Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Winter 2017-18 Newsletter

Building Gorge Resilience The Fire and The Future Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Founder Nancy Russell, 1932-2008

Board of Directors Geoff Carr Chair Debbie Asakawa Vice Chair Kari Skedsvold Secretary/Treasurer Pat Campbell Greg Delwiche Annie Munch Gwen Farnham John Nelson* John Harrison Carrie Nobles Wes Hickey* Lisa Berkson Platt Temple Lentz Mia Prickett Mosaic pattern of burned and green David Michalek* Vince Ready* forests in the Eagle Creek drainage. Patty Mizutani Meredith Savery Take Action: Photo: Trip Jennings | Balance Media Board of Trustees – Land Trust John Nelson* President David Michalek* Secretary/Treasurer Pat Campbell Oppose Post-Fire Logging in the Gorge Greg Delwiche Dustin Klinger regon Congressman Greg those natural processes do their job. Post-fire Barbara Nelson Rick Ray* Walden (R-Hood River) logging would be far more devastating to John Baugher Land Trust Advisor has introduced legislation in Gorge ecosystems than the fires were. Congress,O HR 3715, that would require See page 6 to learn more, then contact Staff Nathan Baker Senior Staff Attorney commercial logging in areas impacted by the your members of Congress and your Kyle Broeckel Development Assistant Eagle Creek fire within the governor. Urge them to oppose HR 3715, Peter Cornelison* Field Representative Gorge National Scenic Area. If passed, HR the post-fire logging bill aimed at the Pam Davee Development Officer Burt Edwards Communications Director 3715 would require the Forest Service to ! Kevin Gorman Executive Director develop plans to log in the Columbia Gorge Visit gorgefriends.org/nogorgelogging Stan Hall Digital Content Specialist without environmental review, short-circuiting now for more information and to comment. Kate Harbour Membership Coordinator Maegan Jossy Outreach Manager public involvement and limiting legal For contact information for your Michael Lang Conservation Director challenges. This is unacceptable. governor and congressional representatives, Kate Lindberg Outdoor Programs Coordinator There is zero scientific evidence of visit: usa.gov/elected-officials. Kate McBride* Land Trust Manager Steve McCoy Staff Attorney ecological benefit from salvage logging in Email or call Ryan Rittenhouse, Ingrid Nylen Events Assistant post-fire environments. Instead, post-fire [email protected] or 971-634-2034, Ryan Rittenhouse Conservation Organizer logging benefits the timber industry at the if you need help finding phone numbers or Renee Tkach* Gorge Towns to Trails Manager Paige Unangst Finance Director expense of biodiversity on public lands. addresses for your elected officials. Also feel Sara Woods* Land Stewardship Coordinator The natural ecosystems of forests have free to contact Ryan for links to additional Sandy Wright Development Director adapted and evolved over millions of years resources and information on forest recovery *Gorge Area Residents to recover from fire, and we need to let and logging after fires.

Published December 2017

Publications: Stay Connected with Friends Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and Kathleen Krushas / To the Point Publications Action Alerts: Stay updated on conservation threats to the Gorge and Editor: Betsy Toll / Lumin Creative Services how to take action. Portland Office: 333 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97204 Hiking e-news: Receive biweekly updates on Friends’ guided outings, 503-241-3762 stewardship work party announcements, trail alerts, Hood River Office: suggested seasonal hikes, and other hiking-related news. 205 Oak St., Suite 17, Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-5268 Monthly e-news: Keep updated on Friends’ work, upcoming events and

Washougal Office: news, volunteer efforts, ways to get involved, and more. 887 Main St., Suite 202, Washougal, WA 98671 360-334-3180 gorgefriends.org/subscribe @gorgefriends

2 Cover: The Eagle Creek fire above Cascade Locks. Photo: Jurgen Hess I jurgenhessphotography.com Director’s Letter ne of the biggest challenges I have desert across a relatively in my job is pulling myself out small landscape. The of the day-to-day weeds so I can Gorge by air made the payO attention to the bigger picture. That’s significance of our 37 Kevin Gorman, at right, and Brent VandenHeuvel of nearly impossible during a crisis like the years of work very clear: subdivisions Columbia Riverkeeper. Photo: Trip Jennings I Balance Media Eagle Creek fire, when everything seems stopped, land preserved, trails built. important and everything feels very urgent. Seeing the Gorge from the air also puts fire: Punch Bowl Falls, where over 150 hikers In October, as the on-the-ground into context the scope of the Eagle Creek were trapped by the fire and led to safety by threat of the fire subsided, I got my chance fire and the randomness of nature. Looking search and rescue volunteers. to literally see the bigger picture. Thanks south, the fire left a mosaic of green, Eagle Creek came into view as we to Columbia Riverkeeper and Lighthawk, brown, and black, linear and precise in descended, and soon the iconic punchbowl two wonderful conservation allies, one some areas, chaotic and random in others. shape was clear, looking very much the beautiful Sunday afternoon I climbed into The most intense effects of the fire felt same as it always has. Punch Bowl Falls a four-passenger plane and took a flight like a shock to the system, but even so, the was surrounded by green forest with just through the Gorge to see the effects of the charred areas seemed a part of, not separate a smattering of burned trees. Punch Bowl fire firsthand. from, the larger picture. Looking across the survived, and the Gorge will survive. I Most of us experience the Columbia river to the north, toward the Bonneville couldn’t quite understand why, but I felt Gorge by land, using car, bike, and foot. Slide area, I saw more clearcuts than I a wave of gratitude as the plane turned Those who travel by water experience could count. They, too, were jarring, and westward back to Troutdale. a Gorge few people do and witness a I couldn’t help wondering which landscape river altered by humans but never fully would recover faster. tamed. But touring the Gorge by air is a As we headed back toward the Troutdale truly special way to appreciate the stunning airport, I asked the pilot to fly lower, to get a Kevin Gorman, Executive Director transformation of rainforests into high look at the most emblematic landmark of the [email protected]

Friends of the Columbia Gorge works to ensure that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come. Looking south at the forests behind Cascade Locks, mottled green and brown by the fire. Cover: The Eagle Creek fire above Cascade Locks. Photo: Jurgen Hess I jurgenhessphotography.com Photo: Trip Jennings | Balance Media 3 The Fire and The Future

The Eagle Creek fire at its height. Photo: Charlie Riter | bigtreeimages.com

Kevin Gorman, Executive Director, [email protected]

eptember 2 was a beautiful Saturday Tanner Creek and beyond, to Bridal Veil. people donated over $46,000 through on Labor Day weekend, when the The entire western Gorge appeared to that page. Like numerous businesses, Columbia Gorge draws thousands be on fire. Early that morning, glued to Thunder Island Brewery in Cascade Sof visitors for end-of-summer outings. our screens, we watched as firefighters Locks had to shut down on their busiest This year, though, it was also the fateful day threw everything they had at the blaze weekend of the year, so they opened their when the reckless use of firecrackers ignited threatening Lodge. doors and fed firefighters the food they flames in Eagle Creek canyon that quickly When the smoke cleared hours later, had purchased for Labor Day weekend. exploded into a massive wildfire. Within the lodge – coated with a thick layer of Friends staff assisted the Thunder Island hours, more than 150 hikers were trapped by ash – had miraculously been saved. And team as they expanded their efforts to flames and had to be rescued after spending a something else unexpected showed up launch a GoFundMe page that raised more cold, frightening night out near Tunnel Falls. in the videos – green vegetation on the than $23,000 for Gorge fire departments. That was just the beginning. slopes above the lodge. The magnificent The fight to save the Gorge captured Over the next few anxious days, fire forest surrounding Multnomah Falls was national headlines, touching the hearts roared through thousands of acres of tinder badly burned, but not entirely charred. of countless people around the country. dry forests. The Interstate 84 freeway was In just six days, Friends’ list of Facebook closed for 40 miles and entire communities Immediate responses followers grew from 14,000 to 30,000, were evacuated. Thick brown smoke and As the fire raged, people anxious and 1,600 volunteers signed up for ash covered the mountains and even choked to do something – anything – to help our stewardship program. Together the Portland metropolitan area. the Gorge reached out to Friends. On with Trailkeepers of , a partner Just three days after the fire began, a day two of the fire, we set up a donation nonprofit group, we welcomed more than livestreaming camera across the Columbia page for the Hood River County Sheriff’s 4,000 new sign-ups ready to help rebuild River in showed terrifying Office Search and Rescue Division, which burned trails. Our membership grew images of ridgelines ablaze, stretching had taken the lead in rescuing the hikers from 6,000 to 7,000 in one week, and west from the Eagle Creek drainage to trapped at Eagle Creek. More than 520 more than 100 businesses, including the

4 Portland Timbers and Thorns FC, held watch a healthy new forest emerge, and they can work with us wisely to restore fundraisers for our organization. to rethink century-old recreation and and respect the Gorge’s environmental and Unfortunately, during that traumatic transportation systems and advocate for community values. first week of the uncontained fire, Oregon a vision into the next century. And we Our experiences have prepared us for Congressman Greg Walden turned his have a chance to use this fire to cultivate this nexus of land, trails, and communities. attention away from his hometown, which a new land ethic for longtime residents, Two Friends staff members also serve The Fire and The Future was under partial evacuation. Instead, he people new to the region, and our on city councils in the Gorge, and we submitted rushed legislation in Congress younger generations. helped form the Columbia Gorge Tourism to allow logging in the fragile burned areas We can ensure natural recovery of Alliance. Six years ago, we launched Gorge of the Gorge. Within a week, we learned Gorge forests by opposing bad legislation, Towns to Trails to create a trail system that only 15 percent of those areas were weighing in on restoration plans, and that wraps around the Gorge and to ease even classified as “severely burned.” The training volunteers for restoration congestion in the waterfall area. Last forest doesn’t need logging. This majestic work. We can relieve future crowding spring, we publicly announced our Preserve national treasure has just survived a once- and congestion in the waterfall area by the Wonder land campaign, and we have in-a-century wildfire typical of forests in building trails on the Washington side raised 80 percent of our $5.5 million the western Cascades. It needs to heal and and further east in Oregon. We have an campaign goal. Four of the seven Preserve self-repair. opportunity to reimagine the role of the the Wonder properties help make future Historic Columbia River Highway, where trail connections possible. Protecting these Natural resilience congestion has become common. We have lands is even more important now than As the weeks went on, in meetings a generational opportunity to get it right. when we launched the campaign. with local, state, and federal agencies, Friends of the Columbia Gorge has conservation and recreation groups, and People and places worked for years to help close the gaps Gorge economic development interests, By focusing on the long term, we can between conservation, recreation, and one word kept coming up in discussions ensure that the communities along the community vitality. Our members and about the Gorge – resilience. Shaped by Columbia River will thrive for countless thousands of others who love the Gorge earthquakes, floods, fire, and wind, if the years into the future. have supported us this fall with words, Columbia Gorge is anything, it is resilient. We can’t rush ahead planting trees and deeds, and resources. By charting this Out of those meetings and conver- rebuilding trails right now. The land needs exciting path into the future, we know the sations, a Gorge Resilience Initiative to heal, and we can educate, encourage Columbia River Gorge will continue to be is forming to restore and enhance the patience, and nurture enthusiasm. We will a crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest for Columbia Gorge. We have a chance to train volunteers so when the time is right, generations to come.

Rethinking the future of the Historic Columbia River Highway will be part of restoring and protecting the Gorge in the years ahead. Photo: Rocky Grimes

5 Canyon walls above Cascade Locks display a mosaic burn pattern. Photo: Jurgen Hess I jurgenhessphotography.com

Walden’s Post-Fire Logging Bill Ignites Opposition

Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

s the Eagle Creek fire raged in is prohibited. Walden’s clear-cut bill could the fire’s impacts. The BAER team has September and the Gorge was undo over 100 years of forest protection in determined that only 15 percent of the 49,000 shrouded in smoke, Representative the Gorge and result in road building and acres affected by the fire were “severely GregA Walden (R-Hood River) introduced logging in areas that are extremely sensitive. burned” and 55 percent had little to no impacts a bill in Congress, HR 3715, that would It would set a dangerous national precedent from the fire. What has emerged is not a require the U.S. Forest Service to prepare for undermining wilderness protections. scorched-earth landscape, but a mosaic of plans to expedite logging in areas affected There is no scientific evidence that intact forests, moderately burned areas, and by the fire in the Columbia River Gorge there is any ecological benefit from logging severely burned areas located on ridge tops. National Scenic Area and in other federally post-fire environments. To the contrary, the This fire was a result of human designated scenic areas across the nation. overwhelming body of scientific evidence carelessness and had a devastating impact Post-fire logging, referred to as “salvage” concludes that fire is an essential component on Gorge communities like Cascade Locks. logging by the timber industry, is completely of biological diversity in Douglas fir, hemlock, Friends and our allies are focusing on helping inappropriate for the Columbia River Gorge. and silver fir forests like the area affected by Gorge communities recover, preventing If passed, Rep. Walden’s bill would mandate the Eagle Creek fire. Many wildlife species, the spread of invasive plants, working with commercial logging in fragile areas impacted such as the black-backed woodpecker, flourish land managers to gradually reopen trails and by the Eagle Creek wildfire and require the in forests that have recently experienced fire. recreation sites, and allowing the forest to Forest Service to develop plans to log the In fact, available research shows that post-fire naturally recover. The last thing we should Gorge without environmental review, short- logging can be highly disruptive of natural do is to make matters worse by passing ill- circuiting public involvement and limiting recovery processes by furthering soil erosion, conceived bills like HR 3715, that would allow legal challenges. introducing invasive species, and disrupting irresponsible and unaccountable logging in the Most of the fire was located within wildlife for many years. Columbia River Gorge. the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Area Now that autumn rains have come, the Please see page 2 for details on how to and in Special Management Area “Open U.S. Forest Service’s Burn Area Emergency take action to stop post-fire logging in the Space” zones in the Gorge, where logging Response (BAER) team has begun evaluating Columbia Gorge.

6 Community Support Pours into the Gorge

Kate Harbour, Membership Coordinator, [email protected]

n the days following September 2, the My friend and I had Eagle Creek fire became the nation’s top wildfire priority. We were awe-struck by a bake sale yesterday theI outpouring of support from our members at the park and we and the public. were looking for an A banner for the Gorge More than 125 businesses and organization to support at Providence Park. organizations in the Gorge, Portland, and and yours looks like the Photo: Courtesy of Portland Timbers beyond leapt into action, showing the perfect one! Today, I was boundless creativity, resourcefulness, and looking at pictures of passion within people whose hearts resonate with the Gorge. Several restaurants created the Columbia Gorge and custom cocktails, Hood River’s pFriem almost cried. It’s terrible Family Brewers donated proceeds from that one mistake is weekend beer sales, and a “virtual run” ruining so many beautiful event attracted nearly 300 participants places. Keep doing what from all over the world to run in honor of you’re doing. Gorge trails. Some businesses went beyond individual efforts to coordinate neighborhood- – Emma, age 12 ½ wide fundraisers in downtown Vancouver, and on Mississippi Avenue and Foster Road in Portland. Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Washington, and Sherwood High School in Gorge remains wild and beautiful for Locks raised more than $23,000 for Gorge Oregon both collaborated to raise funds to generations to come. Thank you all! fire departments, and the list goes on. protect the Gorge. Visit gorgefriends.org/firesupport We are especially moved by the efforts It’s humbling to see the thoughtfulness to see a complete list of businesses that of young Gorge enthusiasts. Students at and generosity of everyone who proactively held fundraisers and made donations for Covington Middle School in Vancouver, organized fundraisers to help ensure the the Gorge.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge is working with Alpha Media (home of Portland radio’s KXL 101 FM and KINK 101.9 FM), the Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance, and Weinstein PR on a public education campaign to support Gorge businesses impacted by the wildfire and to honor community heroes. The effort is being sponsored by COUNTRY Financial. For more information or to nominate a hero visit kink.fm/show-gorge-love. 7 Photo: Courtesy of Weinstein PR Gorge Trails Recovery Team

oon after the Eagle Creek fire broke out, Friends was inundated with calls and inquiries from people wantingS to know how they could help, and eager to roll up their sleeves to rebuild the trails they know and love. With a growing list of more than 1,600 trail volunteers, we decided to partner with Trailkeepers of Oregon, the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and Washington Trails Association, calling this combined effort the Gorge Trails Recovery Team. The Team is collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State Parks to create a series of stewardship (invasive plant removal & native seed plantings) and trail building work parties and trainings this spring and summer. To get involved, sign up at gorgefriends.org/firestewardship. Steve Kruger, executive director of Trailskeepers of Oregon, in yellow helmet, working with trail volunteers. Photo: Micheal Drewry Photo: Blaine Franger | Blaine + Bethany Photography

Hood River County Awarded with $46,140 Gift in Honor of Wildfire Heroes The day after the fire started at Eagle Creek, Friends launched a special fundraising appeal as a way for the public to thank the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Division. The team was one of the local first responders at the center of assisting the 150 stranded hikers and others threatened at the wildfire’s onset. On October 16, Friends presented Hood River County officials with a $46,140 check in appreciation of the search and rescue team’s heroic efforts during the Eagle Creek fire. More than 520 donors contributed From left: Friends Board Members and Hood River residents Vince Ready and to the gift, with Friends absorbing all costs incurred in David Michalek, with Hood River Deputy Chris Guertin, Friends Executive staff time and overhead to administer the gift appeal. Director Kevin Gorman, Reserve Deputy Bob Stewart, and Sheriff Matt English.

I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public. The Eagle Creek fire put a spotlight on our program and the amount of visitors on our trails, but Search and Rescue is something that we respond to year round. Responding to these events is extremely resource intensive and puts our searchers in harm’s way every time they hit the trail. These donations will help us enhance their safety and bolster the effectiveness of our response. 8 – Hood River Sheriff Matt English While the Eagle Creek fire burned thousands of acres, Preserve the Wonder is protecting another 420 acres from development and preserving thousands of trees. These campaign properties are even more important in light of the fire.

– Debbie Asakawa Friends board member

Duncan Creek, a Preserve the Wonder campaign property.

$5.5 million Preserve the Wonder is a campaign to purchase and preserve seven GOAL properties, 420 acres, on the Washington side of the Gorge. Each of the properties offers a unique conservation opportunity. Friends quietly raised funds for these acquisitions beginning in 2016 and we kicked off the Preserve the Wonder campaign in April 2017 at our Annual Meeting. To date we have raised $4.25 million toward our goal of $5.5 million. Thank you to all who have helped us get this far! $4.25 million The Gorge would not be what it is today had ordinary people not taken steps to protect it, making a difference that we all enjoy. Now we have an opportunity to follow in their footsteps and leave our own legacy. Please make a special gift to help Preserve the Wonder. Learn more at PreserveTheWonder.com.

Coyote Meadow, another caption campaign property. Photos: Debbie Asakawa 9 Loving Gorge Communities: Play & Stay

Kate Lindberg, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

The Historic Balch Hotel in Dufur. Photo: Courtesy of Historic Balch Hotel

hen Eagle Creek canyon I most enjoyed the beauty of the Gorge, the quality of the burst into flames in early information shared, and the overall experience of the hotel September, immediate and meeting new people! Wevacuations were ordered and Interstate 84 – Denissia Withers was closed. Most traffic was barred from entering the Gorge for weeks, so fire crews was scheduled for October 6-8, and we and evacuees could mobilize. Friends’ fall weren’t sure if we’d be able to continue hike program was put on a standstill, and with this weekend getaway. But in late Is Your Favorite many scheduled outings were cancelled. September, rains began to weaken the Gorge Trail Closed? Our Play & Stay Foliage and Fall fire. Communities reopened for business, Wine weekend in partnership with the and we began encouraging people to The Eagle Creek fire burned more Historic Balch Hotel in Dufur, Oregon, “reconnect with the Gorge.” The Play & than 140 miles of trails between Bridal Stay weekend was a perfect way to do just Veil Falls and Starvation Creek Falls that, and in the days just before it began, on the Oregon side of the Gorge. we sold out the Historic Balch Hotel. Nearly 50,000 acres were affected The Foliage and Fall Wine weekend and some of our most beloved Gorge celebrated the seasonal beauty of the trails will be closed for many months eastern Gorge, as guests learned about – perhaps years – to come. But this geological features and rich history, area represents just 17 percent of the supported local businesses, and learned National Scenic Area. We’ve compiled more about Friends’ programs and work. a list of more than 50 hiking options in Play & Stay is part of Gorge Towns or around the Gorge that are open to to Trails, linking communities and rural explore. Enjoy the beautiful northern regions through a destination trail network and eastern regions of the Gorge, and encircling the Gorge. Join us April 27-29, be sure to visit a Gorge community Wine tasting with Lonnie Wright, left, of The Pines 2018, at the Historic Balch Hotel for our along the way. Check out the list at 1852 and Alan Busacca of Volcano Ridge Vineyard. spring Wildflowers & Wine weekend. Learn gorgefriends.org/availablegorgehikes. Photo: Aimee Wade gorgefriends.org/playandstay 10 more at . Activities and Events

Benefit Piano Concert Saturday, February 3, 7 – 9 p.m. The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland

Join Friends for a special evening of classical music and ragtime pieces, performed by Gorge photographer and long-time Friends member Greg Lief. Greg is presenting this concert at Portland’s historic Old Church in downtown entirely to benefit Friends of the Columbia Gorge. Reserve your seat today for $15 at gorgefriends.org/concert . Greg Lief performing at last year’s concert. Photo: Stan Hall

Give the Gift of the Winter view from Dog Mountain. Photo: Greg Lief I greglief.me Gorge this Holiday Season! Our newest go-to hiking guidebook by Craig Romano, Day Hiking in the Columbia Gorge, has just been added to our gift store, along with the beautiful John Yeon Landscapes coffee table book, and the 2018 Gorge Wall Calendar with photos by Peter Marbach. Choose from these and 10 more items to select Gorgeous gifts for the hikers, history buffs, and Gorge enthusiasts on your list. Plus, gift memberships make great stocking stuffers! All proceeds support our programs to protect and preserve the incomparable Columbia Gorge. Shop now at gorgefriends.org/store.

Great Gorge Wahoo! In October, these sixth-grade students and their 25 classmates from Saint Andrew Nativity School in Portland spent a day in the Gorge as part of our Great Gorge Wahoo! outdoor education program. Sponsored by the Matthew Winthrop Memorial Fund, each fall the Great Gorge Wahoo! brings middle-school kids out to experience the beauty and wonder of the Columbia River Gorge. Photo: Nick Wiltgen 11 Expect the Unexpected

Sara Woods, Stewardship Coordinator, [email protected]

xpect the unexpected. Those are words functioning in complementary ways. When is likely the simplest way for the land to live by in the land trust world, assessing land for wildfire susceptibility, trust to improve habitat. In doing so, we Eespecially when managing land in invasives such as cheat grass are a concern. encourage more robust ecosystems when the Columbia River Gorge, a patchwork of They create a single-species, monoculture those unexpected but inevitable events federal, state, and private lands spread over understory, which is the opposite of occur. Wildfires are an age-old part of the six counties and two states. biodiversity and can increase fire frequency Gorge’s ecological cycles and patterns. The Gorge is home to numerous towns by providing a constant supply of ground Fires will continue to burn periodically in and communities alongside expansive fuels that are more easily ignited than native the Gorge and ice storms and landslides forests and other habitats. The convergence grasses. Also, after fire, invasive weeds tend will still occur, as these natural events of humans and nature in this long, narrow to establish more rapidly than native species, all play a role in the Columbia Gorge’s corridor is a constant reminder of how further suppressing the recovery of natives. ecosystems. How healthy the lands are significant the National Scenic Area Act Improving biodiversity by removing prior to these events will determine how is to maintaining this special landscape. invasive weeds and planting native species well they rebound in the future. The close coexistence of wildlands and people, with our highways, trains, barges, trails, and homes in and around the Gorge, McBride Kate Photo: make this area more vulnerable and more complex to manage. Friends’ land trust properties have been exposed to many “unexpected” adversities over the years including landslides, wildfires, ice storm damage, and newly introduced invasive weeds. Knowing the potential for these scenarios to reoccur at any time, paired with the inability to prevent them, has guided the land trust to strategize ways to make the land more resilient through stewardship and monitoring. A resilient landscape is biodiverse and made up of many different species Photo: Debbie Asakawa Photo: Micheal Drewry Volunteers root out invasive species, clear out brush and ladder fuels, and plant native plants and seeds on Friends’ land trust properties. 12 The scenic Underwood bluff, across the Columbia River from Hood River, was threatened with more development due to a faulty process of lot line adjustment. Photo: Peter Cornelison

Scenic Beauty Protected on Underwood Bluff

Steve McCoy, Staff Attorney, [email protected]

rotection of the scenic, cultural, adjustments are allowed between a In late May, Friends appealed the natural, and recreational values of maximum of two adjacent parcels. They County’s decision, asserting that the the Columbia Gorge is required by also cannot create new parcels or enlarge project was not eligible for expedited Pthe National Scenic Area Act. The laws that a parcel to a size that can be subdivided. review since it included Open Space have been written to protect the Gorge must Within the Gorge’s Open Space zones, areas, and also because it would have be followed to ensure that these values are lot line adjustments are allowed only for adjusted lot lines between multiple maintained, even for something as seemingly protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and/ parcels and resulted in an additional simple as a lot line adjustment. or recreational resources and cannot take buildable lot. When boundary disputes arise advantage of the expedited review process. After hearing from Friends, the between two adjacent landowners, lot line In early May, however, Skamania County applicant ultimately chose to withdraw adjustments are often used to resolve the used expedited review to adjust multiple the proposal and the County nullified issue. For example, when a buyer acquires lot lines between six parcels, some of which its approval. This was the best possible a parcel with a fenceline separating it from were partially zoned as Open Space. The outcome. While reminding the County adjacent property, both landowners may changes would have resulted in an additional, of the standards for lot line adjustments, assume the fenceline marks the actual highly visible, buildable lot on Underwood Friends also prevented the unlawful property line. When that isn’t the case, a lot Bluff. The expedited review process, which creation of an extra buildable lot in line adjustment can correct the discrepancy. does not allow public comment, is sensible an important scenic landscape. This Within the National Scenic Area, lot for low-impact proposals but was not resolution also averted potentially line adjustments are subject to various lawful for this project. This meant Friends’ lengthy litigation. Chalk up another restrictions to avoid extra development concerns could not be brought to the victory for Friends in our tireless work in sensitive areas. For example, lot line County prior to its decision. to protect the Gorge.

13 Special Gifts July 26, 2017 – October 19, 2017

In Honor of Martha and Ira Aronin In Honor of Jeremy In Honor of Francie Royce In Memory of Joseph Braunstein Martha Aronin Bethany Poprocky Andrea and Alex Johnson Nina Blachman Stephen Eschwege In Honor of Debbie Asakawa In Honor of JJ In Honor of Luka Seberger Shana McNerney Carl Asakawa Leo Lucisano Rosie Cullimore Rich and Turan McNerney Marjory and Mark Morford Fred and Ana Tamm-Daniels Janet Schroer and Stephen Williams In Honor of Juniper Johnson In Honor of David and Laurie Sherburne Florence Wininger Brenda Lemmon Tim Sherburne In Honor of Aspen In Memory of Tyson Breitenstein Destiny Covington In Honor of Molly F. Jones In Honor of the Arthur C. Simsen Family Maggie Breitenstein Catherine Price Linda Borecki In Honor of Gmom Asselta In Memory of Sandra Cohn Tamara Asselta In Honor of Joyful Refuge Sangha In Honor of Stephanie J. Stauber Bruce and Diane Follansbee Arthur Davis Jacob Stauber In Honor of Brad, Rachel, and Katie In Memory of Janis Dammers Jennifer Bowers In Honor of Nicholas Jugo In Honor of Matt C. Stevens Wolf Dammers Tina Jenq Taylor Simon In Honor of Jim Cameron In Memory of Daniel Eric Faucher In Honor of Julie and Shelley In Honor of Sylvia Stolberg Breanne Taylor Ryan Briggs Barry Lavine and Karen Stolzberg In Honor of Don Cannard In Memory of Ted Davis Joyce and Richard Hood In Honor of Delores G. Kehrberg In Honor of the Trail Mix Hiking Group Sally Farnes William Line Jayne and Shinya Ichikawa In Honor of Phyllis Clausen Nancy and Michael Phillips In Memory of Matt Delson Sandy Wallsmith In Honor of Dan Kovtynovich Kathleen Bensen Chris and Jan Sokol In Honor of Bryan Turner In Honor of Ezra Cohen Carrie Marstall In Memory of Jackie Dyrhaug Terri Brown In Honor of Kate Leli Maggie Hopkins Neal Cohen Nick Leli In Honor of Miles Twelker Christine McClave Janelle Hutchinson In Memory of Bob Erspamer Cathy Zheutlin In Honor of Hollie Lindauer Sara Sherwood Carla Fantone Susan Lindauer In Honor of Congregation Shir Tikvah In Honor of Jan Underwood In Memory of Dick Gehr Emily Myers In Honor of Julianna Lucisano Gillian Holbrook Chris Gehr Bethany Bauman Janet Lunde In Honor of Sasha Decker Rachel Stevens In Memory of Will Gerould Rosamund Hodge In Honor of Leah M. Melody Wilson Stephen Gerould and Jonathan Middlebrook Carolyn Schirmacher In Honor of Wendy Donohue In Honor of Steve Urman Diane Ehnes In Honor of Christina Malango Carole Romm In Memory of Megan Leigh Getrum Therese Gietler Sara Kirschenbaum William Line Eric Miller Bonnie McLellan In Honor of Hayley VanderJagt Margaret Strong Anna Vanderjagt In Memory of William and Cheryl and Scott Willson In Honor of Taran Nadler Julianne Harris Colleen Rickel In Honor of Kathleen McHarg and Laurel Harris In Honor of Gwen Farnham ramsey Weit George Post In Honor of the Narwhals Kathleen Hardie In Memory of Tom Hashizume Kenan Smith Connie Owens-Heilman Michael Clapp In Honor of Chloe Foster Lydia Evans In Honor of Johnny Nemanich In Honor of Alethea Nguyen Whisnant In Memory of Ned Hayes Ellendee Pepper Minh Whisnant Peter and Susan Belluschi In Honor of David and Ernie Francisco Kelsey Lewis In Honor of Chuck Nichols In Honor of Debbie Wise In Memory of Sis Hayes Lisa Nichols and Mark Goldberg Tresa and Steve Kowats Peter and Susan Belluschi In Honor of Viki Von Fumetti Lawrence and Poppy Dully Christine Bloom In Honor of Ingrid Nylen In Honor of the Wy’east Sisterhood Susan Lupton Shadia Nagati In Memory of Anne Hutchinson In Honor of Bill Garmire Patricia Hutchinson Allison McLean In Honor of Marissa Patterson In Honor of Ted and Helen Young Sharon White Lauren Platt In Memory of Nancy Jackson In Honor of John Gaudette Anne Kelly Karen Gaudette Brewer In Honor of Cathy Price Molly Finch Jones In Memory of Jill Josselyn In Memory of Kai Allen In Honor of the Gerrard Family Emily Jensen Gayle Cable Judy Gerrard In Honor of Gary Randall Alan Dinger Michael Rasmussen Molly Finch Jones In Memory of Elmer B. Anderson In Honor of Kevin Gorman Dolores and Tom Niebergall Russ and Marla Karow Kathleen Ackley In Honor of Don Remlinger Carla Kelly Susan Brim Judith Sugg In Memory of Michael Armatis In Honor of Jopie Van Hameren Lora Shinn Lynn Zartman Anne Lipsitz In Honor of Ryan Rittenhouse Amelia Loy Evan Selnekovic In Memory of Ben Keough In Memory of Jan Asbury Heath Asbury Gina Keough In Honor of Dawn and John Harrison In Honor of Larissa Rothe Linda Enders Elizabeth Sevilla In Memory of Kimberly In Memory of Hans Biglajzer Gary Berne Elizabeth Searle 14 Families of bald eagles feast on salmon from the Columbia River in the eastern Gorge. Photo: Linda Steider

Featured Hike Bald Eagle Viewings this Winter

Kate Lindberg, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

or the next several months many at prime spots in the Gorge. In years habits and habitat while getting an Gorge trails will remain closed due to past we’ve had great success spotting up-close view using spotting scopes Fthe fire, but the unaffected eastern many eagles along the Klickitat River and binoculars. Gorge is a wonderful place to explore. in Lyle, Washington, and at The Dalles Once we hear the eagles have Each winter offers a special Dam Visitor Center in Oregon. started congregating, we’ll schedule opportunity here as migrating eagles join Join Friends this winter for a bald several outings in January and early the resident birds, doubling or tripling the eagle viewing outing led by a wildlife February. Sign up now to receive population for a couple of months. These biologist to learn more about this the announcement email by visiting iconic raptors feast on spawning salmon special bird. We’ll hear about their gorgefriends.org/baldeagles2018.

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Hood River sparkles on the river at twilight. Photo: Brian Chambers I bcphotography.zenfolio.com

Great Explorations: Hood River in Winter

Laura O. Foster, Author, Columbia Gorge Getaways

The Eagle Creek fire brought red ink to Gorge towns, Walk or drive to the riverfront pFriem Family Brewers as businesses saw a serious decline in customers. This or Solstice Wood Fire Pizza – no waiting at this time of winter treat yourself, and support these businesses that year – or sample Gorge wines at Cathedral Ridge Winery. support Friends, with a getaway in Hood River. Adventures If the weather’s fine, rent road or e-bikes from Mountain on the trails or in the museums – plus local shops, food, View Cycles to explore the waterfront, the old and new and drinks – add up to an easy, exhilarating vacation and a architecture in neighborhoods, or the Historic Columbia super pleasant way to find holiday gifts. River Highway State Trail to Mosier. Reward yourself with Stay downtown at the Hood River Hotel or Oak Street a great meal at the Gorge’s newest restaurant, Mosier Hotel, or a pleasant walk away at Hood River BnB or Company. Find them on Facebook for winter hours. Gorge View BnB. Hood River is eminently walkable, from its riverfront to historic neighborhoods above downtown. Laura Foster’s book, Columbia Gorge Getaways, explores Gorge Mosey through shops and galleries on Oak and nearby towns and trails, in twelve 48-hour adventures. Order a copy at streets, with lunch at Pine Street Bakery. At Waucoma www.gorgefriends.org/gorgegetaways. A portion of proceeds Bookstore, get the new and indispensable Curious Gorge. supports Friends.