Costly Mountain Rescues Could Be Billed To Rescued

An expensive effort to find three climbers caught in a snowstorm on Mount Hood has renewed the debate over who should pay for such search and rescue operations.

While more than 100 people were out searching for the three college students, they were well-equipped, warm and safe. The three said they stayed in their tent, playing cards until the storm passed.

But that night will cost taxpayers up to $10,000, said Deputy Damon Coates of the Clackamas County sheriff’s office.

Lt. Neil James, the agency’s former search and rescue manager, said he has seen costs for one operation reach $20,000.

Some have called for hikers to pay rescue costs. Others want to require hikers to carry cellular phones or radio locater units.

“A lot of work needs to be done on paper in determining who is going to charge who for what, and how are you going to determine that?” said Brian Wheeler, director of the Northwest School of Survival Inc. in Sandy.

“If charging for rescues is the answer, questions are then going to arise regarding the qualifications of searchers and liability issues,” Wheeler added.

A consensus already appears to be building nationally that people who place themselves in unnecessary danger should foot the bill for rescues.

Jim Lee, emergency service coordinator for the National Parks Service in Washington, D.C., said that all rescues in national parks are paid by taxpayers.

Lee argues the policy is unfair to taxpayers when negligence is involved.

“If someone places themselves in a dangerous situation that costs others money, they should be held accountable,” Lee said.

An Alaska ranger agrees with Lee.

“If you place yourself in a situation that is above your head, you should have to pay for your rescue,” said J.D. Swed, who is in charge of all search-and-rescue operations in Denali National Park in Alaska.