Unprepared hikers are getting stranded and injured in unprecedented numbers in Skamania County, Wash., and the sheriff has had enough. Now, Sheriff Summer Scheyer is advocating for an ordinance that would fine “negligent or reckless” hikers who require search and rescue (SAR).
“We’re not in the business of billing people per se, but I do want some type of deterrent,” Scheyer told GearJunkie. “And I also want some self-accountability. I believe that people should be making better decisions.”
This May, Skamania County saw a 400% increase in SAR operations, compared to numbers from 2024, according to a Facebook post. In her 2 years as County Sheriff, Scheyer said she has diligently warned and educated visitors about the dangers of recreating in the area. The Sheriff’s office has made videos, posted signage, and run campaigns about preparedness and safety.
Despite the continued messaging, though, Scheyer said the warnings have “fallen on deaf ears.” The number of SAR incidents has continued to skyrocket.
“I think we’re at 33 [rescues] already for being close to the end of the month of June,” she said. Now they’re entering the heat of summer, the busiest time of year for SAR.
In her Facebook statement, Scheyer said most Skamania County SAR missions involve non-residents acting in a “negligent or reckless way.” So she needed more creative ways to discourage people from putting themselves in wanton danger.
“This ordinance is still in the planning phase, but I believe it would be an added deterrent for those who take exceptional risk,” Scheyer said.
‘Self-Accountability’ for Unprepared Hikers
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office SAR team is largely an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Most of its operational funding comes from donations. Scheyer said this proposal is an attempt to “recoup the financial burden placed on our county.” But it’s also meant to deter people from making poor decisions.
The Facebook post above lists a handful of SAR incidents from May of this year, from a 54-year-old woman suffering leg cramps, to a 21-year-old man injuring his spine after kayaking over a waterfall.
What Constitutes Negligence or Recklessness?
Scheyer said she received criticism for that Facebook post because people said the incidents seemed neither negligent nor reckless. However, the post didn’t list all of the details for every case. For instance, she said, the woman suffering from leg cramps on Dog Mountain was also undergoing chemotherapy at the time.
“On the surface, sure, these might all look like normal activities,” Scheyer said. “But really, there’s a lot of background in them that people are just not making the best choices.”
The critiques raise an important question, though. How will the county determine if someone is truly being negligent or reckless?
Scheyer explained it would be no different from determining criminal negligence or recklessness. This would just be an “infraction” instead of a criminal citation. The handling deputy on the SAR team would write a report detailing what they considered reckless or negligent. Then, the violator would have due process to go before a judge and plead the case. The fine could then be reduced, or even eliminated, if the judge chooses.
“I think that’s really, really important. It’s something that’s in our United States Constitution, and I don’t want to go outside of that.”
How Much Should a Rescue Fine Be?
Some have pointed out that fining people for SAR could negatively impact overall safety. As one Facebook commenter asked, “What happens if SAR really is needed but the call is delayed or not made due to fear of financial repercussions?”
“That’s the one thing that’s really weighed heavily on me,” Scheyer said. If this ordinance is passed, she hopes the messaging will make it clear that not every SAR operation will result in a fine. She also wants it to be clear that people shouldn’t hesitate to call for help if it’s truly needed.
That’s why determining the price of these fines will be such an important part of the county’s discussion about this. Scheyer said Oregon has a state law with a negligence component specifically for SAR, and it stipulates a fine of $500. She has proposed a fine of up to $1,000 for Skamania County. It needs to balance deterrence with covering the county’s costs and what’s fair, she said.
“I’m really just trying to find that sweet spot,” she said.
Not the First Place to Propose Fines for SAR
The idea of fining hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts for SAR operations isn’t totally novel. According to the Congressional Sportsmen’s organization, California, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, and Oregon all already have statutes allowing them to charge individuals for SAR costs if their actions are deemed negligent.
Some places, like Utah, have also launched the Utah Search and Rescue Assistance (USARA) card. The funds from those help support SAR costs across the state. They also exempt you from non-medical costs associated with an emergency rescue.
Sheriff Scheyer was open to pursuing something similar in Skamania County. She doesn’t want to add additional fees to the Northwest Forest Pass, Discovery Pass, or other local passes, as she sees that as financially punishing everyone for the mistakes of a few.
“But with a [Search and Rescue Assistance] card, that’s different,” she said. “Because you’re opting into that.”
This ordinance in Skamania County would only be a county-wide injunction. It’s an idea that is still in its infancy and will require a lot of planning on her part and conversations with the county commissioners. She admits it might be effective, or it might not. But nothing else she’s tried has affected the rising number of SAR incidents.
“I don’t have a perfect answer,” she said. “But I’m hoping this may help.”
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