SHARE THIS SHOW:

ON THE BLOG:

RELATED CONVERSATIONS:

RECENTLY ON TOL:

TOL Our Town

TAGS:

Casinos and Condos in the Columbia Gorge

AIR DATE: Thursday, March 6th 2008

POSTED BY: EMILY HARRIS

Download the mp3 for this show.

Two development projects are being proposed within 30 miles of one another on the Columbia River Gorge.

One would create a "destination resort" on an empty industrial site on the Washington side of the river. It also near one of the most popular wind surfing spots on the river, known as "The Hatch."

The other project would create an off-reservation casino in the small town of Cascade Locks, to be run by and for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The proposed project could create 1,700 new jobs — in a town that only has around 1,100 residents right now. The tourism would be a boom for both the city and the tribes.

They're very different projects, being put forward by two very different groups. And both are stirring up controversy. But it makes us wonder whether attitudes toward growth and development in the Gorge have changed, almost a quarter century since Congress designated the Gorge a national scenic area.

How do you promote ways for the public to enjoy the Gorge without allowing over-crowding or over-development to ruin its grandeur? Are we despoiling one of Oregon and Washington's most beautiful natural assets or squandering the opportunity to help some struggling communities convert to a tourism-based economy? How much development is too much — and how can you tell before it's too late?

GUESTS:

 

• Rodger Nichols: Reporter for The Dalles Chronicle
• Jason Spadero: Manager of Broughton Lumber Co.
• Michael Lang: Conservation Director for Friends of the Columbia Gorge
• Roger Freeborn: Mayor of Cascade Locks

 

Tagged as: casino · columbia gorge · columbia river · land use

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is in both Oregon and Washington states. It is not just in Oregon as stated in your promo for this show. Please address the Gorge using the correct geo-political boundries or risk loosing your members from Washington State.

gorge dweller — Thu March 6th 2:13a.m.

You're of course absolutely right and I'm embarrassed I didn't catch that in my own read. Correcting now!

Emily Harris — Thu March 6th 9:23a.m.

The scenic area includes areas specifically designed for development. The Gorge scenic act intentionally planned for economic development to take place within the gorge. They realized that allowing development in specific areas protected the remaining natural and scenic beauty. Both sites proposed have been identified for development from the inception of the Scenic Gorge Act.

However, as a Portland environmentalist, I was deeply concerned about the proposals. So I drove out to both sites, several times, and walked the property in question. Walking the land and reading the Gorge Act cover to cover changed my mind.

Promoting recreation and tourism is a core purpose of the Gorge act. We should be supportive of these healthy, recreation based economic projects that move the local economy away from resource extraction and heavy industry. The more people that can visit and appreciate the beauty of the gorge, the better. Only when people appreciate nature will they support conservation and responsible development. Environmentally conscious citizens would do better to focus their energy on the giant copper mine slated for southwest WA- a proposal far more destructive to our watersheds and eco-system.

Reasonable — Thu March 6th 1:23p.m.

I would agree with you except that in the case of the condos the project requires a change from a modest development of camping and cabins to something that really belongs within the boundaries of a city. I don't think that renting condos makes people more protective of nature. Look around the world and see how many vacation resorts have led to the preservation of anything. I think we can't have it both ways.

pembquist — Mon March 10th 8:42p.m.

I'm a WA Gorge dweller too!. The 'friends of the gorge' keep a much closer eye on WA !! ;) (OPB should be more careful of us 30+ yr NPR WA contributors...;) - who get 99.8% OR news, which we can't use...)

The Gorge is for preservation and rightfully so. One only needs to stop for a glance back at the Portland Women's overlook to note at the housing and development encroaching the western boundary, it is really an ugly sight. (and very obvious)

The restrictions are tough for landowners, but consistent governance must persist, or all will fail. Once it is gone we will be very sorry.

Yes, it is very unfortunate for the native dwellers who were displaced, but... we all have to live with the position we are at, and pursue the best interest of those who will follow. There remain areas in the Gorge for the native Americans to live on their lands, but commercialization is not in the spirit or intent of long term sustenance. The Casino dollars are not the answer to our lack of funding of parks and schools. There is adequate reason for sound business decisions to transform these needs into a viable future. The economic development is not sustainable in areas where employees and visitors would have to commute. There is not available home sites to add resident capacity, the prices of existing residences are driving locals away, and certainly won't be affordable for the staff requirements of commercialization.

I chose to live in the gorge area as I was tired of the poor land use decisions in less restrictive areas, where my farms were getting surrounded by non-compliant uses, but I pay a dear price to live in the gorge with very high taxes ($33/day) and strict land use restrictions.

Too bad those making this exception don't live here...or work here...

jwswamp

jwswamp — Thu March 6th 2:41a.m.

Thanks for your note. We definitely want to cover stories of importance to our Washington listeners as well. On March 26th we'll have Governor Chris Gregoire on the program for an hour. But in the meantime if you have any ideas of issues we should make sure to talk about, please do let us know. Thank you.

Sarah Jane Rothenfluch — Thu March 6th 11:56a.m.

It's called OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING for a reason.

Nickel Arcade — Thu March 6th 12:14p.m.

I live in the City of Mosier, just 10 miles away and across the river from the proposed Broughton resort. I have read all 60 pages of the Director's report and the 12 pages of the proposed plan amendment. This plan amendment would create an urban area larger than the town I live in! The Broughton commercial center would be allowed to include restaurants, pubs, retail shops, and equipment rental shops, completely eclipsing the efforts of the citizens of Mosier who have struggled for years to develop our own downtown area. The irony is that there is no guaranteed public access to the private resort, so the citizens of Mosier won't even be able to step inside the gates. I never thought I would see the day when a significant area of the Columbia Gorge was reserved only for those who could afford it.

The casino: I feel that to allow an off-reservation casino would set a dangerous precedent. At least three other tribes could ask to build their own Gorge casinos. Where will this end?

kathyfitz — Thu March 6th 2:51a.m.

The Broughton Mill site has been zoned commercial recreation since the inception of the Scenic Act, which means it has always been zoned for a destination resort. To state that you would not be allowed inside the gate is disingenuous and/or shows that you lack the basic understanding of economic systems. Ask yourself why the businesses in Mosier have struggled for so long and why Skamania Lodge has always been successful. Additionally, the ?area? (the area zoned commercial rec) is smaller that Mosier and the amendment proposes to reduce the current developable area in favor of higher density. All of the development at the brought on redevelopment site will be screened from view unlike those ugly row houses recently built along the highway in Mosier. O, I forgot, high density cluster development is green!?

Remember the Broughton mill site is private property. Did you vote for measures 37 and 49?

gorge dweller — Thu March 6th 10:59a.m.

The Broughton site is zone CR and approved for small residential and camping, not a Destination Resort. A DR is classified such as a self contained and self supporting enterprise. It is a place where people design to go, stay, eat, conference etc and then go home.

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 1:06p.m.

As a resident of Cascade Locks, and a senior citizen, I am appalled at the size of the proposed casino. It would be 603,000 square feet including a 6 story hotel, a 3 story parking garage & acres of parking lots. It would end up being the tallest building in the Gorge and the entire building would be 5 "Portland City" blocks long. (their figures) This small town, a bedroom community, is safe for our children, seniors and visitors. Allowing this casino would change all that with thousands of new people moving here or passing through. There would be a threat to the environment, crime, a visual impact and traffic problems. The proposed interchange would bypass our business district. In my opinion, allowing the casino and a large resort at the Broughton Mill site would be the beginning of the end of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area as it would open the floodgates for further development. It would be such a huge loss for future generations.

Carol Taylor — Thu March 6th 10:53a.m.

Resort: I was raised in The Dalles and lived in the Gorge half my life. The National Scenic Area Act was designed to benefit all the people; that's why it's a National Act setup to protect a national treasure. The rules should not be changed to benefit an elite few even if this could boost the economy of Skamania County and I stress the word could as we all know that along with development comes myriad issues ranging from infrastructure needs to displacement of local residents all of which place burdens on existing government resources. I say no to allowing this new urban city in the Gorge.

brendapeterson — Thu March 6th 11:07a.m.

Would you want a large casino in a National Park? Would you want a large condo recreation development in a National Park?

My response would be a resounding NO to both those questions. The Columbia River Gorge is a National Scenic Area, not a National Park. But, many wanted it to be a national park--the resource is as awe inspiring and worthy of protection as any of our national parks. But, there were already urban areas and private lands, which would have created a "checker-board" national park--so legislation was created for the first National Scenic Area.

I am an active member of the National Parks Conservation Association, and believe that the Columbia Gorge ought to have the same kind of protection efforts. Although recreation is an industry to be pursued for the economic health of the gorge, it should be the kind of recreation that would be appropriate to a national park--not a large scale casino, nor a large scale condo development.

Marianne Nelson

Marianne Nelson — Thu March 6th 11:24a.m.

Casino and Resort: For the past 20 plus years, the public has found plenty to enjoy in the Gorge without either of these developments. This is a National Scenic Area not a theme park. Gorgeous scenery and recreational opportunities abound. Albeit, recreational opportunities involving outdoor activities, not indoor casinos. Regarding the Mill site, RV and tent sites are preferable to a new urban area and more in keeping with the spirit of the Scenic Act.

brendapeterson — Thu March 6th 11:24a.m.

I am concerned about citing a casino off reservation land. It makes no sense to site a business that is presumably established to provide jobs for the tribal members at a location that is so distant from their homes. The idea that tribal members will commute from Warm Springs to Cascade Locks is not very reasonable. I have made many trips to Warm Springs and the surrounding area. The roads are often treacherous due to weather conditions and the Gorge is known for its dicey winter conditions. The commute will easily take 90 minutes each way in good weather and the additional CO2 emissions will impact air quality as well as speed global warming.

brendapeterson — Thu March 6th 11:40a.m.

I agree with the concern about emissions in the Gorge on both a local and global level. I could see enough traffic from a casino to create significant smog in the gorge which would be completely at odds with the preservation goals of the natl scenic designation. ALSO, look at the example of the casino in Grande Ronde. The traffic there completely blocks the highway and keeps people from getting to the coast from Portland. I know a person who sold his property at the coast after the Grande Ronde casino went in because he wasn't willing to sit for 45 minutes to get thru Grande Ronde.

The same thing could happen to Hood River! So you put in a casino to boost the Cascade Locks economy and get a significant hit on the economy in Hood River and Stevenson. I go to Hood River 4 or 5 times a year just to walk around, hike, have dinner, enjoy the views of the river. I just really like that town. I won't be doing that if I encounter traffic jams on I-84.

In addition, I question whether Cascade Locks will be able to provide the number of workers needed to fill the positions required at this mega-casino. That means more commuters to work in Cascade Locks - from where? Portland, Gresham? Yes. What a colossal waste - building a casino so people will drive to a scenic area to GAMBLE - people who will be holed up in sunless rooms and could care less about the place around them. If they want an off-reservation casino, and it has to happen, put it in Portland. Put it on Government Island between Oregon and Washington. Just don't put it in the gorge.

michaelw — Thu March 6th 7:31p.m.

For all those listeners who are opposing the casino, I'd like to make one suggestion. Please read Dee Brown's book "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and then think...

klatil — Thu March 6th 11:41a.m.

I live in Cascade Locks and have been amazed and appalled that people think it is okay to plunk a 6-story hotel and buildings equal to 5 -6 Portland city blocks in the middle of the Scenic Area. The argument that it is an industrial zone is specious. It is in the middle of the Scenic Area and will bring in eight times the amount of people that live here, daily. My town has long been seriously divided over this supposed boon. But we lack the infrastructure to support this overly large project. Tribal workers would have to commute over 2 hours one-way. Many of them would end up living here and commuting home for the weekend. This does not support tribal family life.
It's bad for the Indians, it's bad for Cascade Locks and it's bad for the Columbia Gorge.

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 11:45a.m.

The population and the economy of the Gorge has doubled since the inception of the Scenic Act which was enacted in 1984 to protect the scenic beauty of the Gorge and support economic activity in the towns. The heart of the Gorge is it's magnificent scenic beauty, wilderness and opportunity for outdoor activities. The tourist season in the Gorge is typically active for three months of the year. A casino is totally out of place in the Gorge. The 'destination resort' is nothing but an up to 500 unit development of vacation homes which will compete with the towns and drive down property values and add to the problems of part time residences already plague local official. It is outrageous that the Gorge Commission has been coerced into promoting either of these proposals.

SheWhoWatches — Thu March 6th 12:12p.m.

Let's start with the things that the Columbia Gorge area needs: Public Transportation, Low Income Housing, Jobs with a Living Wage, Repair to Infrastructure, Polution Controls and Traffic Modulation. A new destination resort would provide none of these things.

Let's take a look at the company that proposes building and managing this new "Destination Resort". Broughton Lumber and S.D.S. is the same company that wanted permission to burn automobile tires to generate steam. it is the same company that fails to provide a living wage and adequate health insurance to its employees. It is the same company that runs unmuffled earth moving equipment in a city zone and calls those that complain "crackpots". It is the same company that fails to support the community. There have been no donations to the Hospital, The Gorge Games, Community Swimming Pool or any other community projects. It is the same company that produces it's own steam by burning material that often covers the city and a large part of the Gorge in smoke. It is the same company that originally proposed dumping the raw sewage from the "Destination Resort", into the Columbia River.

The Columbia Gorge is allready one of the most polluted areas in the United States. Another "Destination Resort", especially one of this magnitude will only add to the pollution, traffic congestion, need for housing and schools, and degradation of the quality of life in the Gorge.

It is time to start emphasizing "quality" instead of "quantity" in the Gorge. An area that is at the bursting point now. The Columbia Gorge Commission must remember it's stated mandate of "Protecting the Gorge for Everyone".
Economic development is like a cat chasing it's tail. It exacerbates the same problems it attempts to alleviate

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 12:12p.m.

Tim,
Your first sentence is not precisely correct. The Columbia Gorge area does NOT need all those things you list, rather the communities of the Gorge and the people in those communities would benefit from those things. I think the different is important. The Gorge doesn't need us or our communities.

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:02p.m.

the Broughton Mill site is currently an abandoned factory - with rotting buildings - not at all scenic

more RV and camping sites are not needed in the gorge, condos and upscale rental units are needed - in summer months there are not enough beds to accommodate all the visitors

The Casino will be put in either at Cascade Locks or on tribal property in Hood River - Cascade Locks is closer to Portland and the site will be more visually attractive than the Hood River Site

frodobaggins — Thu March 6th 12:16p.m.

That is for the Federal Government to decide. For your information, it is not an either or decision, there are many, major problems using the Hood River site. There is also the the possibility of the reservation itself. The tribe has said that they want Cascade Locks only because it is more lucrative and yet many elders of the tribe has spoken against the CL site because of the distance from where they live.

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 12:24p.m.

The tribe is entitled to build in Hood River on tribal land but accepted the Hood River residents' suggestion that the casino not be built on that land. They accepted the invitation of Cascade Locks to build on land zoned industrial and have committed to a development that was environmentally and culturally sensitive. The Governor, Hood River, and Cascade Locks support the decision as does the zoning within the Gorge Scenic area. Nothing in the Gorge Act would prevent the development. The position of Friends of the Gorge appears to be only opposition to a tribal casino. The tribe is speaking with one voice on this issue and should be respected as such.

Helvetia — Thu March 6th 1:09p.m.

You are wrong. I was present at the Warm Springs meeting. Several Tribal members (mostly the elders) spoke against the site as too far and negatively affecting tribal families. The Hood River site has several problems,including access. It was set up as a option for use as a red herring. The original vote for my town was only if we wanted a casino with no details as to the size and complexity (added resort, shopping, spa, brewery, nightclub venues) About half of Cascade Locks are against the development. How environmentally sensitive is a 6-story hotel and 3-story parking structure and 5-6 Portland city blocks with 3-million visitors a year? Not much.

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 1:46p.m.

Probably more environmentally sensitive than the last major Cascade Locks economic development proposal: a tram from the town to the ridge top. What research are you citing when you say half of the town opposes the casino? I've never heard that figure quoted previously . . . certainly not by Mayor Freeborn or Council President Cindy Mitchell.

Helvetia — Thu March 6th 2:07p.m.

Ah yes, the tram- 1969 - great year for idealists. Why in the world are you bringing up something that old? Grow up and use logic and current events in your dialogue. You are never going to hear either Roger or Cindy quote anything that goes against the vision. Do your own research. It is out there.

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 9:24p.m.

Comment about Broughton - the justification for Broughton is economic development. What kind of jobs will be created by a resort? Are they living wage jobs? Minimum wage? Benefits? year-round?

We need good jobs.

ann allen — Thu March 6th 12:19p.m.

Lived and worked in Hood River from 2001 to 2007. Wrote Gorge Commission opposing more development in the scenic area. What is the point of having a scenic designation when the area is no longer scenic? The houses that can be seen from Oregon hiking trails are eye sores. The casino and resort owners seek to make lots of money in a self serving way, and it won't serve the scenic Gorge and it's residents well. Save the Hatch windsurfing site. No resort.

trurl9 — Thu March 6th 12:21p.m.

There is already a lot of hideous architecture in the gorge, along with many unfortunate towns. Why not build a Casino, if it is done responsibly? This is one of my major complaints about Oregon, there is so much wonderful nature, but no structures to complement it. Like the Oregon coast, there is maybe one or two okay places to stay there and zillion motor inns. Once you see the scenery it is often hard to justify going back to any of these places. If some great resorts were built near some scenic areas what is wrong with that? No one seems to mind the track homes, trailer parks, truck stops or bad hotels.

One of the great draws of the Canadian Rockies is the Canadian Pacific Railway built hotels (now Fairmont), which in no way seem to take away from the nature.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 12:25p.m.

Yes Scott. The new Casino will probably look just like those beautiful CPR Hotels. Lets concentrate on quality.

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 1:11p.m.

Gosh, you really think it will. I better make my reservation now then. To be honest I actually don't like gambling or casinos - or condos.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 1:43p.m.

These comments keep referring to "Condos" at the Broughton site but the Gorge Commission's proposed Plan Amendment would allow a recreation resort, not a housing development or a "gated community" as project opponents like to characterize it. The Gorge Commission's proposal would restrict use to temporary occupancy, prohibiting residential use. Also, don't forget that the site is already developed with about 40 or so buildings that don't conform to the Scenic Area standards. The Gorge Commission's proposal is to improve conditions at the site by not only protecting the scenic, natural, cultural and recreation resources but enhance them as well. I think re-developing this industrial site as a recreation resort would be a far better than leaving it to decay as it has for the 20 years since the mill closed or redeveloping it as currently zoned as an RV park.

subrookie — Thu March 6th 12:26p.m.

Jason keeps trying to make the point that this is not a condo development which is ludicrous. Private ownership of condo units, cabins, townhomes is exactly that. Recreation designation was designed for modest scale resorts with recreational activities such as camping, cabin rentals etc. The proposed amendment is completely inappropriate in scale and substance from what was envisioned or is appropriate for that property. It may be an abandoned site at the moment, but this has far less impact than the light pollution, traffic, urban size development in a non-urban area.

concernedres — Thu March 6th 12:27p.m.

WHY ARE RECENT CLEARCUTS VISIBLE EAST OF STEVENSON-WIND MOUNTAIN AREA IF IT'S A SCENIC AREA?

JEFFDA — Thu March 6th 12:29p.m.

Clear cuts are allowed in the scenic area! And they will continue...

gorge dweller — Thu March 6th 12:58p.m.

The property owner were/are in violation

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 1:05p.m.

I think it is shameful that the developers and Warm Springs tribe want to leave a legacy of greed in such an amazing place. What if we had allowed pirates to develop Yosemite or Yellow Stone! Gambling is by its nature a compulsive act and can be done anywhere. A scenic experience in the Gorge is by its nature introspective and can only be experienced in the Gorge. There has to be limits to growth. When will the takers of the Gorge be satisfied?

TomLea — Thu March 6th 12:34p.m.

This elitist idea that nothing can be built next to anything allegedly scenic is outdated. Perhaps what is more important is the aesthetics of what is being built. You can build something to equal any natural surroundings, if it is done in a thoughtful well-designed way. This elevation of nature to a religious or sacred level is entirely undemocratic. Because it means you have people deciding that one place is more beautiful then another place, and this place or that place can't be touched. To take my point to an absurd level; maybe we should start doing this with people, banishing the ugly to some remote island. Any place can have some development if it is done well!

scottmil — Thu March 6th 12:39p.m.

Actually, there is nothing elitist about wanting to keep a beautiful area open to the public and not for expensive second homes for the super rich. There is nothing outdated about wanting to preserve what tiny amount of nature is left in the world. In fact, there has never been a greater need to protect what is obviously a rather unique place. The population of the area is growing at an amazing rate, and there is a real need for outdoor experiences for residents of the area. And whether you want to classify them as some strange group who raises this experience to 'religious' or not, there are a lot of us. If you don't care about beauty in a landscape, why do you even live here? Try New Jersey next time you move.

TomLea — Thu March 6th 12:54p.m.

Actually, as a poor person - I think it is very unfair to always insult the rich. They are people too. Such stereotypes, generalizations and easy targets!

Actually, there is something elitist about a certain group of people in a certain point in time deciding on a certain use or sentimentally for/of a place. I don't think this has to be a negative, unless you would like it to be. I think elitism and elitists definitely have there value and place. To me elitism isn't a dirty word. Surely by definition all environmentalists are elitists are they not?

Actually, I don't think you have any reason to assume I "don't care about beauty in a landscape." Been to New Jersey, thanks. In live in Downtown Portland for the reason that I don't believe in living in the suburbs, because as everyone should know big tightly developed cities, which seem totally "unnatural" are often what is best for M. Nature.

Actually which is it? Concern for the natural unaltered beauty of the Gorge or "a real need for outdoor experiences for residents of the area?" The later seems a little self-centered to me, kind of like those assumptions you are making about the rich people.

I clearly sound like a lunatic by now. So I should get a life and get back to work.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 2:20p.m.

How much is some? Seems like there is already "some" in the Gorge. Are you going to allow "some" development to your island?

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 1:22p.m.

I guess if I am sent to the "ugly" Island, I would need to decide once I get there and see what the other "folks" think.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 1:39p.m.

The spectacular scenery of the Columbia Gorge makes it is a national treasure. That's why it has special protection from unplanned growth like this condo project.

Though beautiful, the Columbia Gorge is a living, working landscape. Economic growth is highly desirable for Skamania County and the Gorge, but the question is where such growth should be directed. These condos might be a great project inside an urban growth boundary, and any of the towns in the Gorge would welcome them- the only problem is that the proposed condos are urban in scale, and they will mean traffic, sprawl, and smog that threaten the very beauty of the Gorge that draws visitors in the first place.

Destination resorts offer poverty-level wages and the proposed destination resort is a Trojan horse for Skamania County at its proposed location.
Carol Macbeth
Central Oregon Advocate
1000 Friends of Oregon

carolmacbeth — Thu March 6th 12:40p.m.

The existing conditions of the Broughton site are hardly worthy of a national treasure like the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area?that?s why the Gorge Commission wants this ?discordant landscape feature? redeveloped as a visually subordinate recreation resort.

Broughton landing is neither ?unplanned? nor a ?a condo project?. The site?s commercial recreation zoning means that commercial recreation is exactly what?s been planned for the site by the Management Plan. The proposed redevelopment has been carefully planned through an exceptionally inclusive two and a half year planning process that included significant input from numerous stakeholders including the Friends of the Gorge. Despite, or perhaps because of the reality that the mill is outside the urban growth boundaries and has been developed at an industrial scale since the 1920s, these stakeholders recognized the need for improving conditions on this site. Redeveloping this former mill as a sustainable resort that complies with the scenic standards will clearly be an improvement over the current blight. The Gorge Commission?s proposed Plan Amendment will prohibit permanent residency so it will not be a ?de-facto urban area?. It will also raise the standards from ?protection? to ?enhancement? of resources, a change that should be championed by the Friends of the Gorge.

I agree that the gorge is a ?living, working landscape.? As the area?s economy has transitioned in recent decades from extractive resources like lumber to sustainable resources like tourism, it seems fitting that a former lumber mill would be redeveloped as a sustainable resort serving outdoor recreation.

Mike Usen, AICP
Senior Environmental Planner
SE Group

Mike Usen — Thu March 6th 3:12p.m.

I am a 4th generation Gorge and specifically Hood River resident. The Broughton amendment would be a weakening of the National Scenic Area Act. It would be come a defacto new urban area, larger than some current towns in the Gorge. It is well known that taxes from residences do not cover the services that they create such as; fire, police, road maintanence, etc.. Family wages are not what would be created by this resort. Service jobs, such as condo maintanence, restaurant waiters, are not the type of wages that would be enough for them to live in the Gorge.
Regarding the Casino. It is unbelivable that with new information regarding gobal warming that we would allow a casino that will draw more cars and pollution into this area. The casino would be better placed closer to where the Warm Springs Tribal members live.

KateMCbride — Thu March 6th 12:41p.m.

Would you also close Multnomah Falls, eliminate Bonneville Dam, and close down Pendleton Round-Up in order to minimize Gorge traffic and avoid global warming. There are many ways to minimize pollution for the forty minute trip from I-5 to Cascade Locks including casino buses. Maybe Tri-Met could extend light rail if the traffic was really that significant. In any event, the tribe has chosen to site the casino in Cascade Locks and tribal members, believe it or not, are not required to obtain permits to travel or live off the reservation.

Helvetia — Thu March 6th 1:46p.m.

Hey, are you the troll in the Vancouver Columbian? Cause someone utilized the same useless, illogical argument about Multnomah Falls there also. This is what we call a slippery slope fallacy in criticism. Give an inch and you take a mile. Pendleton Round-Up. Ha! happens once a year. How did we make the jump from an overblown, stupendously oversized casino going into a small town to global warming? Isn't Tri-Met for METRO Portland? How far are you going to extend their tax base? The tribe does not get to choose, the Federales do. And the Federales are not allowing tribes to convert land for this purpose more than 40 miles away. Just ask all the tribes who were just turned down, all 22 of them.

katelinstuart — Thu March 6th 9:37p.m.

The Broughton site has an active railway and highway (SR-14) running through the middle of it. Who would want to live next to a busy railroad? Since it's located in a windy area famous for windsurfing, any camping could pose a tremendous fire danger. Indeed, there was a fire there last September. I can't see how this project is viable at the proposed location. A better solution would be to return it to nature.

Chris Carvalho — Thu March 6th 12:42p.m.

I don't think that our National Scenic Area can take much more of all this love that is being showered upon it by developers looking to make big bucks at Mother Earth's expense! The only reason that some of this proposed development--Broughton and the off-reservation casino--is happening is because we do have a National Scenic Area that has been kept undeveloped!

The NSA is a finite resource. There are cumulative impacts that have to be accounted for. The Gorge Commission is in the process of putting together Vital Indicators to measure the cumulative impacts of many activities in the Gorge. Does anyone believe that a 600,000 sq. ft. casino that is estimated to add 3 million visitors/year to the Gorge, and a high-end illegal new urban area, the Broughton proposal, with an estimated 1000 visitors per day would not have critical, cumulative impacts on the Gorge? Of course they would.

mjrepar — Thu March 6th 12:42p.m.

WE ALL WANT TO MAKE MONEY AND LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION, BUT THE REASON MANY OF US LIVE IN CITIES IS BECAUSE WE WOULDN'T WANT TO LIVE IN PLACES IF IT MEANT WE WOULD DESTROY THEM. PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE IN APPROPRIATE PLACES WHICH HAVE MINIMUM IMPACTS ON THE PLANET. THAT INCLUDES INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PEOPLE. WILL WE LEAVE ANY PLACES NATURAL? THIS IS THE QUESTION.

JEFFDA — Thu March 6th 12:46p.m.

I guess if you go down that route you better be ready to determine what exactly is unnatural about humans (natural creatures) building in the first place. Who gets to decide what is appropriate and what isn't, and basically what is ugly and worth worshipping and what about nature is unattractive and okay to destroy.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 12:52p.m.

Fine, you keep it simple don't you? What is unnatural about people, is when their activities reduce the diversity, stability and efficiency of the ecology of the ecosystem they impact.

We (people) get to make the decisions of how we live. Which is why we are having this discussion. It is a stupid decision that reduces the carrying capacity of the planet we are depended on. It is a smart one that benefits the environment, thereby increasing these qualities.

Take a class or something, this is not rocket science.

TomLea — Thu March 6th 1:04p.m.

You must be incredibly well grounded and have all of the answers to lifes' "big questions" if it allows you to write in such a concrete manner.

Quite frankly, I understand all your points and have thought about them and then some before. You are making assumptions about me you cannot logically make based on what I have written. Nor could you possibly know what type of person I am, what my carbon footprint looks like or if it was up for a vote on which side I would cast it.

Thanks for your concern about furthering my education.

My post was well beyond the scope of your response. If you actually felt you were trying to help me rather then insult me, you should have tried to challenge some of my statements or at least have given me something more to work with.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 1:33p.m.

My reply to this post is also in reply to your earlier post, where you essentially described preservationists as 'elitist' and belittling others for deriving a 'religious' experience from nature. I think those were both ill informed and demeaning comments which prompted my own. Even if you do not think of elitism as being a bad thing, many others will take it in a negative context. Those statements make me feel comfortable in making assumptions about you. They are both catch phrases frequently used by pro-development forces to belittle environmentalists, naturalists and preservationists. Funny that you would use both of them here.

TomLea — Thu March 6th 5:16p.m.

My first comment was posted on the general blog and not in response to a post or a slight to specific person or individual, however your response was exactly that: personal and condescending to me specifically. But. Whatever. I don't mind being insulted.

What I do mind is the egregious way that you categorized me into such a specific stereotypical box based on a couple of phrases. I would be considered by most an environmentalist. Not all environmentalists have the same rigid views. There are lots of other philosophies out there, perhaps some of them more progressive then yours.

No - I often don't think of elitism as a negative thing and I am certainly not worried about the "others" that do, but I do abhor religion in all its forms.

scottmil — Thu March 6th 5:56p.m.

Re Broughton: What the developer and the other proponents of this new, illegal urban area have not spoken to is who is going to pay for all the infrastructure costs that accompany any development. Skamania County may (and that's not a given) one million dollars in taxes from Broughton, but the real question that we need to ask is how much is everything else going to cost us? EMS, law enforcement, fire protection, schools, loss of revenue for the legal National Scenic urban areas, etc.? We need to know the bad and the ugly about this proposal, not just the good.

mjrepar — Thu March 6th 12:47p.m.

Skamania County residents may be in favor of the Destination Resort proposal but they are basically exempt from it's bad effects. The location of the proposed resort is at the far East end of the county while the population center, Stevenson/Carson is at the West end. Skamania County gets all of the tax benefits while Klickitat County has to shoulder all of the burden; increased traffic, pollution and noise, and congestion of the Windsurfing site across the highway from the prososed resort.

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 12:50p.m.

Point of information: Stevenson/Carson lies in the approximate middle of the county's southern line; the west end is hard by Camas. But you're right, traffic coming from I84 will cross at Hood River (new bridge, anyone?) and west on narrow old SR14, entering Skamania County as it crosses the White Salmon River.

sheepster — Thu March 6th 4:02p.m.

The scenic area is being threatened from every direction. In the case of the broughton development, 44 400ft high windmills are being proposed for the top of the mountain and the broughton condos on the river, while the residents of Underwood who are in the scenic area are under very restrictive rules for what and how they can use and develop their land. The bottom line is that Skamania County would rather sell their soul and their resources for short term gain rather than proceeding with development in a measured fashion that is fair and benificial to all.

concernedres — Thu March 6th 12:50p.m.

It was interesting listening to Jason Spadaro and Michael Lang. Michael said his group supports the existing zoning which would allow 175 RVs. As Roger Nichols said, there are four Commercial Recreation zoned sites but none have been redeveloped for their intended purposes since the Management Plan was approved. Doesn't this prove that the existing zoning doesn't work? Obviously the Gorge Commission recognizes this reality or they wouldn't be proposing to amend the Management Plan. Michael Lang said the economist they hired found the existing zoning to be viable but the owners of 4 of the RV campgrounds nearest the Broughton site told the Gorge Commission that they were barely scraping by due to low year-round use. Also, do we really want more smoke-belching, gas guzzling RVs driving through the Gorge anyway?

subrookie — Thu March 6th 12:54p.m.

The Scenic Act here in Klickitat Co. impacts how I paint my house, plant trees, put on a new roof much less build or change a structure. I don't have the dollars to buy an ammendment to the Act like the SDS. A federal ammendment to allow this corporate buy out sends a green light signal for more elitist development that benefits the wealthy, for the use of the wealthy. There are proposals to expand urban growth boundaries up and down our gorge, we don't need another town out here of condos. Drive through my little town in the winter and the big Mc Mansions are empty and dark, the little trailers and single wides are lit with the common folks that live here year round. We don't need more developments of second homes for wealthy people, who breeze in sprinkle some dollars around and let us serve them some fancy coffee. Sixty five jobs is nothing, what do you consider a living wage (12.00 an hour???, try buying a house on that). We are tired of being pushed around by big corporations out here.

ScenicActDweller — Thu March 6th 12:56p.m.

Good thoughts. The $12/hour figure is a goal that these workers will never see. Minimum wage is the only way to keep em in line!

Tim Stone — Thu March 6th 1:47p.m.

Why is it that the action/philosophy of environmentalists often seem rooted in attitudes of misanthropy?

annsherman — Thu March 6th 12:57p.m.

I am an environmentalist (obviously), and I have never NEVER thought of my actions/philosophy as being misanthropic. Places with healthy environments have an higher quality of life for the people in those areas. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, that you use, see, do, eat, breath, burn, build and walk on comes from the environment. It seems to me that being an environmentalist is being much more philanthropic than someone wanting to make a buck at any cost.

TomLea — Thu March 6th 1:15p.m.

To defend Tom, what is wrong with misanthropy? There is clearly much evidence to support the idea. Bush in power, WalMart and all the other things, people like Tom and myself might dislike - they all exist and thrive because of people. Don't they?

scottmil — Thu March 6th 1:55p.m.

I want a house of my own! I need a new body!! I'd like a new car! I want, I need, I'd like... But what I want is not important. The land, the air, the water, they don't understand my wants, needs, or likes. The land, air, and water don't owe me anything. But I do owe the land, air, and water. The land is my Mother. The air is my Mother. The water is my Mother. I must respect my Mother and stand up for her...I must speak on her behalf. The Columbia River Gorge cannot take any more of all this love that everyone seems to have developed for her! They want to build more houses, more highways, more buildings, more casinos, more resorts, more of everything, on her body. A beautiful woman (like Mother Earth) attracts a lot of lovers who make many promises about respecting her in the morning--BUT a smart woman knows when to say "NO" and Mother Earth is a heck of a smart woman. And she's saying "NO!" to her own destruction. This isn't love, this off-reservation casino that's being proposed. These days, she's not happy, my Mother. I respect my Mother. The Warm Springs Tribe should, too. She's their Mother, too.

mjrepar — Thu March 6th 12:58p.m.

mjrepar:
Ghandi said "the earth supplies enough for every man's needs but not enough for every man's greed."

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:06p.m.

Scenic Act Amendment ? DENY!
Public outcry is 80% against a plan amendment ? how does the gorge commission even justify proposing one? The mission of the Columbia Gorge Commission is to work on behalf of public interest vs. private enrichment to (quote) ?establish, implement and enforce policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge?. An amendment violates the Scenic Act by allowing irresponsible development in the Columbia Gorge, forever destroying our spectacular natural resources and world-renowned recreational areas.

The Scenic Act must not be amended to accommodate privatization. ECONorthwest, an economic consulting company, has proven the existing Scenic Act plan to be economically viable and consistent with the recreational needs of the Gorge. If private enterprise does not wish to develop within the existing guidelines stipulated by the CONGRESSIONALLY passed Scenic Act, then they have numerous options. Sell the land to someone willing to comply to existing requirements; leave it as is and let nature reclaim the land; or, surprise!, be philanthropic and donate the property for true recreational purposes as a park, preserving ? rather than destroying - our rapidly diminishing wild spaces.
I demand the Gorge Commission staff upholds its responsibility to enforce the scenic Act as it stands ?
NO AMENDMENT

*publications quoted:
SE Group Charette 9.14.2005
2.3 Market/Economics Opportunities
ﾷ Niche market: wealthy windsurfers

SE Group Economic Impact Analysis 1.18.2006
On target market:
??A high priced quality resort will attract more affluent buyers and add prestige and visibility to the area in general.? (p11)
??and target upscale buyers with higher price points than what is currently sold in the area.? (p 13)
?In particular, these new lodging units will satisfy customers who are willing to spend more on their lodging and who put value on privacy,
additional space, quality finishes and facilities and resort-style amenities.? (p17)

TOLcomments — Thu March 6th 12:58p.m.

We are already dealing with the adverse effects on the AIR QUALITY of the COAL PLANT out east. The CONDOS at the Hatchery will be available YEAR ROUND and all of those 900 or (by Spadaro's own count) will be using CARS to get around. (more traffic than part time RVs!!!)Add the million or so Casino goers cars.
The Gorge Commission needs to study the CUMMULATIVE effects on air quality if nothing else.

WhiteSalmon — Thu March 6th 1:13p.m.

I'm in Yamhill County. The casino near me is no impact until I drive. (Unless you count the higher real estate prices for living near them.) The road out here kills. A lot. Hwy 18 has always been a trouble spot for accidents, but the casino traffic both clogs it and makes travelling it tricky, especially on Fridays. I84 is not known for having a lot of spare capacity, especially for any traffic originating on the west side of the Willamette going east.

Given just the carbon offset needed for that amount of traffic, how can it not be a danger to the airshed here? (Where we can see Portland as a rather hazy airshed when looking at Mt. Hood, something one doesn't see inside Portland City limits looking out.) So the proposed casino would put even more damage to the airshed into the Gorge.

I know the Warms Springs would do a good job and perhaps need the casino to offset timber revenues. Me, I'd rather see them in the old buildings (remodelled) in the Willamette Falls industrial area in Oregon City and save the targeted user folks a lot of travel. Putting the casino in the Gorge as economic development only makes sense if you like how Los Angeles was developed. Not that I've ever even been in either of the two casinos near me...but if folks want to throw money away and then complain about high taxes, let democratic pocket book logic rule! Just make sure the known and predictable impacts are minimized.

Chestnut — Thu March 6th 1:13p.m.

Let?s be honest?that old mill site is a mess that benefits no one. Redeveloping the mill site as a ?sustainable resort? like Jason described is the only realistic way to improve it. The Stevensons have too much invested to simply give it away or let it go back to nature. The state park doesn?t need it and doesn?t have the $ to buy and clean up industrial sites. In order to redevelop the site, the developers will required to make recreational enhancements. That means they?ll have to build a much-needed new parking lot for the Hatch which they won?t if the site gets redeveloped under the current zoning. We should see this as the opportunity it is, not some threat!

Windaddict — Thu March 6th 2:10p.m.

The proposed Broughton Landing Project would be greatly beneficial to the entire Gorge. Not only would it clean up a fire-prone former industrial site, it will add much needed hotel space, improve safety to river access and generate additional tax revenue to Skamania County and the surrounding communities. The Gorge Commission Director's report concerning the plan amendment addressed changed conditions very thoroughly. Life in the Gorge is different than it was when the Scenic Area legislation occurred.

Jamie Tolfree — Thu March 6th 2:14p.m.

Jamie, you need to do a much better job of listening to your district. You are promoting both Broughton and the upcoming Windmill project in the heart of your own district and your constituents do NOT want either. I cannot understand how an elected official acts in such a manner, I voted for you but will not make the same mistake again and neither will my neighbors. It's also insulting to use the "fire" as an argument in favor of broughton. A better direction would be to work with the Gorge Commission and Skamania County Planning to help residents do selective thinning and fire reduction activities on their property and the bluff.

concernedres — Thu March 6th 4:17p.m.

What hotel space? A hotel like Skamania Lodge WOULD be a much better use of the land and would promote recreation. That is a plan the community could rally behind. The amendment and directors report discuss condos, townhomes, and cabins that are privately owned. This promotes exclusion of the general public.

concernedres — Thu March 6th 4:50p.m.

With respect to Broughton: If all of the commentors had read the Gorge Commission's executive director's report, their comments would be far more meaningful. I live very close to the proposed development, have followed it closely for many years, and I am appalled at the disinformation campaign being promoted by the Portland-based Friends of the Gorge.
The commission's staff recommendation specifically bans full-time housing and limits the size of the units.
We are talking about a former industrial site that is separated from the riverfront by the highway and the railroad. By any standard, turning an industrial site into a resort is a downzone. From a scenic standpoint, would you really rather look at an RV park than a stick-built resort? From a recreation standpoint, will a campground be less likely to overwhelm the recreation resource that is the Hatchery State Park?
Is the scale of this propoal appropriate outside of an urban area in the national scenic area? Should the proposed ammendment be tightened up? These are key questions for the commission. An informed public should provide informed input.
I don't think OPB staff framed this topic very well. "Condos and Casinos" sounds slick, grabs the attention and throws up a vision that horrifies the many who love this place, but it misrepresents both issues.
I love this show and see huge potential for it to inform the public on questions of this nature, but each of your topics for today could have filled the hour and more. I guess I see a missed opportunity here.

sheepster — Thu March 6th 2:46p.m.

I listened to Mr. Nichols report on diminishing income of the Warm Springs Tribe. What noone seems to take into consideration is that the Tribe has spent millions on trying to get this casino into Cascade Locks. They have full time lobbyists, lawyers, etc. working for them. In addition, the tribe receives millions from the Federal Government. Between 2001 & 2005 the Office of Management & Budget reported grants, awards, etc. in the amount of $132,980,153. This is for a reservation of approximately 4000 members. Those are just the awards over $300,000. The smaller ones were not reported, nor were funds from the State. So, between their businesses & awards, I would not call them impoverished. There are many towns that receive less monies.

Carol Taylor — Thu March 6th 2:54p.m.

On the Casino: perfect world, the Great White Father would not have removed his children from their ancestral home on the mighty Columbia and they would still be catching plentiful salmon and fleecing euro-americans with their stick game. The Indian Gaming Act would not have been written by Congress as a way to compensate for the many insults perpetrated by our government against the Indian people over the last few hundred years.
That said, the original proposal by the Warm Springs was to relocate their casino to highly visible land the tribe owns in the scenic area proper, just east of Hood River. Someone suggested that it might be more appropriate in an Urban Area, so the tribe entered into discussions with the Port of Cascade Locks.
That Port property could legally be used to host any sort of industrial use - up to and including an LNG terminal. Many of these potential uses make even a gigantic casino look innocuous by comparison.
Again, for opponents to call this a "casino in the heart of a national treasure," is misleading. Urban areas (like Cascade Locks) within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are exempt from scenic area regulations.
Cascade Locks has languished while other Gorge towns have prospered. It doesn't even have a pharmacy, let alone a hospital. Visit Cascade Locks, the schools and city hall, and imagine (really visualize) living there.
Remember, Cascade Locks is in Hood River County, one of the counties taking a hit from Congress's inaction on extending the Secure Rural Schools Act, money doled out to counties hit by the curtailed logging on federal forest land within the counties. They can't expect much help from county government.
The Warm Springs have shown outstanding sensitivity to social and environmental concerns. If anybody can bring such a thing into a community in the right way, they are the ones.
The really big guns here are the Grand Rondes, who are afraid some of their customers will be drawn away to the Warm Springs casino. These casinos need to draw from a huge population to succeed. I think it's safe to say that there is only room for one casino in the Gorge, and this one manages to be in a Urban Area that needs the help. The tribe has said it would operate shuttles to transport customers.
The site in Cascade Locks is far better for the Gorge than the Hood River site.

sheepster — Thu March 6th 3:34p.m.

testing

cbonner — Thu March 6th 4:02p.m.

Tourism is big here in the gorge, timber dollars are going away. I live here in the gorge and do not care to drive to Stevenson or Hood River to work, I want to work closer to where I live (Mill A).... the development at the Hatchery (Broughton) would allow that to happen. Is it a perfect fit? Maybe, maybe not.... Will there be a resort in Carson, in Home Valley, in Moser because one is allowed at Broughton.... most likely not.
Portlanders like to have their Gorge the way it was when they last visited... they don't care if the people that choose to live among Mother Nature instead of visit it can't make it and eventually sell out and move... we here in East Skamania County that aren't college graduates and need to work want this development for jobs, for our children's jobs - minimum wage jobs trumps minimum wage jobs where you have to drive further, pay bridge toll, even possibly pay income tax in a state where you work but don't reside...
Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love the wildlife and lack of congestion and people in general that living in the Gorge affords, but putting food on the table (for customers at the Broughton Resort) in order to bring food home on the table for your family seems like a tradeoff I can live with.

kodapup — Thu March 6th 7:40p.m.

kodapup,
Let's encourage people to move to where the jobs ARE, not move jobs to where the people are, especially in environments that would suffer from increased population pressure.
Many more of us would love to live in the Gorge than the Gorge can accommodate. Why encourage that?
PS I don't live in the Portland area.

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:24p.m.

?I am a Corbett resident of ten years, within the scenic area.

The Casino: The Cascade Locks casino isn?t really about bringing tourism to the gorge, it?s
about bringing gamblers here from Portland. Oregon?s present policy on gambling is to use its
road system as a buffer between gamblers and casinos. Right now Spirit Mountain has the prime
position in relation to Portland, but 50 miles of two-lane road keeps a lot of would-be gamblers
righteous. I-84 can deliver more gamblers more efficiently to Cascade Locks, except for that
pesky National Scenic Area. Given the pollution issues in the gorge, the specter of $4 per gallon
gas, and the state?s road and infrastructure crisis, making people drive long distances to do what
they want to in order to discourage them is idiotic. Until we face this issue, the river involved is
de Nile, not the Columbia.

The casinos should just be put in Portland. It will take state and federal political work to make it
happen, but in this lottery-driven state the morals argument just doesn?t hold up any more. Put
the casinos next to the Rose Garden, and that failed urban renovation area will have a guaranteed
fix, and the traffic and glitz of casinos will be where it belongs -- in a real urban area, not the
gorge. All the tribes can reach a formula for dividing the profits (I do approve of the historic
poetic justice of tribes profiting from the white man?s vice).

Broughton?s Landing: The revenue figures given by the project?s representative on air this
morning (65 ?family wage? jobs and one million per year in taxes) really sound pretty
insignificant. The project will surely be designed to keep residents? dollars on site. The
surrounding community should be very skeptical of claims that lots of jobs will be generated.
The same pattern has played out in Bend over the last two-plus decades. What really gets
delivered is part-time, no-benefits, minimum wage jobs involving housekeeping and landscape
maintenance. This project is obviously designed to make money for its investors, not to spread it
around the hopeful local community.

rhilcorbett — Thu March 6th 8:24p.m.

In response to rhilcorbett
Your suggestion about putting a casino in the heart of Portland makes way too much sense and therefore will be ignored.

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:39p.m.

the problem of the gorge building could be easily answered. following the guidelines that the Wild and Scenic area on the Rogue River. low profile buildings back from the river. I would add the mill could used by repairing the buildings, so they look rustic and paint them brown or green to blend in, the inside would be modern. the casino could use the same process. further the traffic problem could be solved by using shuttles either busses or horses and wagons. the wagons would also be a point of interest. the parking would be away from the river and therefore the traffic problem could be kept down, some people could be ferried to the places by boat, another selling point.

momknowsbest — Thu March 6th 10:26p.m.

First,
I thought the show was poorly planned and executed. More than forty minutes spent on a relatively minor issue (condos), and then barely any time left to delve into the casino issue - the 600 pound gorilla of the Gorge with huge environmental, economic and traffic consequences for a whole region.

Then more time wasted with a lengthy and completely unchallenged (by the interviewer) interview with Cascade Lock's mayor, then literally no time left at all for any arguments to weigh in counter to his tall claims. In the end, the main counter voice to the development, the lawyer for the Friends, got his 15 seconds, being cut off at 9:59 sharp. Guys, plan better!

The Gorge's scenic splendor will collapse under the weight and size of this casino and its traffic and air impact, if built as proposed. Anyone who has ever set foot inside a casino, like Spirit Mountain, for example, will quickly realize that the Cascade Locks casino will be anything but a 'resort'. It is going to be yet another sad, sad place, like all other casinos, mostly visited by sour-looking, chain-smoking, gambling addicts and retirees who are delusional about the real odds and payoffs in a gambling hall; a casino staffed with a few underpaid workers with little or no benefit plans, and about as far away as you can possibly be from healthy economical development in Cascade Locks or the serenity at this most spectacular part of the Gorge (at least for now.)

And don't give me this bit aboutthis being a sound plan for a region's 'economic development':

Most of the profits will be syphoned off to the big casino developers (I did not say Mafia) in Nevada and New Jersey. And, show me any casino development in Oregon whose profits have turned a tribe at large around, economically, to the point where it could move away from this terrible form of addiction!

The costs to our region do not justify under any circumstance (except deceit and lies) the supposed pay-offs.

Shame on you, Governor Kulongoski who, more than any other elected leader, keeps driving this ill-conceived plan along, for reasons I still don't understand.

capitanfrugales — Fri March 7th 12:03a.m.

I just want to add my agreement to all points in this posting. I posted earlier in this thread and had many of the same points.

Regarding the planning of the show, I also agree. This show has potential, but I listen to it painfully. It rambles a lot. It seems often the back stories go on too long and it takes 20 minutes to get into any real meat. Also, it feels like the hosts don't really have a good idea where they want to go and let the conversation drift as they follow an extemporaneous trail of some comment made by a guest. This is off topic for the Gorge, so I will end here, but I feel the show needs to sharpen up if it is to survive.

michaelw — Fri March 7th 3:26p.m.

Thank you. I absolutely agree with you about your inability to understand Kulongoski's support. And now the Oregonian's editorial page has weighed in on the same side! For me, there are huge social and environmental reasons to oppose the casino. I simply don't believe that the benefits touted by the supporters will come to pass. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is too precious and too fragile to gamble it away on this huge project. Once gone, it will be gone.

Susan Sowles — Mon March 10th 7:59p.m.

OK - my fault for not logging in sooner. I am a Native Oregonian and there have been so many posts from known developers that no one will get down this far to read this so here it goes:

STOP the growth.

The Columbia Gorge will be ruined by developer's and the relax of the current laws in place. Wait a minute - I forget that money talks and shit walks and that is what is all about. A good thing that I am moving to Montana so I can warn them about the travesty that will befall those that reamin...

farmerziffel — Tue March 11th 5:09a.m.

farmerziffle,
You should read "Collapse" by Jared Diamond to hear about environmental problems in Montana.

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:15p.m.

I haven't read all the responses, nor did I hear the program, but I've talked with friends about this in the past. I realize the condos and casino are a big deal, but the real problem in my opinion is the --cking Dalles dam that drowns Celilo falls. My parents used to go watch the indians fish the falls. I was born just too late and I feel robbed. I can't imagine how robbed the indians must feel. For the sake of salmon what we should really be fighting for is dam removal. Especially the Snake river dams. John Kitzhaber has a great plan for this. Listen to him sometime.

Kloochman — Wed March 12th 5:12p.m.

I read some of the posts from "Think Out Loud" and see that many don't understand the Bridge of the Gods Casino is not an item for the Columbia River Gorge Commission to decide and the Washington Destination resort is not in the same category as the casino in terms of processes. The agreements are drafted bi-state, and with elected multiple municipalities and county governments. Also that the Columbia River Tribes never left the Gorge in terms of living, working, and conducting traditional harvest practices. They are co-managers in every sense.

The other item to note it is the Draft EIS statement that is up for comment. The Casino is not "up for votes." The BIA is asking for citizens to comment specifically on the materials in the draft that has been made through the study of several agencies, and the Warm Springs Tribes. It costs millions to produce and the Tribes are paying for it. There is no "debate" per se, but every comment is considered.

At the Portland hearing Dennis Karnopp, Warm Springs attorney, said the director of FOG, opponent to this development told him about the industrial site at Cascade Locks and that he could look up the listing on "Craigs list." So, it is ironic that the winds can change at any moment, and people change their stories to suit.

There is a lot more to this story and I believe "Think Out Loud" is presenting a bia against Indian Casinos. Tribal Casinos are responsible for over 8,000 jobs in Oregon, and all of those employees pay taxes. This does not include employees of the tribes in other areas of their business and government. The Tribes in Oregon and Washington are major economic and environmental players on the state, national and international level. They form coalitions, and work with their neighbors in profound ways. Many corporations would better serve their communities if they did the same. Share their profits for higher education for all, and salmon recovery. Right?

The Tribes work together to watch what is going on on the rivers, are responsible for reports that sounded the alarm on the amount of contaminants in the fish, and recently reported from hard data the PGE Boardman plant is responsible for over half of the air pollution in the Columbia River Gorge.

As for commutability, if you lived in a rural setting, you would know people in Central Oregon, and those who cannot live in a gentrified Hood River commute to several jobs in order to live. The Bridge of the Gods Casino proposes working with the municipalities on a long range transportation plan. Just think if we bused in those millions upon millions of people who simply drive to Multnomah Falls what emissions would be prevented. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz testified that they transport their employees an hour and a half each way. If Indian people were required to stay and work on reservations, the 4,926 Grand Ronde tribal members would have to stay on their 11.040 acres which is little less than all the parks in the Portland Area (9,400 acres)combined and the Klamath membership of 3,552 stay on 390 acres.

Umatilla, Warm Springs were not terminated in the 50-60s so retained what remained of their reservation, even through the disastrous allotment act, and the responsibilities of their Treaties. When the tribes in Western Oregon and the Klamath Tribes were reinstated they had to build their land base from practically nothing. The casinos they planned were built on lands off reservation. They had their lands turned to trust by the terms of the 1988 Casino Gaming act, without an EIS.

Look at the Draft EIS and make informed comments on the plans and proposal to lessen negative impacts. It is the process. www.gorgecasinoeis.com

Sizzle — Fri March 14th 7:53p.m.

Comments are now closed.