House Approves Bill Protecting Parts of Columbia River Area

WASHINGTON — The House voted Thursday to establish the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Washington and Oregon to protect one of the country’s natural treasures from overdevelopment.

The bill, approved on a 290-91 vote, was sent to the Senate.

The measure would establish a 260,000-acre scenic area where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountains along the Oregon and Washington border.

The bill also would designate segments of the Columbia as scenic rivers and authorize studies of other portions for possible scenic river designation.

Within the scenic area, four special protection areas would be established totaling 113,000 acres. A 12-member, two-state commission would be set up to oversee management of lands in the scenic area that are not within the special protection areas.