Open Gorge: The Skamania Dispatch & Klickitattler

Kate

Welcome to Open Gorge, your audio bridge to local government, infrastructure, and community news in the Columbia River Gorge. Hosted by the founder of Open Gorge, Kate Bertash, this podcast brings the in-depth, civic-minded reporting of The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler newsletters straight to your headphones. We break down the public meetings you didn't have time to attend, track local infrastructure projects, and decode the regional policy decisions that directly impact your daily life. Whether you are a Columbia Gorge resident commuting across the river, following local elections, or tracking where your tax dollars are going, we provide clear, factual summaries of what’s changing and what’s coming next. Our unified feed covers the entire Gorge. Check the title of each episode to see if we are covering Skamania County, Klickitat County, or regional issues that impact us all. Listen to what matters most to your neighborhood, or stay tuned for the full regional picture. Subscribe to the written newsletters and join the community at SkamaniaDispatch.com.

  1. 2d ago

    [All-Gorge] 🌳 The Tree I Didn't Cut Down - Letter From the Editor

    A black locust in my yard became a Washington noxious weed this January. The healthiest native ground on our place is underneath it. Here's what years of pulling ivy taught me about a word I had been using without thinking, and why I'm starting a series about owls and salmon with a tree. In This Episode The ivy, the collapsed burrows, and the day the robins came backBraiding Sweetgrass, chapter nineDesired and noxious in the same sentenceWhat a noxious weed legally is, in three linesWhy our county's own list mattersNitrogen, and a tree that stops giving when you stop needingMiner's lettuce, and what I still can't proveGermany's Tree Queen, and the case for a hearingThe name that's wrong and can't be fixedTolerance, and who is really controlling whomSlowing down on one wordWhat this has to do with owls and salmonResources & Links Read the full written edition at skamaniadispatch.comWashington's black locust listing: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/black-locustWhat a noxious weed legally is, RCW 17.10.010: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=17.10.010Skamania County Noxious Weeds List 2026: https://www.skamaniacounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/17742/639106382161400000USFS Silvics of North America on black locust: https://research.fs.usda.gov/silvics/black-locusttop agrar on Germany's Tree of the Year: https://www.topagrar.com/jagd-und-wald/news/robinie-als-baum-des-jahres-polarisiert-12038026.htmlThe Czech site-specific framework: https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/11909/The Town That Was: Remembering the Underwood Fire 80 Years Later: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/the-town-that-was-remembering-the-underwood-fire-80-years-later/Stay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  2. 4d ago

    [All-Gorge] 🌡 What Science Says On CRT Heat & Magnetic Fields - EFSEC Sept '26

    Washington's energy siting council, EFSEC, got its first look at 772 comments on the power line that would run along the bed of the Columbia. A Scenic Area fight, a notice that never ran in the Skamania County paper, and a hearing decision set for October. Plus a plain look at what the science says about cable heat, magnetic fields and fish. In This Episode The 772 comments, sortedDoes the Scenic Area reach the riverbed?The Title 22 agreementThe notice that didn't runAnother hearing, or notCable heat: the river versus the riverbedMagnetic fields and fishHow old this technology isCarriger Solar's cleanup plan slipsOstrea's ribbon cuttingBadger Mountain withdrawnResources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comEFSEC's summary of the land use comments: https://efsec.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/20260916_CRT_CouncilLUCommentSummary.pdfEFSEC's EIS scoping report: https://efsec.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/20260915_SEPA%20EIS%20Scoping%20Report%20EFSEC.pdfCascade Renewable Transmission project page and documents: https://efsec.wa.gov/facilities/cascade-renewable-transmissionOur February special report on the line: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/special-report-cascade-renewable-transmission-an-underwater-power-line-with-a-long-road-ahead/EFSEC meetings and join links: https://efsec.wa.gov/hearings-and-meetingsStay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  3. 6d ago

    [Klickitat] 🧮 Budget Season Meets Data-Center Season - Klickitat BOCC 9/16 - 10/6

    Klickitat County commissioners backed drafting interim zoning instead of a data-center moratorium, and the permanent draft ordinance asks for less on buffers, power and water on its second try. We also cover the ADU decision, a Husum short plat appeal, 911 and senior services in budget season, and the Bear Creek Bridge closure. In This Episode Interim zoning, or "moratorium light"Draft 1 vs. Draft 2 of the data-center ordinancePetitions and a commissioner who still backs a pauseADUs: bigger, owner on site, one short-term rentalA firmer count of short-term rentals and a $200 feeThe Tomahawk Road short plat appealBudget workshops: 911, public health, seniors, roadsSupplemental budget hearing October 27Bear Creek Bridge closed October 19 to November 6The Hood River bridge and the county's landWhere the budget and data centers meetResources & Links Read the full written Klickitattler round-up at skamaniadispatch.comKlickitat County data center information and draftsBear Creek Bridge closure and detourOur September round-upStay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  4. Oct 9

    [Klickitat] ⚽️ Parks Improvement Dreams - Goldendale Sept '26 Round-up

    Goldendale's City Council heard its first comprehensive parks plan in 26 years, then tabled it until the mayor is back. Plus the mayor's ask for data center impact fees, the end of the Kiwanis Club, and a police chief who wants one court for every case. And before all that, the Timmerman curse. In This Episode Cabinet of curiosities: the Timmerman curseThe parks plan, its $2.8 million wish list, and the splash padData centers, impact fees, and what the county can actually doSchool pickup and the towing grace periodOne court, one prosecutorThe Kiwanis Club folds, and the downtown flagsFree CPR classes and Maryhill at 100Resources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comThe Timmerman story, from HistoryLink: https://www.historylink.org/File/7808The 1888 fire, from HistoryLink: https://www.historylink.org/File/7802Our Klickitat County commissioners round-up on data centers: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/between-budget-gaps-data-centers-klickitat-bocc-8-19-9-15/RCO's planning requirements for park grants: https://rco.wa.gov/recreation-and-conservation-office-grants/grant-requirements/planning-requirements/Goldendale agendas, packets, minutes and meeting video (the full parks plan is in the September 21 packet): https://www.ci.goldendale.wa.us/your-government/city-council/agendas-minutesStay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  5. Oct 7

    [Skamania] 🧾 The Emergency Ends - North Bonneville Sept '26 Round-Up

    First, a Halloween-month tale of the night Skamania County's records left town. Then: North Bonneville formally ended its water emergency in September. The same month, the City Council paid a second contractor bill it said came with no breakdown, and voted down an independent review of how the city lost its operators. This episode covers the North Bonneville City Council and the North Bonneville Planning Commission for September 2026. In This Episode Cabinet of curiosities: the Whiskey Flat heistResolution 597 and the end of the emergencyEcology's 32-hour change and the new monthly costThe $13,918.75 invoiceThe independent review that failedA public hearing request, email rules and the Mayor Pro TemMinutes that don't match the tapeA master fee scheduleLibrary hours and rentFire department gear and turkey bingoThe planning handoff to Skamania CountyGoats and sheep on East CascadeResources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comThe Whiskey Flat heist, from HistoryLink: Skamania County Thumbnail HistoryLast month's coverage of the emergency: A City w/o an Operator & Council w/o a ContractNorth Bonneville council agendas, recordings and minutes: northbonneville.netPlanning Commission agendas: northbonneville.net/planning/meetingsThe state law on complaints and public hearings: RCW 42.30.110North Bonneville library hours: FVRLStay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  6. Oct 5

    [Klickitat] 🌊 Riparian Buffers Rebuffed - Bingen Sept '26 Round-up

    For the second year running, Bingen's City Council heard that state science calls for wider buffers along Dry Creek and Jewett Creek, and said no again. Plus a council resignation, a mural dispute that turned into a collaboration, and a 1963 sewer line that turned out to belong to White Salmon. In This Episode Cabinet of curiosities: the depot signThe Critical Areas Ordinance workshop and the creek buffersWho can appeal, and howThe mural, revisitedA council seat opens, and two applicantsThe Skyline Hospital sewer lineThe flood ledger, nearly closedThe crosswalk, sixty trains a day, and a culvert from 2002Resources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comThe depot story, from HistoryLink: https://www.historylink.org/File/23513Our January round-up on the 2026 buffer decision: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/a-student-speaks-councils-decide-klickitat-city-govts-round-up-jan-26/Our August Bingen round-up: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/a-door-through-the-mural-bingen-august-26-round-up/Bingen agendas, minutes and Zoom links: https://www.bingenwashington.org/AgendaCenterRCW 36.70A.280, who can petition the Growth Management Hearings Board: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.70A.280Stay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  7. Oct 2

    [Skamania] 💧 Rezone Denied, Water Running Short - Stevenson Sept '26 Round-up

    Stevenson's City Council turned down the Attwell Road rezone its Planning Commission had recommended. Nobody spoke in favor, and the owners never came. Plus a plan to share planners with Skamania County and North Bonneville, a water system with about 40 hookups left, and a pump that didn't start. In This Episode Cabinet of curiosities: the man with the lanternThe Attwell Road rezone, from recommendation to denialA staff correction on the environmental reviewSharing planners with the county and North BonnevilleCity administrator interviewsThe EDC contract and its three-number typoThe pump station overflowA water hookup outside city limits, and 40 left insideBackwoods Brewing moves to a state permitCascade transmission, from the siting councilResources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comThe man with the lantern, from the Columbia Gorge Museum: https://www.columbiagorge.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Wills_Peter_Samuel_Corwine.pdfOur August Stevenson round-up: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/who-actually-plans-stevenson-august-26-round-up/Stevenson agendas, packets and video: https://www.ci.stevenson.wa.us/meetingsThe Sept. 17 council video: https://vimeo.com/1227930016EFSEC's Cascade Renewable Transmission page: https://efsec.wa.gov/facilities/cascade-renewable-transmissionStay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

  8. Oct 1

    [Klickitat] 🛑 Failed Moratorium & Successful Appeal - White Salmon Sept '26 Round-up

    White Salmon's City Council voted down the dollar store moratorium with one vote in favor, then reset its budget around a one million dollar storm grant. The Planning Commission read its code to allow two duplexes on one lot after a hearing examiner ruling, and the Tree Board started writing its own ordinance. Plus: Jewett needs nine volunteers to close for Halloween, and how to get certified as a flagger. In This Episode How the moratorium failed, and the city's two accounts of where it came fromThe budget amendment and the comprehensive plan cutThe storm repair's three-step funding planThe house on Wauna AvenueThe Westwinds sewer line questionTwo duplexes on one lot, and the hearing examiner ruling behind itThe Tree Board and the white oak woodland puzzleHalloween closure volunteers and flagger certificationResources & Links Read the full written Dispatch at skamaniadispatch.comOur August White Salmon round-up: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/the-dollar-store-white-salmon-august-26-round-up/White Salmon agendas and minutes: https://www.whitesalmonwa.gov/186/Agendas-MinutesWashington's flagger card rule, WAC 296-155-305: https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-155-305Flagger classes near the Gorge (Chemeketa trainer list): https://www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/training-certificates/customized-training/flagger-training/Tree Board recording come from Columbia Gorge Documenters, powered by Uplift Local, used under CC BY 4.0. We cross-checked with notes by Documenter Caroline Elliott: https://upliftlocal.news/columbia-gorge/columbia-gorge-documenters/ Disclosure: the Dispatch's publisher wrote to the Planning Commission and to Council on the small-box store proposal and to the Tree Board on the tree fee, in her personal capacity, not on the Dispatch's behalf. Stay Connected with the Gorge The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler are community-led projects of OpenGorge.org. To stay updated on local news, governance, and community events across the region, you can sign up for both newsletters at SkamaniaDispatch.com. For real-time updates and to join the conversation, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OpenGorge.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Open Gorge, your audio bridge to local government, infrastructure, and community news in the Columbia River Gorge. Hosted by the founder of Open Gorge, Kate Bertash, this podcast brings the in-depth, civic-minded reporting of The Skamania Dispatch and The Klickitattler newsletters straight to your headphones. We break down the public meetings you didn't have time to attend, track local infrastructure projects, and decode the regional policy decisions that directly impact your daily life. Whether you are a Columbia Gorge resident commuting across the river, following local elections, or tracking where your tax dollars are going, we provide clear, factual summaries of what’s changing and what’s coming next. Our unified feed covers the entire Gorge. Check the title of each episode to see if we are covering Skamania County, Klickitat County, or regional issues that impact us all. Listen to what matters most to your neighborhood, or stay tuned for the full regional picture. Subscribe to the written newsletters and join the community at SkamaniaDispatch.com.

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