This fall marks the 20th anniversary of Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust—a bold idea that transformed advocacy into lasting stewardship. Since 2004, the land trust has protected over 1,700 acres across 19 preserves, from beloved hiking destinations to vital wildlife habitat, ensuring the Gorge’s landscapes endure for generations to come.

During Oregon and Washington’s 2025 legislative sessions, Friends of the Columbia Gorge secured key wins for recreation access, landowner liability protections, and the Columbia River Gorge Commission’s funding. While not every proposal advanced, the sessions brought significant progress toward stronger conservation, climate, and community policies protecting the Gorge.

A new permanent easement now secures the beloved trail linking Mosier’s Pocket Park to the Mosier Plateau Preserve, thanks to the generosity of the Povey family. Years in the making, this project highlights the power of community partnerships in preserving recreation access and protecting the Gorge’s natural beauty.