Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom
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
Controversial Whistling Ridge Wind Project Ends After 22 Years
September 9, 2024 - By Nathan Baker
After 22 years of legal battles, the Whistling Ridge Energy Project in the Columbia River Gorge was officially terminated, protecting the scenic landscape and endangered species from harm.
Friends Enjoys Legal Victories in Clark County
September 8, 2024 - By Nathan Baker
Friends earned two major legal victories in Clark County to maintain private ownership of a proposed mining haul road and to preserve farmland.
Trail Tales: New Signage Elevates Hiker Experience at Friends’ Lyle Cherry Orchard
September 7, 2024
Friends is proud to introduce new state-of-the-art trail signage—the first on a Friends preserve—that makes Lyle Cherry Orchard one of the most interactive trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Bringing Local Middle Schoolers to the Gorge: Spring & Summer Youth Education Recap
September 6, 2024
Friends hosted three major youth education programs this spring and summer with students from Portland and Washougal, Washington.
Features
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.
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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
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
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
April 7, 2023 - By Renée Tkach
Read an update of the biggest recreation initiative in Friends' history.
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.