Skamania County is on pace to set a new record for search and rescues this year. The 67 rescues conducted so far in 2025 already tie the previous record.

The costly rescues come as the county’s fiscal struggles continue because of gaps left by lost timber revenues and promised federal dollars that have not materialized.

Sheriff Summer Scheyer has drafted an ordinance that would institute fines for people deemed to be reckless or negligent who require rescue.

“It’s been submitted to our prosecutor for review,” she said.

Scheyer said she knows accidents happen and will always rescue anyone who needs it. But she’s frustrated seeing scarce resources sunk into situations where people attempted dangerous things with little preparation, she said. She hopes the potential ordinance will claw ba

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