Friends Of The Columbia Gorge

Results: Since 1980, Friends of the Columbia Gorge has worked to protect the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area from irresponsible development; preserve vital lands; promote responsible stewardship; and help expose local youth to the Columbia Gorge's wonders to illustrate the Gorge's significance as an icon of the Pacific NW and national treasure.., Friends has helped move over 41,000 acres of the Gorge lands from private to public ownership, and played a leading role in a number of key advocacy victories–including organizing hundreds of thousands of PNW residents as part of a successful collation campaign to defeat the Vancouver, Washington Tesoro oil terminal proposal.

Target demographics: Encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge and help protect the Gorge’s scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources.

Geographic areas served: Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington

Programs: CONSERVATION ADVOCACY & LEGAL PROGRAMS – Keeping the Columbia Gorge wild and beautiful is the core of what we do. For over 40 years we have used a combination of old-fashioned grassroots advocacy, sophisticated legal strategies, and cutting-edge outreach and public education tools to protect the Gorge from reckless development. FRIENDS OF THE COLUMBIA GORGE LAND TRUST – Since its creation in 2005, Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust has conserved 26 sites in the Gorge, for a total of 1,566 acres. We work to remove non-native species, replant native vegetation, and protect fragile resources on land trust-owned preserves. We also actively work in concert with local community partners and federal, state, and local land managers to protect vital lands; promote sustainable hiking and recreation opportunities; promote Gorge stewardship; and protect and restore habitat for native wildlife. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS – A large, cross section of public support is critical if we are to preserve the Columbia Gorge for future generations. From offering educational hikes to organizing community forums, Friends' Public Engagement programs annually manage a diverse assortment of communication, public education, outdoor youth education, and community outreach initiatives. For More on Recent Friends' Accomplishments Please Visit: gorgefriends.org