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

Western Gray Squirrels Uplisted to Endangered Status in Washington State

Western Gray Squirrels Uplisted to Endangered Status in Washington State

November 20, 2023
Latest News

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to uplist the western gray squirrel from threatened to endangered under the state’s endangered species act.

Friends Achieves Three Major Court Victories Against Serial Mining Violators

Friends Achieves Three Major Court Victories Against Serial Mining Violators

June 26, 2023 - By Nathan Baker
Latest News

A spectacular trifecta of defeats for land-use violators in three different courts marks a watershed moment in the protection of the National Scenic Area from the illegal mining at the Zimmerly pit.

Protecting Agricultural Land for Agricultural Uses

Protecting Agricultural Land for Agricultural Uses

June 26, 2023 - By Nathan Baker
Latest News

Friends gears up to defend a recent appellate decision that, if upheld on further appeal, will continue to protect farmland in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area now and into the future.

Features

2022-23 Annual Report Released

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

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

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

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.

Spring Is Buzzing in the Gorge!

Spring Is Buzzing in the Gorge!

April 12, 2023

'Tis the season for pollination in the Gorge.

Step by Step, Gorge Towns to Trails Forges New Connections

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

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.

Upcoming Events

Columbia River Gorge Commission Monthly Meeting: December

Columbia River Gorge Commission Monthly Meeting: December

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

The bi-state commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The public is invited to attend meetings.

Gorge on Tap: A Night of Games & Stories

Gorge on Tap: A Night of Games & Stories

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Join us for a night of fun on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at TPK Brewing in SE Portland!