What We Do

What does the Gorge Commission do?

Sets Policy for Protecting the Non-Federal Lands in the Gorge.  The Commission develops and adopts land use and resource protection policy through the Scenic Area Management Plan.

Serves as an Appeals Board.  The Commission is the appeals board for Scenic Area land use decisions issued by a county or by the Commission’s Executive Director and challenged by another party.  This function serves to increase uniformity of implementation through the six counties and two states in the NSA.  Appeals are infrequent overall.  The Commission typically receives one or two appeals in a year.  Overall, approximately half are withdrawn or settled.

Supports Counties and Constituents. The Commission works with Gorge counties who administer the land use ordinances that implement the Management Plan. It administers and enforces a Scenic Area ordinance in Klickitat County, which has not adopted its own ordinance.  The Commission helps other agencies and groups in projects to improve the Gorge, ranging from new recreation sites to economic development initiatives.

Economic Development.  The Commission certifies grants and loans by Oregon and Washington's Investment Boards to encourage economic growth in the Gorge.