VANCOUVER, Wash. -- A National Park Service official says a proposed wind farm just outside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area would intrude on the experience of hikers.

A deputy regional director, Rory Westberg, says both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and Oregon Pioneer Historic Trail pass within five miles of the planned Whistling Ridge wind project. He says the view is a critical part of the visitor experience.

The Vancouver Columbian reports the Bonneville Power Administration is working with the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to prepare an impact statement.

The SDS Lumber Company of Bingen has applied to build 40 turbines on land it owns.