Oregon Public Broadcasting

One of the scenic wonders of the Northwest is at a crossroads.  At least, that’s how some people living in and near the Columbia River Gorge see it.

The bi-state Columbia Gorge Commission is trying to decide whether to give the go ahead for a new destination resort.

That development, a big new tribal casino, among other projects -- could bring new energy to the national scenic area, or ruin it, depending on your point of view.  Correspondent Tom Banse has more from the scene.

The past and the present of the Columbia River Gorge on display right in front of us here across from Hood River, Oregon. Wind whips whitecaps on the Columbia River. Just a few kite surfers out on this rather brisk winter day.

Directly in front of me: the Broughton Lumber Mill, closed for more than twenty years.  Rust pretty much on every metal surface.  A few weathered pallets still lying around.

Lydie Boyer: “It’s not attractive by any means.  And I will not be the first to say that it is.”

Even so, Lydie Boyer is dubious that a resort with several hundred cottages, condos, and townhomes would fit better here.  The retiree lives high up on the bluff above.

Lydie Boyer: “With this one now being proposed and then the gaming casino and I can’t tell how many others on the docket right now, it’s just setting precedents. When the flood gates are open, more of the gorge gets divvied and divided until it loses its integrity.”

Opponents and proponents have a full plate with the Broughton Landing destination resort pending.

The Warm Springs tribe wants to open a new casino downriver at Cascade Locks, Oregon.

Casinos and Condos in the Gorge How much development is too much - and how can you tell before it's too late?

A planned wind farm on the Washington side, just outside the scenic area boundary, has drawn a lawsuit.

Also looming is what promises to be an epic fight over whether the city of The Dalles can expand its urban boundary to accommodate new growth.   That would chip away at currently protected scenic lands. 

Carl McNew: “It’s kind of a series of watershed moments, isn’t it?”

Realtor Carl McNew of White Salmon is the newest member of the Columbia River Gorge Commission.  It sets development rules for the 80-mile corridor of waterfalls, wildflowers, and weekend retreats.  McNew has confidence in the board’s ability to balance new opportunities with protection.

Carl McNew: “Unless we can build a few more freeways and a few more railroads, I’m not sure how much more true damage we do.  So I think we’re just trying to be the best stewards.”

McNew is still getting used to the marathon meetings of the Gorge Commission.  The Washington State members appear a little friendlier than Oregon’s appointees when it comes to the destination resort plan.

Jason Spadero More photos of the mill site

The applicant, Jason Spadero, says his project would “raise the bar” for development in the scenic area.

Jason Spadero: “This is a well thought out plan.  We’ve been working at this for a number of years.  We’ve tried to involve all the interest groups in coming up with a redevelopment plan that is economically viable and enhances the scenic area.  I think this plan, regardless what else is on the table in the gorge, this plan should move forward.”

But for now, the resort remains in bureaucratic limbo.  The Columbia River Gorge is not a national park, but a curious hybrid that’s supposed to marry strict scenic and environmental protections with thriving towns.

Getting those goals to line up is obviously not easy and appears to require a road with more twists than the namesake river.

Online:

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Columbia River Gorge Commission

Broughton Landing

Friends of the Columbia Gorge