In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant concerns regarding land acquisition by the Forest Service in Skamania County, which has resulted in the loss of approximately 35% of the county's property tax base. Over the past 25 years, the Forest Service has acquired 27,000 acres of what was once private land, raising alarms among local leaders about the future of remaining private properties.

The primary request from county officials is for a congressional mandate to halt further sales of private land to the Forest Service until a financial compensation package can be negotiated to address the losses incurred. The urgency of this request stems from fears that, without intervention, the remaining private land could be entirely consumed within the next 40 years.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted ongoing negotiations regarding encumbered lands, with a focus on a recent proposal that would allocate revenue from land sales among the involved counties. Skamania County officials expressed a preference for a straightforward percentage-based distribution method, which would ensure a fair share of revenue based on the county's land contributions.

As discussions continue, county representatives are preparing to present their case to the House Appropriations Committee on December 10, emphasizing the need for a collaborative decision-making process among the affected counties. The outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for land management and local economies in the region.