Rebuilding in the NSA: Meeting Summary

Full Meeting Notes

Looking for additional details? Browse a complete summary of notes compiled by a neighbor who attended the Rebuilding in the NSA Community Forum in Underwood.

The Next Meeting

Another Rebuilding in the NSA Community Forum is scheduled to take place in Klickitat County on Wednesday, October 1 at the White Salmon Library.

DETAILS HERE

Underwood Residents Share Scenic Area Experiences

On August 21, 2025, neighbors gathered at the Underwood Community Center for the first community meeting focused on life inside the National Scenic Area (NSA), with about 60 people in attendance from across the Gorge. More than a dozen residents shared stories about property ownership, housing, and business challenges under the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Act. Officials present included:

Skamania County Commissioner Asa Leckie
Planning Commissioner Anita Gahimer-Crow
Gorge Commissioner Laura Bissell
Gorge Commission Executive Director Krystyna Wolniakowski
Gorge Commission Land Use Planner Bryce Guske

Stories from the Community

When invited to share their experiences, residents of the NSA described struggles such as:

Homes purchased legally later were deemed “abandoned” or restricted after intervention by Friends of the Gorge.
Denied applications for farm structures, wine tasting rooms, ADUs for family members, and disability-related home improvements.
Property taken or heavily limited for conservation uses without clear consultation or compensation.
Frustration with agencies pointing responsibility at each other, leaving residents without answers.
Families voiced concern that property rights are being chipped away, with rules making it harder for younger generations to stay in the Gorge. Some noted that requirements of other provisions of the Gorge Management Plan, like the farm income test, favor large operators over small family farms.

Responses from Local Officials

Officials acknowledged both concerns and the broader context. Commissioner Bissell called for strengthening action on protecting the economic vitality of Gorge communities, as named specifically in the text of the National Scenic Act. Planning Commissioner Gahimer-Crow emphasized that Underwood was treated differently from other towns when the Act passed and urged neighbors to keep organizing. Commissioner Leckie highlighted how federal land purchases drain the county tax base, contributing to recent school closures.

Executive Director Wolniakowski suggested follow-up sessions to clarify rules and processes. The meeting closed with thanks to participants and plans to host similar forums across Klickitat, Wasco, and Hood River counties. We’ll keep readers updated as those are scheduled.

This meeting summary was written by Underwood residents Kate Bertash and Jarrod McClean. Kate and Jarrod are the organizing force behind local Community Forums to discuss rebuilding in the NSA, and they are active participants in a variety of other community initiatives, like keeping the Underwood Food Pantry stocked and providing monthly summaries of local government meetings to residents throughout the Gorge via The Skamania Dispatch. Any opinions expressed or implied here do not necessarily reflect those of the UPRD or its board members. If you feel there are critical considerations missing from this post, please email us your additions, and we’ll gladly include them for public discussion.

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