SKAMANIA COUNTY, Wash. (KATU) — Skamania County Sheriff Summer Scheyer is sounding the alarm about the cost impacts of search and rescue operations.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: KATU spoke with Skamania County earlier this year about spiking search and rescue operations

Scheyer says that, despite previous messaging about staying safe while recreating, search and rescue missions increased by 400% in May 2025 compared to May 2024.

She says she is working on a county ordinance that would allow deputies to cite someone if they engaged in what she calls reckless or negligent behavior before being rescued.

"I need to find a creative way to deter current behavior....while attempting to recoup the financial burden placed on our county for an unfunded state mandate," Scheyer stated.

She says the vast

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