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
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, by John Williams
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.