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Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. MANAGEMENT PLAN for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area SEPTEMBER 1992 United States Department of Agriculture Vaughn Lein (Washington Governor) Ray Matthew (Wasco County) Louie Pitt, Jr. (Oregon Governor) Kristine Olson Rogers (Multnomah County) Nancy Sourek (Washington Governor) Bob Thompson (Clark County) Gorge Commission Staff Jonathan Doherty, Executive Director Nancy Andring, Secretary Allen L. Bell, Land Use Planner Jan Brending, Administrative Assistant Sinclair Kinsey, Land Use Planner Brian Litt, Land Use Planner USDA Forest Service, National Scenic Area Staff Arthur Carroll, Manager Michael Boynton, Archaeologist Dale Cummins, GIS Coordinator Robin L. Dobson, Natural Resource Planner Michael Ferris, Public Affairs Specialist Jurgen Hess, Planning and Design Staff Officer Virginia Pugh, Planning Team Leader Kevin Smith, GIS Specialist Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Adopted by the Columbia River Gorge Commission October 15, 1991 Concurrence by the Nat<onalLag i U.S. Secretary of Agriculture | ■ February 13,1992 JUN 4 ©93 S^LOGING PF!Ef. Printed September 1992 Introduction, Chapter Introductions, and Provisions for the General Management Area Prepared by: Columbia River Gorge Commission White Salmon, Washington Provisions for the Special Management Area Prepared by: USD A Forest Service, National Scenic Area Hood River, Oregon V The Columbia River Gorge Commission adopted the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on October 15, 1991. The introduction, chapter introductions, and provisions for the General Management Area were prepared by the Gorge Commission. The goals, policies, and guidelines for the Special Management Area were prepared by the USDA Forest Service, National Scenic Area and incorporated without change into the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture concurred with the plan on February 13, 1992. The following individuals played key roles in preparing the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Columbia River Gorge Commission (and Appointing Authority) Chair Stafford Hansell (Oregon Governor) Vice-Chair Pat Bleakney (Klickitat County) Barbara Bailey (Oregon Governor) Arthur Carroll (Secretary of Agriculture) Dave Cannard (Washington Governor) Stuart Chapin, Jr. (Washington Governor) Don Clark (Oregon Governor) Ray Matthew (Wasco County) Joyce Reinig (Hood River County) Kristine Olson Rogers (Multnomah Comity) Gayle Rothrock (Washington Governor) Nancy Sourek (Skamania County) Bob Thompson (Clark County) Gorge Commission Staff Richard Benner, Executive Director Nancy Andring, Secretary Sherril Anderson, Public Involvement Coordinator Allen L. Bell, Land Use Planner Jan Brending, Administrative Assistant James Johnson, Land Use Planner Sinclair Kinsey, Land Use Planner Brian Lift, Land Use Planner USDA Forest Service, National Scenic Area Staff Arthur Carroll, Manager Arthur DuFault, Manager Michael Boynton, Archaeologist Dale Cummins, GIS Coordinator Robin L. Dobson, Natural Resource Planner Michael Ferris, Public Affairs Specialist Jurgen Hess, Planning Staff Katherine Jesch, Planning Staff Michael Kania, Community Planner Rodney Mace, Land Use Coordinator Ann Matejko, Public Affairs Staff Kevin Smith, GIS Specialist Contents Page INTRODUCTION Overview of the Scenic Area Act 2 A Vision of the Columbia Gorge 3 Historical Background 7 Development of the Management Plan 9 Organization of the Management Plan 12 How to Use the Management Plan 13 PART I: RESOURCE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT Chapter 1: Scenic Resources 1-1 Introduction 1-1 Scenic Area Act Provisions 1-1 Inventories and Studies 1-1 Key Issues 1-2 Overview of Scenic Resources Provisions 1-3 GMA Provisions 1-3 Overall Scenic Provisions 1-3 Key Viewing Areas 1-6 Landscape Settings 1-14 Scenic Travel Corridors 1-32 Signs 1-37 SMA Provisions 1-40 References 1-46 Chapter 2: Cultural Resources 1-47 Introduction 1-47 Scenic Area Act Provisions 1-47 Inventories and Studies 1-48 Key Issues 1-49 Overview of Cultural Resources Provisions 1-49 CONTENTS Page GMA Provisions 1-50 SMA Provisions 1-69 References 1-75 Chapter 3: Natural Resources 1-77 Introduction 1-77 Scenic Area Act Provisions 1-77 Inventories and Key Laws and Programs 1-78 Key Issues 1-83 Overview of Natural Resources Provisions 1-83 GMA Provisions 1-85 Wetlands 1-85 Streams, Ponds, Lakes, and Riparian Areas 1-95 Wildlife Habitat 1-103 Rare Plants 1-111 Natural Areas 1-116 SMA Provisions 1-122 References 1-140 Chapter 4: Recreation Resources 1-141 Introduction 1-141 Scenic Area Act Provisions 1-141 Inventories and Studies 1-142 Key Issues 1-143 Overview of Recreation Resources Provisions 1-144 GMA Provisions: Overall Goals, Objectives, and Policies 1-145 Protection of Resources 1-145 Scenic Appreciation and Scenic Travel Corridors 1-146 Resource-Based Recreation 1-148 River Access and Protection of Treaty Rights 1-149 Interpretation/Education 1-150 Trails and Pathways 1-152 Transportation 1-154 Coordination 1-155 GMA Provisions: Recreation Intensity Classes 1-156 SMA Provisions: Overall Goal, Policies, and Guidelines 1-166 SMA Provisions: Recreation Intensity Classes 1-169 u