Advocacy and activism transform communities and natural spaces. Since our founding in 1980, Friends’ advocates and activists have been instrumental in securing victory after victory to protect the Gorge’s scenic beauty, natural habitats, cultural heritage, and recreational spaces. We empower our community members to use their voices to organize and speak out on the issues that matter most to them.

Hikers on Dog Mountain. Photo by Laura Kneedler.
Mobilizing to Stop the Federal Lands Sell-Off
When Senate Republicans proposed the largest federal lands sell-off in U.S. history, including 22,000 acres in the Gorge, Friends mobilized thousands and joined a nationwide coalition to stop it.

Fighting the Attempt to Defund the Gorge Commission
When the Washington legislature attempted to eliminate funding for the Gorge Commission, Friends mobilized a grassroots advocacy campaign to save the Commission.

Dog Mountain Wildflowers. Photo by John Williams.
Defending the Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected iconic Gorge landscapes and expanded recreation access nationwide for more than 60 years. But the Trump administration is trying to undermine this critical program. Add your voice today to help protect LWCF and the future of America’s public lands.

Regrowth has begun after the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, but wildfires are becoming more frequent in the region. Photo from Friends archives.
Climate Change & Resilience
Friends combats climate change in the Gorge by protecting habitats, acquiring and conserving climate-resilient lands, and advocating for policies that promote a sustainable future for the Gorge.

Hiking through Tom McCall Nature Preserve.
2025 Legislative Priorities
Explore our 2025 legislative priorities in Oregon and Washington, including funding for the Gorge Commission, limits on factory farming practices, and recreational immunity.

Northwestern Pond Turtle. Photo by Vince Ready.
Wildlife Protection
Friends protects wildlife and biodiversity in the Gorge by acquiring and preserving habitats, restoring native ecosystems, and safeguarding sensitive lands in the Columbia Gorge.

Looking west from White Salmon down the Columbia River. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Take Action for Gorge Protection
Friends’ Advocacy & Conservation Team protects the Gorge through policy advocacy, grassroots activism, and community mobilization. Learn how you can join them and make a difference in conserving this natural treasure.
Notable Past Advocacy Campaigns

A open-top coal train thunders alongside Washington State Route 14 in the Columbia Gorge. Photo by Daniel Dancer.
Coal Export
Friends prevented six coal export proposals, including one that would have resulted in the U.S.’s largest coal terminal at Cherry Point, Washington.

June 3, 2016: A Union Pacific unit oil train burns after derailing in Mosier, OR. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Crude Oil Transport Through the Gorge
Friends prevented multiple crude oil transport proposals, including the massive Tesoro Savage terminal in Vancouver, Washington, protecting the Gorge’s environment and communities.
Latest News
Keep updated on Friends' work, news stories, and the work happening in the Columbia Gorge.

Heartleaf Bluffs. Photo by Paloma Ayala.
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Friends’ Land Trust
October 10, 2025
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust—a bold idea that transformed advocacy into lasting stewardship. Since 2004, the land trust has protected over 1,700 acres across 19 preserves, from beloved hiking destinations to vital wildlife habitat, ensuring the Gorge’s landscapes endure for generations to come.

2025 Legislative Sessions: Wins and Challenges in Oregon and Washington
October 5, 2025
During Oregon and Washington’s 2025 legislative sessions, Friends of the Columbia Gorge secured key wins for recreation access, landowner liability protections, and the Columbia River Gorge Commission’s funding. While not every proposal advanced, the sessions brought significant progress toward stronger conservation, climate, and community policies protecting the Gorge.

Wildflowers at Mosier Plateau. Photo by Cate Hotchkiss.
Small Trail, Big Legacy: Povey Family Donates Easement at Mosier Plateau
September 30, 2025
A new permanent easement now secures the beloved trail linking Mosier’s Pocket Park to the Mosier Plateau Preserve, thanks to the generosity of the Povey family. Years in the making, this project highlights the power of community partnerships in preserving recreation access and protecting the Gorge’s natural beauty.