Skamania County, wash, unprecedented numbers of unprecedented hikers are stuck and injured, and Sheriffs have enough. Now, Sheriff Summer Share is advocating an ordinance that will fix “careless or careless” hikers, which require search and rescue (SAR).
“We are not in the business of billing people from copy, but I want some kind of preventive,” Sheer told Gearjanki. “And I also want something self-realized. I believe people should take better decisions.”
In this May, Skamania County saw a 400% increase in SAR operations, compared to 2024, according to A. Facebook postIn its 2 years as a county sheriff, the stock stated that it has completely warned and educated visitors about the dangers of rebuilding the area. Sheriff’s office has made a video, posted signage, and campaigns about preparation and safety.
Despite the continuous message, however, the stock said the warning “deaf has fallen on the ears.” The number of SAR incidents has been touching the sky.
“I think we’re at 33 [rescues] Already to be close to the end of the month of June, “He said. Now they are entering the heat of summer, the busiest time of the year for SAR.
In his Facebook statement, Sheer stated that most Skamania County SAR missions include “non-residents acting in a careless or careless manner.” Therefore, he needed more creative methods to discourage people by endangering himself.
“This ordinance is still in the phase of the plan, but I believe it will be an additional preventive for those who take an extraordinary risk,” Sheer said.
‘Self-sanction’ for untrained hikers
Skamania County Sheriff Office SAR Team is largely an all-volunteer, 501 (c) (3) non-profit. Most of its operations come from donations. Scheyer said that the proposal is an attempt to “resume the financial burden placed on our county”. But it is also to prevent people from making poor decisions.
The above Facebook post lists a handful of SAR incidents from May of May this year, injuring a 21 -year -old man suffering from a 54 -year -old woman, injuring a 21 -year -old man after kayaking on a waterfall.
Does constitutes negligence or negligence?
Sheer said that she was criticized for that Facebook post as people said that the incidents were neither negligent nor careless. However, the post did not list all details for each case. For example, she said, a woman suffering from leg cramps on dog mountain was also undergoing chemotherapy at that time.
“On the surface, of course, all these can look like all normal activities,” Sheer said. “But in fact, they have lots of backgrounds that people are not just making the best options.”
Criticism raises an important question, however. Will the county determine whether anyone is really negligent or careless?
Sheer explained that it would not be different from determining criminal negligence or negligence. This would be just a “violation” instead of a criminal citation. The handling deputy deputy on the SAR team writes a report stating that they consider careless or careless. Then, the violations will have the process of going in front of a judge and beg the case. The fine can be reduced then, or even finishing, if the judge chooses.
“I think it is really important, really important. It’s something that is in the Constitution of our United States, and I don’t want to go out of it.”
What should be a rescue penalty?
Some have reported that the penalty for SAR can negatively affect overall security. As a Facebook commentator asked, “What happens if the SAR is actually needed, but the call has been delayed or not for fear of financial results?”
“This is one thing that is actually a huge weighed on me,” the share said. If this ordinance is passed, he hopes that the message will make it clear that each SAR operation will not be fined as a result. She also wants to clarify that people should not hesitate to call for help if it is really needed.
That is why determining the price of these fine will be such an important part of the county discussion about this. Sheer stated that Oregon has a state law with a negligent component, especially for SAR, and it determines a fine of $ 500. He has imposed a fine of up to $ 1,000 for Skamania County. He said that it needs to be balanced with covering the costs of the county and what is appropriate, he said.
“I’m really just trying to find that sweet place,” she said.
The first place is not the first place to propose a fine for SAR
The idea of paying penalty to hikers and other external enthusiasts for SAR operations is not completely novel. As Congress player Organizations, California, Idaho, Main, New Hampshire, Utah, and Oregon all already have laws that if their actions are considered negligent, they allow them to charge individuals for SAR costs.
some places, UtaAlso launched Utah Search and Rescue Assistance (USA) Card. Funds of those help support SAR costs across the state. They also give you exemption from non-medical costs associated with an emergency rescue.
Sherif Scheyer Skamania was open to the County to chase something similar. She does not want to add additional fees to Northwest Forest Pass, Discovery Pass, or other local pass, as she sees that as to punish everyone financially for some mistakes.
“But with one [Search and Rescue Assistance] The card, it is different, “he said.” Because you are choosing options in it. ,
This ordinance in Skamania County will only be a county-wide prohibition. It is an idea that is still in its early stage and will require a lot of plans on its share and interaction with the county commissioners. She believes that it may be effective, or it may not be. But nothing has tried that the SAR has affected the increasing number of incidents.
“I don’t have an ideal answer,” he said. “But I hope it can help.”
