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Wahkiakum County creates Upper Grays River Community Forest Public Development Authority
Summary
After a public hearing, Wahkiakum County commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 173-26 to form the Upper Grays River Community Forest Public Development Authority with Pacific County; supporters said it will protect watersheds and eventually expand public access while initial land purchases may occur within two years.
Wahkiakum County commissioners on Jan. 13 unanimously approved Ordinance No. 173-26 to create the Upper Grays River Community Forest, a joint Public Development Authority with Pacific County.
Supporters at a public hearing told the board the PDA would provide county ownership of forestlands, more diverse watersheds and healthier streams. Sandra Staples Borner, speaking in favor of the project, said it would improve public access over time and help reconnect forests with nearby communities. Cherie Kearney, who noted she is contracting with Columbia Land Trust on the effort, said grants are being sought and that an "initial property acquisition may happen within two years."
Some residents raised questions about who would control public access and about past interactions with the Columbia Land Trust. John Rua said he had concerns based on prior experience, and Chair Dan Cothren acknowledged the county "made mistakes in the past" but added that "the county now has a good relationship with the Columbia Land Trust" and that the PDA board will manage the property.
Regional partners including Steve Manlow of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board and Bill Fashing of the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments endorsed the proposal, citing benefits for fish habitat and long-term revenue generation; Fashing referenced successful examples such as the Hood River Community Forest. The ordinance and associated interlocal agreement and charter were signed by the board and approved by unanimous vote (Aye — Tischer, Letham and Cothren).
The new PDA will have a six-member board (two members from each county, including one county commissioner from each county, and two representatives from the Columbia Land Trust), according to comments at the hearing. Supporters said the governance structure is intended to balance county oversight with conservation and revenue-generation goals.
The board will consider property acquisitions and seek grants and fundraising to fund operations; no specific parcel or purchase price was specified at the hearing.
