Cost of the House: $1 million. Chance to tear it down for a public viewpoint: Priceless!

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Hikers enjoy the Cape Horn Trail
Hikers enjoy the Cape Horn Trail
Recently, Friends staff gathered at the edge of Cape Horn to watch the walls come down on a private home that will soon become a spectacular public viewpoint just 25 minutes east of Vancouver. For Friends of the Columbia Gorge, this is the first step in the realization of a long-held dream to restore the natural landscape and create a spectacular gorge overlook.


As the Forest Service prepares to buy this property from Friends, they are developing a recreation plan for the area and they need your input. Write the Forest Service TODAY 

See Cape Horn in the news:

Friends of Gorge dismantle milion dollar house- KGW 8

Home's removal will restore a gorge-ous view - The Columbian

Trophy House Removed to Create Columbia Gorge Viewpoint- OPB News


The Oregonian Highlights the Need for Leaders on the Gorge Commission

READ THE ENTIRE EDITORIAL


Urban Sprawl in the Gorge? Help protect the scenic beauty of the Gorge by containing urban growth. Read more...


Comment period ends for Gorge Casino: more than 9,000 individuals voice opposition.

The Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed Gorge casino drew thousands of public comments saying "NO" to locating Oregon's first off-reservation casino in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

What's next?  Federal officials will review all public comments and publish a final Environmental Impact Statement by late fall or early winter.


A proposed destination resort pushes the limits of the National Scenic Area Act-click here to learn more!


New Study Links PGE’s Boardman Coal Plant to 50% of Columbia Gorge Air Pollution

A new scientific study from University of Washington air quality expert Dr. Dan Jaffe has found that Portland General Electric’s Boardman coal-fired power plant is responsible for up to 50% of the air pollution in the Columbia Gorge during times when air quality in the Gorge is at its worst. 

This important study highlights why it is critical for PGE to install modern pollution control technologies required under federal law to control pollution from Boardman and protect public health rather than installing the less protective controls PGE has proposed. Read our press release.


Campaign for Cape Horn nears goal

The Campaign for Cape Horn is nearing our $4 million goal. With $3.4 million raised to date, Friends continues to work with our major donors interested in supporting the purchase of two privately owned parcels on the top of Cape Horn. With these two parcels in public ownership, Cape Horn is poised for development of a large public park, eight mile loop trail and views that are unequalled anywhere in the Gorge.

For details on the Campaign and how to contribute click here.


Cape Horn Parking/Trail Temporarily Moved! 

The unofficial trailhead for the Cape Horn Trail (corner of HWY 14 and Salmon Falls Road) is closed from May to September 2007 as Skamania County creates an official Park and Ride.  For directions to the interim trailhead and the re-directed trail, click here.  


Congress funds $1 million for Gorge land acquisition 

Congress and President Bush recently approved $1 million for federal land acquisition in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that could help create a new trail in Washington and protect open space along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon. National Scenic Area office requested $1.95 million in federal land acquisition funding for fiscal year 2008. Included in their priority list is the Cleveland property, now held in Friends of the Columbia Gorge's land trust.  This property, with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Columbia Gorge, could become the centerpiece of the Cape Horn Trail.


Businesses Support Scenic Area

More and more Gorge business recognize the value of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to the support the economies and way of life of Gorge communities. The Gorge businesses linked below support the National Scenic Area. We encourage you to support them.

Click here to view a list of businesses.


New Tax Incentive for IRA Gifts

If you are age 70 1/2 or older, new legislation now allows you to make cash gifts up to $100,000 a year from your IRA or Roth IRA to qualified charities without incurring income tax on the withdrawal.  Read about this tax incentive at New Tax Incentive for IRA Gifts


The Campaign for Cape Horn

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust has launched the Campaign for Cape Horn, a two-year campaign to raise $4 million for the purchase of two spectacular view properties at Cape Horn above Washington SR-14 in the Gorge. (more)


Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust

The Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust is an exciting vehicle for protecting Gorge landscapes. View our priority areas and the Land Trust BrochureTo support the Land Trust, please contact Jane Harris or call 503-241-3762 x 102.


TOP NEWS STORIES OF THE WEEK:

Oregon agency wants PGE to spend $424 million to clean up Boardman coal plant
(08/06/2008) Vancouver Columbian

Gorgeous Hikes
(08/16/2008) Gresham Outlook

Priceless legacy
(08/13/08) Hood River News


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