On May 26, 2021, Friends of the Columbia Gorge hosted a virtual discussion organized in collaboration with Comunidades, Love is King, and People of Colors Outdoors, to explore the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable access for all to state parks and lands in the Columbia Gorge and beyond across both Oregon and Washington.
Moderated by OPB Science & Environment Reporter Monica Samayoa, featured speakers included:
- Chad Brown, Founder & President, Love is King and Founder & President, Soul River, Inc.
- Ubaldo Hernández, Senior Organizer, Columbia Riverkeeper and Co-Founder, Comunidades
- Caroline Park Lipps, Co-Owner, Thunder Island Brewing
- Gregory Wolley, Board Member, People of Colors Outdoors and Principal Consultant, Creating Tomorrow's Workforce
The panel discussion was followed by a moderated Q&A session, with facilitation assistance and welcome by Natasha Stone (Friends' community engagement specialist) and Melissa Gonzalez (Friends' outdoor programs and communications specialist).
"Outdoor Access for All" was organized in conjunction with the Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance's Gorge Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Summit held on May 25, 2021, an exploration of collective solutions to care for the Columbia River Gorge in the face of unprecedented recreation usage.