WHITE SALMON — Columbia River Gorge Commission director Darren Nichols announced Monday he plans to leave the agency in April to become associate director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a policy think-tank in Seattle.
Nichols joined the 13-member public commission three years ago after a series of deep budget cuts for the agency. He worked to stabilize funding, solve long-standing disputes, strengthen regional relationships, and address recreation and transportation concerns.
The commission, established through an agreement among the federal government, Washington and Oregon, oversees land use and resource protection for the 292,000-acre Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Nichols said he plans to remain available as needed while the commission seeks a successor.
