Friends of the Columbia Gorge Newsroom

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

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: Burt Edwards, communications director | 971.634.0595 (office) | 703.861.8237 (cell) | burt@gorgefriends.org (email)

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News & Updates

All | Latest News | In the Press | Multimedia

Oregon Legislature Acts to Address Bias Crimes on Public Lands

June 9, 2021

Latest News

On June 9 the Oregon House approved SB 289, following passage this April in the Oregon Senate. The bill now goes to Gov. Kate Brown for signing.

Portland Tribune: 2021 Friends of the Columbia Gorge Photo Contest Winners

June 1, 2021

In the Press

Portland photographer Dan Hawk claimed two top spots this year, along with six other shutterbugs.

Friends Presents "Outdoor Access for All" Virtual Discussion

May 27, 2021

Multimedia

View the video of the panel discussion.

Friends Premieres Gorge Wildlife Animations for Biodiversity Week 2021

May 21, 2021

Multimedia

In honor of Biodiversity Week in May 2021, Friends of the Columbia Gorge premiered new animations highlighting animal species living in the Gorge.

Features

Proposed Logging in Sensitive Gorge Area Poses Risk of "Dangerous Precedent"

- By Stan Hall

"Private logging companies should not be given free passes by government agencies to commercially log the Gorge’s most sensitive locations, like what happened here."

10 Gorge Winter Hikes to Start the Year on Good Footing

- By Stan Hall

Friends' staff recommends ten less-crowded trails for bundling up and enjoying the Gorge in the colder months of the year.

Stewarding the Gorge in the Time of COVID-19

In the wake of months of canceled volunteer stewardship events after the initial coronavirus outbreak, a new program was birthed.

Tribes Partner With Friends to Protect Wildlife Refuge

Arguments and a court decision in this potentially far-reaching case are due in 2021.

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Blog

Your Voices Have Been Heard: Friends 2021 Member Survey

June 10, 2021 - By Hannah Anderson-Dana

For the third year in a row, Friends’ membership survey allowed us to hear directly from our amazing community of Columbia Gorge supporters and enthusiasts.

Brush Your Boots Off to Protect the Gorge!

June 7, 2021 - By Sara Woods

Clean your boots when you hike. And your sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops too. Give them a quick scrub before and after you hike to prevent the spread of invasive weeds.

Collaboration Furthers Safety Planning at Beacon Rock

May 17, 2021 - By Renee Tkach

Our partnership with Washington State Parks at Beacon Rock demonstrates the cooperative approach that has been successful for Friends throughout the Gorge.