A range of topics surrounding recreation around Mount Hood and the
Columbia River Gorge are at the heart of legislative concepts compiled by
Representative Earl Blumenauer and Senator Ron Wyden. A comment period
on the concepts ended last month, and Janine Kritschgau, Communications
Director for Blumenauer, noted they received 1,027 comments.

“It was a ton,” Kritschgau told The Mountain Times. “We’re really pleased. It’s
excellent to have so much engagement.”

The concept topics included enhancing sustainable and equitable outdoor
recreation, such as relief of crowded trailheads, dispersal of use and
rehabilitation of wildfire-damaged infrastructure; protecting natural features
and improving habitat for wildlife; prioritizing protection of communities at
risk of wildfire damage; ensuring tribal treaty rights are honored and
protected; and modernizing transportation systems.

Kritschgau noted that the comments they received could shift priorities
around somewhat. Some of the steps taken through legislation could include
new additions to the Mount Hood Wilderness, recreation enhancements for the
Pacific Crest Trail, enhanced recreation in the Gorge, enhanced trail

stewardship in the Mount Hood National Forest, new wild and scenic river
designations and enhanced public safety.

Kritschgau added there is no immediate timeline in place for these legislative
concepts and that there "will be many more points for participation down the
road throughout the legislative process, which will include hearings and more
lawmaker meetings."

The concepts did elicite comments from some locals.

“Congressman Blumenauer and Senator Wyden’s proposal has elements that
will please some people but concern others,” said Wilent, a Rhododendron
resident who writes The Woodsman column for The Mountain Times.

“However, they have not yet presented their plan to the federally-chartered
Mt. Hood–Willamette Resource Advisory Committee, of which I’m a member. I
urge them to present it to the committee, which is comprised of 15 people
from the communities around the two forests and the Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Area. I think the committee would like to have a chance to
offer its constructive input.”

For more information, visit https://blumenauer.house.gov/.