Gorge Commission staff outline wildfire response, clarify rebuilding rules

Commission staff told the Columbia River Gorge Commission communications committee that outreach after recent wildfires has focused on getting accurate rebuilding information to affected landowners and local officials.

"It's been a pretty difficult, 2 months," Christina, a commission staffer, said as she summarized outreach after the Rowena fire and a separate Verdelin-area fire. She said staff have been coordinating closely with Wasco County and producing fact sheets and FAQs to address confusion about rebuilding standards in the National Scenic Area.

The update emphasized practical guidance for property owners: staff said the commission permits metal roofs in the National Scenic Area provided they meet the commission's appearance standards — "we do actually allow metal roofs in the National Scenic Area as long as they're dark," Christina said, noting that statement was intended to correct widespread misinformation about what rebuilding will require.

Staff said planners Bryce and Mackenzie are assisting landowners through permitting, and that some homes already on the landscape are exempt where they were previously permitted or pre-date the National Scenic Area requirements. "Several people are requiring more time to just really understand the permitting process in the NSA," Christina said.

Connie, the staff member who fields incoming calls, told commissioners she has received many calls from traumatized residents and aims to respond within a day, referring inquiries tied to the Rowena fire to Wasco County when appropriate and otherwise connecting callers with commission planners.

Commissioners praised staff outreach and attendance at local community meetings. Commissioner Valerie Fowler emphasized tailoring interview responses for different audiences, telling staff that the communications committee stands ready to help frame messages for landowners, local leaders and legislators.

The commission scheduled a fuller discussion on Sept. 9: the afternoon session will focus on examining current rules that govern rebuilding after a disaster to identify any provisions that create barriers to timely reconstruction. No formal votes were taken during this committee meeting.

The commission said staff will continue community meetings, maintain the FAQs and fact sheets online, and help landowners with permitting questions as applications arrive.