Friends of the Columbia Gorge apologizes to Skamania County planners for Facebook post wording

At the April 29 Skamania County Board of Commissioners meeting, Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge, apologized for a social media reply from his organization that county officials and staff had criticized as understating the work of county land-use planners.

Gorman told the commission he had provided a copy of a written letter to the board and to Director David Weymier. He said the original social-media reply — which asked how National Scenic Area laws would be implemented if the Gorge Commission were defunded — included wording that described county planners as lacking expertise to implement the laws. Gorman said that language was “a poor and inaccurate choice of words” and apologized for any harm.

Gorman clarified that Gorge Commission planners are trained and authorized to implement National Scenic Area rules within their jurisdictions, and that what sets the commission apart is its role in coordinating consistent management across counties and states. He praised the county’s planning staff by name, citing Director Weymier and Skamania County planners Josh Deblock, Mandy Hertel and Melissa Farney.

Renee Tcash, identified in the meeting as conservation director at Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a Skamania County resident, then introduced herself and expressed support for Gorman’s remarks and the desire for continued cooperation "when needed" on mutual issues.

Ending

Commissioners accepted the apology and the public-comment period concluded; no formal action or directive was taken as a result of the comments.