Gorge Clearcut Decision Is Appealed

The Gorge Commission has appealed a proposed logging operation near Augsburger Mountain in Skamania County that the commission says would clearcut 147 acres of timber.

Joining the Gorge Commission in the appeal is a local conservation group, called the Central Cascade Alliance, and the U.S. Forest Service.

The permit for the Augsburger clearcut was issued in November by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The appeal is Jan. 12 before the Washington Forest Practices Board.

The three appellants will argue that the state is required to follow the rules set forth in the Gorge management plan under the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act and the interstate compact that created the bi-state Gorge Commission.

The Augsburger Mountain clearcut would violate a variety of management plan rules designed to protect scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources, Gorge Commission Executive Director Jonathan Doherty said.