Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom
![Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom](https://assets.gorgefriends.org/images/header_images/header/header_Newsroom_header1683589062-2211527.jpg)
Keeping the Columbia Gorge wild and wondrous is the core of what we do. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is the only conservation organization dedicated solely to protecting the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia Gorge for generations to come. For almost 40 years we have worked to protect the Columbia Gorge from irresponsible development, preserve vital lands, promote responsible stewardship, strengthen public support for conservation initiatives, and expose local youth to the Gorge's wonders. Learn more: gorgefriends.org/about
Connect With Us
For media questions, speaking requests, or public education partnership inquiries please contact: Tim Dobyns, communications & engagement director | 971.634.0595 | tim@gorgefriends.org (email)
Keep Updated
News & Updates
![Clark County Council Rejects Illegal Miners' Proposal to Municipalize Private Road](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Z%20Screenshot%2011721332773-542459.jpg)
Clark County Council Rejects Illegal Miners' Proposal to Municipalize Private Road
July 18, 2024
The Clark County Council has voted unanimously to deny Zimmerly and Nutter's proposal to turn a public road into a private mining haul route.
![Conserved Lands Do Not Impede Housing Development](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_The-Dalles-OR1718903282-1098174.jpg)
Conserved Lands Do Not Impede Housing Development
June 20, 2024
In a letter to the editor in Columbia Gorge News, Friends refutes Wasco County Planning Director’s attack on conservation land ownership.
![Portland Schoolteacher Wins Grand Prize in Columbia Gorge Photo Contest](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_noyes1718647664-708040.jpg)
Portland Schoolteacher Wins Grand Prize in Columbia Gorge Photo Contest
June 18, 2024
Dave Edwards Noyes' winning image captures sunlit Oregon white oak trees at Mosier Plateau Trail.
![301 Gallery & Friends of the Columbia Gorge Present “INSPIRED!” Art Exhibition](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Webpage%20Header%20Image%20Final1714770850-2348390.jpg)
301 Gallery & Friends of the Columbia Gorge Present “INSPIRED!” Art Exhibition
May 7, 2024
301 Gallery % Friends of the Columbia Gorge announce an art exhibition titled “INSPIRED!,” a showcase of conserved lands in the Columbia River Gorge. 10% of proceeds benefit Friends.
Features
![2022-23 Annual Report Released](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_71699480882-2586754.jpg)
2022-23 Annual Report Released
November 8, 2023
Our 2022-23 annual report is now available! Discover Friends' impact in every corner of the Gorge. Choose your experience with digital highlights, PDFs, and audio in both English and Spanish.
![Washington Supreme Court Tells Mining Violators to Pound Sand](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_2022.03.24%20Brady%20Holden%20(Drone)%20copy1695916320-3769785.jpg)
Washington Supreme Court Tells Mining Violators to Pound Sand
September 28, 2023 - By Nathan Baker
The Washington Supreme Court has denied mining violators Zimmerly and Nutter's petition for review and rejected their arguments that they have a right to mine the property with no land use permits.
![Collaboration Yields a Climate Action Plan for the Columbia Gorge](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Hood_River_Waterfront_-_Cate_Hotchkiss_resized1669836559-3079011.jpg)
Collaboration Yields a Climate Action Plan for the Columbia Gorge
December 22, 2022 - By Denise López
Bringing in members of often-overlooked communities, contributed to a Columbia Gorge climate plan that would address local concerns and be broadly supported.
Blog
![Centering Conservation Through Tribal Perspectives](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Camas_MichealDrewry1681337129-218200.jpg)
Centering Conservation Through Tribal Perspectives
April 12, 2023
Friends participates in an initiative with a goal of restoring access and ownership of lands to the Indigenous people who have occupied and stewarded the lands for countless generations.
![Step by Step, Gorge Towns to Trails Forges New Connections](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Ulka_Asakawa1680913551-3056362.png)
Step by Step, Gorge Towns to Trails Forges New Connections
April 7, 2023 - By Renée Tkach
Read an update of the biggest recreation initiative in Friends' history.
![Breaching the Snake River Dams](/assets/images/articles/image/nscta/nscta_Coho_Salmon_Roger_Tabor_USFWS1669850630-3089299.jpg)
Breaching the Snake River Dams
November 30, 2022 - By Steve McCoy
While the dams are far upstream of the Gorge, dwindling Gorge salmon runs, tribal significance and recreation benefits led Friends to support the breaching proposals.