Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom
View from Bridge of the Gods, spanning from Cascade Locks, OR to North Bonneville, WA. (photographer: Derek Markee)

Monthly Enews

Monthly Enews - Keep updated on Friends' work, news stories, and upcoming events and volunteer activities.

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

Take Action: Zimmerly Continues to Threaten the National Scenic Area

Take Action: Zimmerly Continues to Threaten the National Scenic Area

February 21, 2023 - By Denise López
Latest News

The public is urged to take action today by March 1 and ask the Clark County Land Use Hearing Examiner to require a full environmental review for this proposed harmful mining project.

Support Funding for Gorge Climate Work

Support Funding for Gorge Climate Work

March 10, 2023 - By Denise López
Latest News

Ahead of an important hearing in Salem on March 13, push Oregon legislators to fully fund the Gorge Commission's budget.

Columbia Gorge News: Citizen Scientists Expand Understanding of Gorge Bees

Columbia Gorge News: Citizen Scientists Expand Understanding of Gorge Bees

October 15, 2022
In the Press

Once trained, Oregon Bee Atlas volunteers explore the state with nets and kill jars, collecting bees in natural landscapes like forests and meadows.

Oregon Terminates Gas-Fired Power Plant Proposal Near Columbia River

Oregon Terminates Gas-Fired Power Plant Proposal Near Columbia River

September 27, 2022
Latest News

“Oregon’s future begins today, free of new fossil fuel power plants, which are dirty dinosaurs of a bygone era.”

Features

Collaboration Yields a Climate Action Plan for the Columbia Gorge

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.

Methane Gas Power Plant Defeated for Good

Methane Gas Power Plant Defeated for Good

November 3, 2022

Had the proposed 415-megawatt fracked gas-fired power plant been built it would have immediately ranked in the top 10 stationary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon.

Breaking Down Barriers,  Building Community Partnerships

Breaking Down Barriers, Building Community Partnerships

November 3, 2022

Friends staff have worked to build new, enduring community partnerships with regional groups who have been historically excluded from conservation and land management debates and decision making.

Blog

Breaching the Snake River Dams

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.

Building Partnerships With Guided Outings

Building Partnerships With Guided Outings

November 30, 2022 - By Melissa Gonzalez

For Friends’ outdoor programs, which includes our beloved hike program, the pandemic pause gave us time to reflect and analyze our past offerings.

2021-22 Board Reflections

2021-22 Board Reflections

November 2, 2022

Friends Board Chair Annie Munch looks back on the past year and sees the future of Gorge protection and accessibility through the eyes of her grandson.

2021-22 Financial Report: Successful Adaptation to New Work Model

2021-22 Financial Report: Successful Adaptation to New Work Model

November 2, 2022

Finance Director Paige Unangst: While the pandemic has continued to be challenging on many fronts, Friends is fortunate to have successfully embraced operating with a hybrid or remote model.

Upcoming Events

Native Shrub Planting at Sams Walker Day Use Area

Native Shrub Planting at Sams Walker Day Use Area

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Volunteers will be planting a mix of native shrub species in an oak restoration area with US Forest Service and partners.

A Walk Through Time on the East Mayer Trail - Members Only

A Walk Through Time on the East Mayer Trail - Members Only

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Easy: 3 miles | 430-ft elev. Gain

Petroglyphs Tour & Dancing Rock Walk

Petroglyphs Tour & Dancing Rock Walk

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Join Friends for two easy hikes in the eastern Columbia Gorge.
Difficulty level: Easy: 3 miles | 300-ft elev. gain

Hiking Catherine Creek to Coyote Wall

Hiking Catherine Creek to Coyote Wall

Friday, April 7, 2023

Hike Difficulty Level: Strenuous: 10 miles | 2,000-ft elev. gain