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Mill A Community Action Committee Believing in the pride and promise of our community.
Looking west down the Columbia River towards Mill A.
Welcome!
This is truly our "home" page. Mill A and the neighboring communities of Willard, Chenowith and Cooks, Washington are located in Southwest Washington State in eastern Skamania County. The area is in the middle of the breath-taking Columbia River Gorge, a place rich in history and alive with natural beauty.
Mt. St. Helens is only 30 miles from Mill A, as is Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, some of the most spectacular mountains in the Cascades. Lewis & Clark passed through the area via the Columbia River in their trek to and from the Pacific Ocean. Our region is considered a gateway to some wonderful outdoor sites. Hiking, kayaking, camping, bicycling, caving, fishing, photography, windsurfing, snow sports, huckleberry harvesting-there is something for everyone no matter what the season. The people who live here are independent, friendly and committed to a unique quality of life. They have to be.
Extremely rural and
remote, these small unincorporated regions face serious challenges. The federal
government owns approximately 85% of the land in Skamania County, so business
and housing growth is very limited. Other large tracts are owned by private
timber companies. Local jobs are scarce. Economic and cultural resources
are few. School enrollments are declining or barely holding steady. Much of the
remaining land is steep and inaccessible, or is subject to land use rules under
the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Act. All too often, people in
this part of Skamania County felt left out of local decision making processes and
were concerned with the lack of communication with the county, state and federal governments.
Formed in 2003 as a non-profit organization, the Mill A Community Action Committee (CAC) consists of people living in the area. The CAC is not a governing body. It works on implementing portions of our Community Action Plan that are specific to Mill A, Willard, Cooks and Chenowith. Monthly meetings provide a forum for community residents to express their ideas, views and opinions on regional community development, local economic growth, area emergency services and other topics.
The CAC initiates contact and interaction with other groups, organizations or agencies, local or otherwise, to facilitate communication and exchanges of information from and to local residents. The Committee also teams with other community service groups to plan and assist with fundraising events and activities.
Contact us at mill-acac@gorge.net
Photo: Susan Phillips Last updated October 2005 |
