by the Commission), and Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco in Oregon—play an essential role in enforcing Scenic Area land-use laws, their authority is limited to their individual jurisdictions. The Columbia River Gorge Commission ensures a unified vision and consistent application of Scenic Area protections across county and state lines. The Commission writes, implements, interprets, and adjudicates the rules; monitors compliance; and oversees county actions, providing a comprehensive framework to protect the Gorge as a connected landscape, not just a collection of local jurisdictions.
Although reduced funding will likely require the Commission to operate with fewer resources and potential staff reductions, the agency remains positioned to continue its critical role overseeing land use and conservation across the 292,500-acre National Scenic Area.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge will continue working closely with partners to ensure strong protections remain in place for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
