Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to transfer ownership of roughly 23 acres of the former Wind River Nursery from the U.S. Forest Service to Skamania County, Wash., recently received consideration by members of the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
“It’s a real win-win for the county because it helps the county develop recreational, historical and business opportunities that are going to draw in tourism to an amazing area and revenue, which will substantially benefit the citizens of Skamania County,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler at the March 1 congressional hearing.
The Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act, H.R. 5093, which Rep. Herrera Beutler sponsored in August 2021, aims to expand economic opportunities and help Skamania County solidify revenue to fund local services like roads, schools, police, and fire protection, according to information provided by the congresswoman’s staff.
Currently, 80 percent of the county’s land is owned by the federal government, with state and private timber land comprising much of the rest, leaving approximately 1.8 percent of land in Skamania County taxed at full market value, according to the information.
“I’m asking for your support for Congresswoman Herrera Beutler’s Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act, which will help continue efforts to repurpose an abandoned Forest Service administrative site into something that is a win-win for the agency and my community,” testified Skamania County Commissioner Tom Lannen.
Skamania County owns 187 acres adjacent to Wind River Nursery and wants to develop the acquired acreage to draw in tourism and additional revenue for the county, while also relieving the U.S. Forest Service of its financial responsibilities associated with the maintenance of buildings and facilities on the Wind River Nursery.