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HR 5583 99th Congress House

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act

Official title: A bill to protect and provide for the enhancement of the resources of the Columbia River Gorge, and for other purposes.

Introduced: September 23, 1986 See on congress.gov
Water Resources Development Federal-local relationsInterstate commissionsInterstate compactsInterstate rivers
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Land useLocal and Municipal GovernmentOregonParks and Natural AreasPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesPublic Lands and Real PropertyRiversStatesWashington StateWater and Water Resources DevelopmentWild rivers
This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 7, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation.
Oct 7, 1986
For Further Action See H.R.5625.
Oct 6, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Forest, Family Farms, and Energy.
Oct 1, 1986
Executive Comment Requested from USDA.
Sep 23, 1986
Referred to House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
Sep 23, 1986
Referred to House Committee on Agriculture.
Sep 23, 1986
Introduced in House
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 Latest action October 7, 1986

Referred to Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act - Establishes the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Washington and Oregon. Designates special management and urban areas within such scenic area. Permits minor revisions in such areas, as specified.

Provides for the establishment by Oregon and Washington of the Columbia Gorge Commission to manage such area. Includes representatives from affected counties within both States on the Commission.

Directs the Commission to adopt a management plan for the Scenic Area within three years. Requires such plan to include: (1) a resource inventory; (2) land use designations; (3) guidelines for the adoption of zoning ordinances; and (4) a cooperative recreation plan. Sets forth standards for determining land use. Requires intergovernmental involvement in and Secretarial approval of such plan. Provides for plan revision and amendment.

Requires each affected county to submit to the Commission zoning ordinances consistent with prescribed guidelines. Sets forth submittal, approval, and amendment procedures for such ordinances.

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the Federal lands within the special management areas according to forest and multiple-use management regulations applicable to the national forests. Requires the Secretary to develop land use designations and guidelines within three years. Requires each county to develop approved land use regulations consistent with such guidelines.

Sets forth land acquisition and exchange policies within the Area, providing interim management guidelines.

Requires rivers and streams within the Area to be maintained free of additional projects except as specified to maintain the character of the Area.

Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include a segment of the White Salmon River, and the Klickitat River, Washington.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to counties to develop implementation measures under this Act. Sets forth terms of payments of timber receipts to the States of Washington and Oregon and real property tax compensation to local governments.

Requires the Commission to monitor activities of counties pursuant to this Act, empowering the Commission to institute civil actions to enforce the requirements of this Act. Authorizes citizen suits as specified. Establishes civil penalties for violations and grants U.S. district courts in Oregon and Washington jurisdiction over civil actions and appeals brought pursuant to this Act.

Authorizes appropriations.

States which rights and responsibilities remain unchanged by this Act.

States that the validity of provisions under this Act are severable.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Committees of jurisdiction 4
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 5583: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-5583/
MLA
"H.R. 5583: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-5583/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 5583, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-5583/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 5583: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-5583/)
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