A Union Pacific unit oil train passes through the Columbia Gorge near Interstate 84 and Starvation Creek State Park. (photographer: Stan Hall)
A Union Pacific unit oil train passes through the Columbia Gorge near Interstate 84 and Starvation Creek State Park. (photographer: Stan Hall)

Oregon Legislature Passes Historic Oil Train Spill Response Bill

June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019 Three years after the Mosier derailment and spill, the Oregon Legislature steps up. Contacts:Burt Edwards, communications director | 971.634.0595 (office) | 703.861.8237 (cell) | burt@gorgefriends.org (email) Ryan Rittenhouse, conservation organizer | 971.634.2034 […]
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The Dalles Chronicle: Summit Ridge Project Hits Opposition, Technical Challenges

June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019 By Caleb Lundquist, The Dalles Chronicle The Summit Ridge Wind Farm, an approved but as yet unbuilt wind energy generation facility proposed near the Deschutes River, is in […]
Eastbound traffic backs up on the Historic Columbia River Highway on the approach to Multnomah Falls.
Eastbound traffic backs up on the Historic Columbia River Highway on the approach to Multnomah Falls.

How Much Love Is Too Much for the Gorge?

June 19, 2019
By Kevin GormanExecutive Director June 19, 2019 The Columbia River Gorge is loved by countless people, near and far. So many people, in fact, that a key challenge of the future […]
Union Pacific unit oil train travels along I-84 by Starvation Creek State Park. (photographer: Stan Hall)
Union Pacific unit oil train travels along I-84 by Starvation Creek State Park. (photographer: Stan Hall)

Friends Staff Urge Strong Oil Train Safety Law in Testimony at Capitol

February 7, 2019
February 7, 2019 Today the Oregon House Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness held a hearing on HB 2209, the first oil train safety bill to receive a hearing at […]
Volunteers on a Washington Trails Association work party helped create the first 700 feet of new trail to re-route a steep section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard trail. (photographer: Micheal Drewry)
Volunteers on a Washington Trails Association work party helped create the first 700 feet of new trail to re-route a steep section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard trail. (photographer: Micheal Drewry)

Blazing Trails at the Lyle Cherry Orchard

January 24, 2019
January 24, 2019 The land trust preserve has been a place of trailblazing innovation for over a century. The Cherry Orchard, 540 acres perched above and east of the community […]
One of the 15 western pond turtle hatchlings released at the Turtle Haven land trust property this year. (video still by Michael Durham, Oregon Zoo)
One of the 15 western pond turtle hatchlings released at the Turtle Haven land trust property this year. (video still by Michael Durham, Oregon Zoo)

Collaboration Provides Sanctuary for Endangered Gorge Turtles

August 22, 2018
August 22, 2018 Friends of the Columbia Gorge bought the 64 acres in Washington known as Turtle Haven with the hope that the land would someday live up to its name. Signs […]
U.S. Forest Service rangers show Washougal sixth-graders the effects of fire on bark of different tree species. (photographer: Brandon Davis)
U.S. Forest Service rangers show Washougal sixth-graders the effects of fire on bark of different tree species. (photographer: Brandon Davis)

Inspiring the Next Generation of Gorge Stewards

July 26, 2018
July 26, 2018 By Erin Middlewood You can live in a place your whole life and still find a way to see it with fresh eyes. Washougal, WA middle school […]
The Eagle Creek fire burns near Cascade Locks, Oregon, viewed from the north end of Bridge of the Gods in N. Bonneville, Wash., Sept. 4, 2017. (photographer: Tristan Fortsch)
The Eagle Creek fire burns near Cascade Locks, Oregon, viewed from the north end of Bridge of the Gods in N. Bonneville, Wash., Sept. 4, 2017. (photographer: Tristan Fortsch)

Giving Thanks Through the Fire: Cascade Locks Strong

November 16, 2017
November 16, 2017 Cascade Locks calls itself the “Heart of the Columbia River Gorge.” When the Eagle Creek fire ignited over Labor Day weekend, the Oregon-side Gorge community of about […]
A City of Portland fire crew douses part of the Eagle Creek fire near Multnomah Falls. (photo courtesy of Multnomah County Communications)
A City of Portland fire crew douses part of the Eagle Creek fire near Multnomah Falls. (photo courtesy of Multnomah County Communications)

Friends Applauds Gorge Wildfire Containment Efforts

September 7, 2017
September 7, 2017 Today, the U.S. Forest Service and other lead agencies fighting the Eagle Creek wildfire reported that the blaze was now 5 percent contained. Kevin Gorman, executive director […]
The Eagle Creek Fire burns above Cascade Locks, OR and the Columbia River, Sept. 4, 2017. (photographer: Teresa Larson)
The Eagle Creek Fire burns above Cascade Locks, OR and the Columbia River, Sept. 4, 2017. (photographer: Teresa Larson)

Friends Responds to Eagle Creek Fire Outbreak

September 5, 2017
September 5, 2017 Friends of the Columbia Gorge is shocked and saddened by this devastating wildfire. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gorge residents who have been evacuated and our […]
Walking along the Columbia River at the Steigerwald Shores property, with Crown Point and Vista House in the distance. (photographer: Debbie Asakawa)
Walking along the Columbia River at the Steigerwald Shores property, with Crown Point and Vista House in the distance. (photographer: Debbie Asakawa)

160-Acre Purchase = 900-Acre Restoration!

June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017 By Kate McBrideLand Trust Manager The centerpiece of Friends’ Preserve the Wonder campaign is the 160-acre Steigerwald Shores, a three-quarter-mile riverfront property adjacent to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Acquisition […]
After the derailment anniversary rally, attendees proceed to the Columbia River for a ceremony, June 3, 2017. (photographer: Kyle Ramey for Stand Up to Oil)
After the derailment anniversary rally, attendees proceed to the Columbia River for a ceremony, June 3, 2017. (photographer: Kyle Ramey for Stand Up to Oil)

Hundreds Gather in Mosier to Remember Derailment

June 3, 2017
June 3, 2017 by Patrick MulvihillThe Dalles Chronicle (original story) One year after an oil train derailment roiled communities throughout the Columbia Gorge, hundreds gathered at Mosier Community School to […]