Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Fall 2017 Newsletter

Inside Take Action Against Oil Page 2

Blue Skies & Big News: Gorge Towns to Trails Page 4

Hikes, Outings, Events & Stewardship Insert Friends of the Columbia Gorge An oil train heading west, near Bingen, Washington. Founder Nancy Russell, 1932-2008 Photo: Darryl Lloyd

Board of Directors Geoff Carr Chair Debbie Asakawa Vice Chair Kari Skedsvold Secretary/Treasurer Pat Campbell John Nelson* Greg Delwiche Kim Noah* Gwen Farnham Carrie Nobles John Harrison Lisa Berkson Platt Temple Lentz Mia Prickett David Michalek* Vince Ready* Patty Mizutani Meredith Savery Take Action! Board of Trustees – Land Trust John Nelson* President David Michalek* Secretary/Treasurer Pat Campbell Keep Fighting Oil By Rail Greg Delwiche If you live in , you are probably aware that the oil train safety legislation Dustin Klinger Barbara Nelson we were trying to pass this last session failed. Please contact your Oregon Rick Ray* representative and Governor Kate Brown to let them know you want oil safety John Baugher Land Trust Advisor legislation prioritized at the upcoming short session that starts in February. Staff Contact Gov. Kate Brown: State Capitol Building Nathan Baker Senior Staff Attorney 900 Court Street NE, 160, Salem, OR 97301 Kyle Broeckel Development Assistant Peter Cornelison* Field Representative Phone: (503) 378-4582 Pam Davee Development Officer Find your Oregon legislator online: oregonlegislature.gov Burt Edwards Communications Director Kevin Gorman Executive Director Stan Hall Digital Content Specialist Kate Harbour Membership Coordinator Vancouver Oil Terminal Decision Looms Maegan Jossy Outreach Manager Michael Lang Conservation Director And if you live in Washington, please take action right now for the Gorge. The Energy Kate Lindberg Outdoor Programs Coordinator Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) just held the last permit hearing for the proposed Kate McBride* Land Trust Manager Steve McCoy Staff Attorney oil terminal in Vancouver on August 22. As you know, that terminal is one of numerous Ingrid Nylen Events Assistant proposals to increase oil exports through the Pacific Northwest, all of which would Ryan Rittenhouse Conservation Organizer result in more, dangerous oil trains through the Gorge National Scenic Renee Tkach* Gorge Towns to Trails Manager Paige Unangst Finance Director Area. Please urge Governor Jay Inslee to oppose any new oil terminals or refineries. David Williams GIS Coordinator, Encore Fellow

Sara Woods* Land Stewardship Coordinator Contact Gov. Jay Inslee: Office of the Governor Sandy Wright Development Director PO Box 40002, Olympia, WA 98504-0002 *Gorge Area Residents Phone: (360) 902-4111

Published August 2017 Stay Connected with Friends Publications: Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and Action Alerts: Stay updated on conservation threats to the Gorge and Kathleen Krushas / To the Point Publications how to take action. Editor: Betsy Toll / Lumin Creative Services Hiking e-news: Receive biweekly updates on Friends’ guided outings, Portland Office: 333 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97204 stewardship work party announcements, trail alerts, 503-241-3762 suggested seasonal hikes, and other hiking-related news. Hood River Office: Monthly e-news: Keep updated on Friends’ work, upcoming events and 205 Oak St., Suite 17, Hood River, OR 97031 541-386-5268 news, volunteer efforts, ways to get involved, and more. Washougal Office: Sign up at: gorgefriends.org/subscribe 887 Main St., Suite 202, Washougal, WA 98671 360-334-3180 /gorgefriends @gorgefriends @gorgefriends

2 Cover: Autumn beauty at Coyote Meadow, part of our Preserve the Wonder campaign. Photo: Debbie Asakawa Director’s Letter arly this summer, as the Columbia digging, Nathan uncovered an obscure River Gorge Commission’s hearing quote by Washington Senator Slade Gorton on Union Pacific’s rail expansion regarding railroads. During Senate debate proposalE near Mosier progressed, a biblical on the 1986 legislation, Gorton stated on drama seemed to play out, David against the Senate floor that “the [Gorge] Commission Goliath. Our handful of underpaid but may require mitigation measures to ensure that dedicated attorneys faced down Union [railroad] activity will not adversely affect the Pacific’s platoon of high-priced lawyers. resources protected under the act.” Digging And just as David had his sling, Friends, deeper, Nathan also learned that the too, had a secret weapon: the irrepressible railroads had drafted and urged Congress to Senior Staff Attorney Nathan Baker, left, with persistence of our senior staff attorney, include language in the Act that would have Staff Attorney Steve McCoy. Photo: Michael Horodyski Nathan Baker. specifically exempted their activities from Nathan came to Friends in 2000, regulation, but Congress declined to do so. pages of materials the Gorge Commissioners straight out of law school. He immediately Nathan’s discoveries were interesting, had to review in hearing the case, they saw immersed himself in the rules of the but none of this was explicitly stated in the that legislative history, including Gorton’s Gorge Management Plan and the Scenic final legislation, so I wasn’t sure it mattered. statement, and relied on it to reject Union Area legislation. In fact, Nathan showed Turns out it does matter. When Oregon Pacific’s rail expansion project and underscore a dogged pursuit of all things Gorge. He courts are asked to interpret statutes, they the Commission’s authority over railroad began researching all the movies and TV must consider the legislative history to activities in the National Scenic Area. shows filmed in the Gorge, learning, among determine, if possible, legislative intent. What was once arcane congressional other things, that both Lassie and Charlie Union Pacific argued that the Gorge trivia has now made a difference on the the Lonesome Cougar had ridden the Commission had no authority over railroad ground, thanks to Nathan Baker and his love Broughton log flume near Underwood. activities and that Union Pacific’s own of the law, history, and the Columbia Gorge. So I wasn’t surprised when, three application for a Scenic Area permit was years ago, just for fun, Nathan was merely a courtesy. Nathan, however, made poring over the legislative history behind sure that the Act’s legislative history was Congress’s passage of the Columbia River presented in a legal brief arguing against Kevin Gorman, Executive Director Gorge National Scenic Area Act. While Union Pacific’s plans. Amid the 20,000 [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.

Cover: Autumn beauty at Coyote Meadow, part of our Preserve the Wonder campaign. Photo: Debbie Asakawa Early autumn colors near Mosier. Photo: Kevin Gorman 3 The Bridge of the Gods, reaching from Cascade Locks north to Washington. Photo: Cacophony / Wikimedia

longtime visitors. The bridge’s prominence in the recent film Wild, based on Cheryl Blue Skies & Big News: Strayed’s popular book, prompted a dramatic increase in hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail, along with visitors eager Gorge Towns to Trails to cross the bridge or snap selfies mid- span. By some estimates, foot traffic to the Renee Tkach, Project Manager, [email protected] bridge –the Gorge’s latest must-see tourist destination – has increased as much as or many people, summer is a time for bring together private, public, and nonprofit five-fold. This has not only placed a strain rest, relaxation, and reflection – a sector partners committed to building a on current infrastructure, but increased chance to step back and slow down sustainable vision for Gorge recreation. safety concerns for hikers and pedestrians Fafter a busy and productive spring. But The charm and appeal of Cascade attempting to cross the bridge. on Friends’ Gorge Towns to Trails initiative, Locks and its iconic Bridge of the Gods is As part of its Gorge Towns to Trails this summer has seen a nonstop flurry of now spreading beyond Gorge residents and efforts, Friends has partnered with the activity. Those of us who live in and love this beautiful area stand to benefit for many seasons to come from the growing Old-growth cedar and fir momentum of support for creating a world- stands on Herman Creek Trail class system of trails around the Gorge. near Cascade Locks. The vision of a series of trails Photo: Debbie Asakawa connecting Gorge communities, businesses, and wild areas is one of the highest recreational objectives within the National Scenic Area’s management plan. Gorge Towns to Trails is an effort to make this vision a reality by creating a European- style hiking system that wraps around the Gorge, connecting communities with tourism, dispersing congestion, and creating contiguous wildlife corridors. To accomplish this ambitious feat, Friends has been working over the past six years to 4 Port of Cascade Locks, the Pacific Crest coordination with local communities and the Gorge. Over the summer, Friends Trail Association, and City of Stevenson to partner organizations.” The city council has held a number of community talks raise $18,000 to explore the feasibility of resolution also stressed the importance and special hikes to help build public a new pedestrian lane on the Bridge of the of Gorge Towns to Trails as a key tool to support to reach the campaign’s ambitious Gods. The result of months of talks between promote sustainable recreation and $5.5 million goal. Friends also has seen leaders of local jurisdictions on both sides alternative transportation options to significant progress this summer in its of the river, this critical infrastructure alleviate congestion at popular trailheads efforts to engage key community leaders improvement project would not only throughout the Gorge. in the Gorge Towns to Trails initiative. provide safe access for future pedestrians and bicyclists, but could create a key link with other Gorge trails, such as the recently completed Trail of the Gods in Skamania County. Further work sessions are scheduled for this fall with a growing list of regional partners as the planning and scoping process for the pedestrian bridge continues. Progress on the Gorge Towns to Trails project can also be seen further east, in The Dalles. As the largest city in the Gorge, The Dalles has been an important regional commerce center for generations. More than 300 days of sun every year make it a popular destination for countless hikers, cyclists, and other visitors. The Dalles-based Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is a vital educational resource providing opportunities for students around the region to learn Gorge history, and also learn the importance of habitat Looking north from the Riverfront Trail in The Dalles. Photo: John Sparks protection and conservation. This past June, The Dalles City This spring, Friends publicly launched To learn more or make a Council unanimously passed a resolution its Preserve the Wonder campaign to acquire donation, visit preservethewonder. in support of Gorge Towns to Trails. Citing 420 acres of land along the Washington com. We’ll also be holding Friends’ the nearly $100 million that Wasco side of the Gorge. The campaign adds fall Gorge on Tap event in The Dalles County annually receives from tourism, an active way for the public to join the on September 20, where you can the resolution pledged the Council’s Gorge Towns to Trails endeavor by helping hear more about the areas where support of the initiative and called for to acquire properties, such as Steigerwald we’re making exciting progress and “prioritization for creation of a trail Shores and Duncan Creek, which will be learn how you can help with this system from The Dalles to Hood River in vital in connecting a trail loop around visionary project.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Freebridge Brewing 710 E. 2nd St., The Dalles, Oregon Join us for conversation and inspiration! gorgefriends.org/gorgeontap

5 Preserving Turtle Haven

Western pond turtle, basking. Photo: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sara Woods, Stewardship Coordinator, [email protected]

estled in a wooded area called The has collected pond turtle Turtle Haven supports many other Collins Slide, Turtle Haven is one hatchlings to rear in captivity, allowing them to wildlife species including megafauna such of seven acquisition sites in our triple in size before reintroducing them, so they as black bear, cougar, coyote, elk, and deer. PreserveN the Wonder campaign. This 64-acre can better defend themselves from predators. With more than a dozen ponds within a parcel, surrounded by U.S. Forest Service The Forest Service and the Washington square-mile area of Turtle Haven, this land on three sides, has long provided habitat Department of Fish and Wildlife have worked Preserve the Wonder acquisition could play a for western pond turtles (Clemmys mamorata), to improve turtle habitat by removing bull key role in larger, cooperative conservation and our conservation efforts there will frogs and their egg masses, mowing tall grasses efforts, especially for turtles, by making enhance this invaluable turtle refuge. and removing invasive weeds where turtles wildlife habitat in the Gorge more Western pond turtles have been listed nest, and putting wood into ponds to provide contiguous and less fragmented. by Washington State as endangered since basking sites, a key activity of turtles to reduce 1993, due to wetland habitat loss and predator parasites on their shells. gorgefriends.org/turtlehaven invasion, primarily by nonnative bullfrogs. A centuries-old, slow-moving landslide may have also played a part in the demise of this pond turtle population in the Gorge. However, the current geography of Turtle Haven offers a mosaic of ponds, seasonal pools, springs, and streams, as well as terrestrial areas where they can forage, mate, nest, overwinter, estivate, bask, and travel between water bodies – exactly the type of habitat turtles need to support their recovery.

6 Photo: Greg Lief / liefphotos.com The woods below Wind Mountain protect Turtle Haven. Autumn view at Lyle Cherry Orchard. See hike September 9. Photo: Debbie Asakawa

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Hikes, Outings & Events

Register now at gorgefriends.org/hikes Fall 2017

Lend-a-Hand Stewardship!

Join a work party on our land trust properties with Stewardship Caretakers Coordinator Sara Woods. Help remove old fencing, collect and of the Gorge plant native plants and acorns, Whether hiking with Friends or on maintain trails, and more. our own, we’re all caretakers of the There’s lots to do! Gorge. We encourage everyone to Dates & details at hike responsibly. Stay on the trail, use gorgefriends.org/stewardship a trailhead bootbrush, and carry out your trash. Leave no traces, take only memories – and photos!

Volunteers at Mosier Plateau. Photo: Kate McBride Autumn at . Photo: Nick Wiltgen Member Registration is Now Open! gorgefriends.org/hikes Fall Outings Questions? Contact Kate Lindberg at 971-634-1265 or [email protected]. Saturday, September 9 Mona Bell Hill and General Information The Tale of Toothrock, OR E asy: 2 miles, little elev. gain • Hike distances listed are round-trip. Fall Outing Icon Key

Walk along a section of Sam Hill’s Columbia • Please note difficulty levels when Members Only River Highway with John Harrison, choosing hikes: Easy, Moderate, Special Focus author of A Woman Alone, and learn about Strenuous or Expert. Preserve the Wonder Hill’s consort, Mona Bell. Oregon State • As a courtesy to other hikers, Trails to Ales Park Ranger Jamen Lee will share native please register only if you’re sure Wiking and pioneer history and describe Samuel you will attend. Lancaster’s connection to the region. Family Friendly • Carpool information and outing- Dog Friendly Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA specific details will be emailed to Moderate: 4 miles, 900-ft elev. gain you upon registration. Hike with wildlife biologist Bill Weiler • New this fall! Hike with board members to on Washington Department of Natural properties in our Preserve the Wonder land campaign. Resources land near Lyle Cherry Orchard and learn about threatened western gray • Children are welcome with a parent or guardian on Our hiking program . is sponsored by squirrels, pileated woodpeckers, and other hikes appropriate for their age and ability local wildlife. • Dogs are welcome only on hikes with the dog-friendly icon. and jfolaw.com Upper McCord Creek Falls, OR • Leave no traces, take only memories and photos! Easy: 3 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Join environmental educator Roland Begin on this family-friendly hike to two Th ursday, September 14 Sunday, September 17 beautiful waterfalls and a sweeping view Dog Mountain, WA Herman Creek of the Gorge. Learn about plants, animals, Strenuous: 6.9 miles, 2,820-ft elev. gain Ancient Cedars, OR geology, and local history. A nature hunt Join Field Representative Peter Cornelison Expert: 16 miles, 2,600-ft elev. gain will add to the fun for both the young and on a climb up to enjoy panoramic views and This Gorge trek with Jim Chase passes young-at-heart! solitude. We’ll hike up the west-side trail sparkling waterfalls and towering stands and descend by the main route. of noble fir, hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sunday, September 10 ancient red cedar. Finding Bigfoot in North Bonneville, WA Friday, September 15 Easy: 3 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Starvation Ridge Loop, OR Gorgeous Relays Join Jake Meyer of the Bonneville Trails Easy: 2.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Volunteer Opportunity Foundation and Gorge Towns to Trails Project Hike the newest Gorge trail, with views of Help Friends earn $100 for Gorge Manager Renee Tkach at North Bonneville three waterfalls and a new stone bridge, and protection as a Gorgeous Relays Discovery Trails. Learn what the future learn local lore from leader Billie Anger. We’ll volunteer. We need 30 volunteers along holds for this major hiking hub and look for take an easy pace to reach great viewpoints. the racecourse from Wyeth to the up to 30 Bigfoots along the way. Willamette. Free shirt and beer at the Saturday, September 16 after-party! Mo nday, September 11 Petroglyphs and Larch Mountain Crater Loop Trail Run, OR Horsethief Butte, WA Th ursday, September 21 Moderate: 6 miles, 1,300-ft elev. gain 2 Easy walks: 2.5 miles total, little gain Coyote Wall and the Labyrinth, WA Start your week with a trail run through Explore culturally treasured Yakama Nation lands Moderate: 5.8 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain lush forest with Friends’ Staff Attorney Steve with leader Judy Todd as we quietly visit She Who Leader Annette Hadaway will lead us up McCoy, and take in the view from Sherrard Watches. We’ll reflect on the deeper cultural story Coyote Wall to sweeping river views, for Point to cool down afterwards. All running as it relates to climate change, cultural changes, weekday beauty and solitude. Sections of paces are welcome. and the intersectionality of our lives today. the trail are steep with loose rock. Friday, September 22 Friday, September 29 Earth Walk with Mindfulness, WA Catherine Creek Arch Easy: 2-3 miles, 150-ft elev. gain and Universal Trail Loop, WA O ctober 6 – 8 Fall equinox offers this opportunity to Easy: 2.5 miles, 325-ft elev. gain connect quietly with nature. Renew your Naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers will describe Play & Stay Weekend mind and spirit by walking this trail with late-season flowering plants and point out Foliage and Fall Wines Klickitat Trail Conservancy board member early-season favorites after their spring beauty Steven Woolpert. has faded. Optional wine tasting later.

Saturday, September 23 Saturday, October 7 Rodney Falls and Saturday, September 30 Conboy Lake National Wildlife Little Beacon Rock, WA PtW Steigerwald Shores, WA Refuge, WA Easy: 3.5 miles, 600-ft elev. gain E asy: 3.8 miles, no elev. gain Easy: 3 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Environmental educator Roland Begin leads Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Discover the rich ecology of Conboy this hike to a beautiful waterfall. We’ll learn board members and Columbia Gorge Lake National Wildlife Refuge on an about plants, geology, and maybe catch the Refuge Stewards at Steigerwald Shores, educational walk surrounded by fall colors squeak of a Columbia Gorge pika. Nature a 160-acre parcel adjacent to Steigerwald along the Willard Springs Trail with games will add to the fun for the young and Lake NWR, and learn how wildlife will naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers. the young-at-heart! greatly benefit from the restoration of this land as part of Preserve the Wonder campaign. Watercolor and Outdoor Art Sunday, October 8 Workshop, WA Salmon Hike, OR No hiking involved Saturday, September 30 Easy: 1.8 miles, 300-ft elev. gain This all-day watercolor exploration at Hamilton Mountain, WA Hike under colorful foliage along Tanner Beacon Rock State Park with artist Heather Strenuous: 9.4 miles, 2,100-ft elev. gain Creek to Wahclella Falls with Mary Ann Brunelle is perfect for beginning or Join Friends Executive Director Kevin Schmidt to witness fall spawning salmon. advanced painters. Supply list provided upon Gorman and leader Sharon Ross on National Great for the whole family. registration. Limited to 10; $25 fee. Public Lands Day to hike a challenging trail that has it all: waterfalls, cliffs, deep forests, Friday, October 13

Sunday, September 24 and breathtaking Gorge views. Cape Horn Loop, WA Bridal Veil Falls Loop Moderate: 8.3 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain Easy: 1.2 mile, 70-ft elev. gain Thr u sday, October 5 Fall foliage brightens the dramatic From its days as a lumber company to Hardy Creek Dog Hike, WA views on this outing with our Field a ghost town, to more recent stories of Moderate: 7.75 miles, 1,330-ft elev. gain Representative Peter Cornelison to weddings and waterfalls, with NASCAR Our furry friends are welcome on this hike several stunning view points, including and Kraft Cheese along the way, we’ll with dog-lovers Madeleine Von Laue and Don the Nancy Russell Overlook. McCoy. Enjoy phenomenal views as we climb uncover Bridal Veil Falls State Park’s Gorge vineyards in fall. secrets with Oregon State Park Ranger to the saddle behind Hamilton Mountain. Photo: Courtesy of Analemma Wines Miranda Mendoza.

Th ursday, September 28 N ick Eaton Ridge, OR Strenuous: 10.2 miles, 3,100-ft elev. gain Play & Stay: Foliage and Fall Wines Learn about current conservation challenges as we climb to great Gorge views on the rugged Herman Creek trail October 6 – 8 in Dufur, Oregon with Friends’ Field Representative Peter Cornelison. E njoy autumn beauty on this getaway weekend at the Historic Balch Hotel, Fishwheels of the Gorge, WA in Dufur, Oregon. Your all-inclusive package offers you exclusive hikes with Difficult: 2 miles, no elev. gain Gorge experts, wine tasting with local vintners, weekend meals, and more! (Hike traverses rocky shoreline.) Learn about the fishwheels of the Gorge with Play & Stay is an opportunity to step beyond day hikes to experience a hiking guidebook author Scott Cook. He’ll deeper appreciation of what the Gorge has to offer. lead a history walk back in time to the late Details and reservations at gorgefriends.org/playandstay 1800s, when fishwheels churned along the Columbia River. Saturday, October 14 Mo nday, October 16 Two Hikes at Eagle Creek, OR Klickitat River Rail Trail, WA M ultnomah- Loop, OR High Bridge: Moderate: 6.4 miles, Choose from 2 hikes: Moderate: 4.8 miles, 1,540-ft elev. gain 840-ft elev. gain Easy: 4 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Enjoy early autumn colors on this iconic Tunnel Falls: Strenuous: 12 miles, Moderate: 9 miles, 100-ft elev. gain Gorge trail. We’ll pass seven sparkling 1,640-ft elev. gain Celebrate Klickitat Trail Conservancy’s 15th waterfalls on this hike with leader Autumn beauty brightens these classic Gorge anniversary with us on either of these hikes Billie Anger. hikes past cascading waterfalls, with Outreach along the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. Manager Maegan Jossy to High Bridge or with Breakfast and trail snacks provided. Saturday, October 21 leader Sharon Ross to Tunnel Falls. Option for a River to Crest Bike Ride, OR nearby post-hike beer afterwards. Petroglyphs Tour and Moderate: 26.6 miles, 1,200-ft elev. gain Dalles Mountain Ranch, WA Ride with Field Representative Peter Wedne sday, October 25 Two Easy Walks: 4 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Cornelison on this great bike tour from the Maple Tree ID Hike, OR Washington State Park Ranger Chon south bank of the river through the famed Moderate: 4 miles, 600-ft elev. gain Clayton will lead us to ancient petroglyphs Rowena Loops to scenic views. Option for Hiking along the Elowah and Upper McCord and rock images, including She Who post-ride beer afterwards. Falls trails with Tom Kloster, we’ll learn to Watches. After lunch, we’ll hike at nearby identify each of the three maple tree species that Dalles Mountain Ranch with leader are so important in Pacific Northwest forests. Kristin Price. Saturday, October 21 Lyle Peak, WA Saturday, October 28 Sunday, October 15 PtW M oderate: 7 miles, 1,400-elev. gain , OR Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Join board members for a hike to Lyle Easy: 2.5 miles, 500-ft elev. gain Moderate: 5 miles, 1,500-ft elev. gain Peak, one of the highest points in the This loop hike with leader Ross Edginton Hike with naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers eastern Gorge, and learn why our will take us past two beautiful waterfalls as to take in sweeping views from the old Preserve the Wonder campaign includes we learn local history and lore. pioneer cherry orchard on this Friends protecting this scenic 25-acre parcel. Land Trust property. Afterwards, enjoy an optional wine tasting at a nearby winery. Saturday, October 28 Sunday, October 22 PtW Coyote Meadow, WA Pierce National Wildlife Refuge, WA Sandy River Delta Evening Walk, OR Strenuous: 9.5 miles, 1,250-ft elev. gain Easy: 3 miles, little elev. gain Easy: 3-4 miles, little elev. gain Hike with board members to this oak- Join Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards Visit architect Maya Lin’s Bird Blind to learn studded grass savannah surrounded by public Jared Strawderman and Dave Pinkernell about the collaborative restoration efforts of land. The scenic beauty and habitat on this for a leisurely walk through this beautiful Confluence, Sandy River Basin Watershed 10-acre expanse make it an important part wetland habitat. Bring binoculars for better Council, Friends of Sandy River Delta, and of our Preserve the Wonder campaign. bird viewing. others to preserve this multiuse area.

Lyle Peak, part of Friends’ Preserve the Wonder campaign to acquire and preserve 420 acres across seven Gorge properties. Photo: Debbie Asakawa

Preservethewonder.org

A campaign to ensure the wild and wonderful Columbia Gorge endures for many generations to come.

See PtW hikes on Sept. 30, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28. Maegan Jossy, Outreach Manager [email protected]

Guided Hikes this Fall

xperience the wonder of Ethree unique landscapes firsthand this fall, on hikes at Steigerwald Shores, Lyle Peak, Friends’ and Coyote Meadow. Third Annual You’ll understand the importance Photo Contest of protecting these outstanding properties and learn about our Submit your best photos in our Preserve the Wonder photo contest. Preserve the Wonder campaign. Entries accepted through September 10. The five “Gorge wonder” categories to photograph are cultural, scenic, waterfall, wildflowers, and Dates and details wildlife. Learn more at gorgefriends.org/photocontest. are in the hike insert. Midnight at Vista House by Nick Wiltgen. Submitted for 2017 Preserve the Wonder photo contest.

Fall Hikes, Outings, Events & Stewardship See our insert for the full schedule of outings from September 9 through October 28. Member registration is open now!

John Yeon Landscape Book his beautiful new book, published in conjunction with Tthe Quest for Beauty exhibit at the Portland Art Museum, explores Portland architect John Yeon’s role as a planner, landscape architect, and conservation activist.

John led a national committee dedicated to the conservation of the Columbia Gorge, and he acquired 78 acres in Skamania County, directly across from Multnomah Falls, and transformed it into The Shire. This private, picturesque landscape showcased the beauty of the Gorge and served as the birthplace of our organization.

Book sells for $25. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Columbia Gorge. gorgefriends.org/johnyeonbook

77 An oil train heading west near Starvation Creek. Photo: Stan Hall

Oregon Oil Train Bill Derails

Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

t the close of its session, the Warner (D-Portland), bowed to this pressure, and Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles) voted Oregon Legislature failed to pass and HB 2131 was weakened to: prohibit against strengthening the bill and restoring legislation to improve oil train public involvement and disclosure of oil spill public disclosure. At the close of the legislative Aemergency response requirements and oil plans and financial responsibility statements; session the House and Senate leadership were terminal review standards, including House eliminate railroad fees for emergency response unwilling to restore public disclosure and pass Bill 2131. As a result, Oregon will continue to planning; remove standards for oil spill a meaningful bill. have the weakest laws on the West Coast for plans; and make oil spill plans unenforceable. Across the region, communities oil trains and terminals. Without recourse to review response plans including Mosier, Hood River, Portland, As originally drafted, HB 2131 would before an emergency occurs, the public would and Vancouver have stood up to oil trains have required railroads to submit oil spill not know whether those plans are adequate and terminals, but the Legislature bowed contingency plans for state approval, until too late. to pressure from the railroads and failed to demonstrate their ability to meet the On June 30, when HB 2131 came to a protect our communities, rivers, and the requirements of their plans, provide financial vote in the Oregon House of Representatives, . responsibility statements to state regulators, it was sent back to committee due to Oil by rail will never be safe, but we look and assess fees to the railroads. These public and media outcry over the secrecy forward to working with the Legislature in the conditions are required in Washington and requirements for oil spill plans and financial future to pass legislation that better protects California laws. responsibility statements. Rep. Smith Warner the Columbia Gorge and Oregon communities Railroad lobbyists and many Republican admitted that her own bill was flawed and from oil trains. Our thanks to all legislators who legislators opposed these measures. In late pledged to restore public disclosure to the supported strong legislation that would address May, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Barbara Smith bill. Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Hood River) oil spill emergency response and oil terminals.

8 Victory! Rail Expansion Blocked in Mosier

Steve McCoy, Staff Attorney, [email protected]

n June 13, the Columbia River harmonization of the two laws. The Gorge Oregon white oaks that provide crucial Gorge Commission heard appeals Commission voted 11–1 to adopt this habitat. The likelihood of damage to the of Wasco County’s decision to interpretation of the federal laws and uphold scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation Odeny a National Scenic Area permit to allow the Wasco County decision. resources in the National Scenic Area is Union Pacific (UP) to build a double track Communities up and down the Gorge significant. Still, UP has filed a lawsuit in through and on both sides of Mosier. celebrated the decision. Gorge communities federal court, and that suit is still pending. Wasco County presented evidence that including Cascade Locks, Mosier, The Dalles, Friends will continue standing shoulder- tribal treaty rights, which are explicitly Hood River, Portland, and Multnomah to-shoulder with the Yakama Nation, the protected in the Columbia River Gorge County in Oregon and Bingen, Stevenson, Warm Springs Tribes, the Umatilla Tribes, National Scenic Area Act, would be damaged and Vancouver, as well as the Port of Camas and the Columbia River Intertribal Fish by the rail expansion. The proposed and the Washougal School District in Commission to defend the Columbia Gorge expansion would specifically harm tribal Washington have passed resolutions against against increased oil train traffic. Collectively, fishers and increase harm to the fishery the oil by rail. In addition, the Columbia River we have won in Federal District Court, at next time an oil train derailment occurs. The Intertribal Fish Commission and fire chiefs Wasco County and the Gorge Commission, Commission voted 9–3 that UP’s proposal on both sides of the river have opposed oil- and in procedural skirmishes at the Oregon would harm treaty rights. by-rail. The consensus is that mile-long trains Land Use Board of Appeals and the Federal Union Pacific’s primary contention filled with explosive Bakken crude oil have Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. We are was that federal railroad law preempts the no place in the Gorge. determined to vigorously protect the Gorge National Scenic Area Act, despite established Union Pacific is likely to appeal the from the Goliaths of fossil fuel and the multi- case law that requires “harmonization” of Gorge Commission’s decision, despite the billion dollar railroads. federal railroad law and other federal laws, risks to tribal treaty giving effect to the requirements of both rights and the safety of laws to the extent possible. Federal laws Gorge communities. that do not “unduly restrict the railroad Further, UP’s proposal from conducting its operations” are not would remove some preempted and are thus allowed under 1,400 trees, including

Oregon oak habitat. Photo: Diana Karabut

Autumn view from iconic Rowena Crest, near site of the proposed project. Photo: Mark McConnell

9 Linda Felver and Peter Christ, Jewels for the at Portland Women’s Forum. “Jewels of the Gorge” A Special Thanks

very year, artists at the EPortland Society for Kate Harbour, Membership Coordinator Calligraphy volunteer their [email protected] talent to create lovely hand- lettered invitations for special inda Felver’s happiest times have always been was hired to train Brazilian engineers to become Friends’ events. in the outdoors. From a young age, she had a geologists as well. During that time, her family In an increasingly digitized great love of the natural world, cultivated by purchased some Brazilian gemstone jewelry. Linda world, the beauty of their herL parents who were both birders. has a dozen pieces: rings, brooches, pendants, lettering art speaks volumes. She and her husband, Peter, have lived on the and earrings with green tourmalines, amethysts, Thank you, volunteers at the Washington side of the Gorge for more than 20 aquamarines, and other gems. Portland Society for Calligraphy! years. They revel in the Gorge’s hiking trails, and When Linda read that Steigerwald Shores in 2000, they joined Friends to help protect this was the “crown jewel” of the campaign special place. those words sparked the idea for her unique When Linda heard about Preserve the Wonder she gift. “I decided to donate all of my Brazilian was intrigued and quickly saw the opportunities gemstone jewelry to Preserve the Wonder. Jewels for habitat preservation and trail connections. She for the jewels of the Gorge!” began to think about what she could do to make Thank you, Linda, for the gift of your this dream a reality. jewels, to help Preserve the Wonder! During the 1960s, Linda’s family moved to The Brazilian gemstone jewelry is available Brazil. At the time, Brazil was just developing its for purchase at Posh Jewelers in Lake Oswego. oil industry and her father, a petroleum geologist, Direct inquiries to Mark Hoyt at 503-343-3444. Hand-lettering on a recent Friends invitation.

Special Gifts April 26, 2017 – July 25, 2017 In Honor of Benna Gottfried and Jeffrey In Honor of David and Carol Turner Scroggin Chip and Kathy Masarie Jeffrey Gottfried In Honor of Nancy Andring In Honor of Nathan Baker In Honor of Nancy Wallace Claire Puchy Betsy Toll In Honor of the Beloved Guests of the Evona Brim Wolfgang Wedding In Honor of Debbie Asakawa In Honor of Patricia Burnet Haris and Liza Wolfgang In Honor of Liza and Harris Wolfgang Linda Condon Jean Schifferns and Virginia Bowers Barbara and John Degenhardt Steve Nussbaum In Honor of Julie Guy Mary and Scott Grout Suzanne Jumper In Honor of Sandy Wright Virginia Herndon and In Honor of Jim Chase Marilyn and Edward Epstein In Honor of Lewis Linn McArthur Charles Herndon-Baker Penny Bernard Schaber and Barbara and Scott McArthur Jean and Jerold Hilary Dale Schaber In Memory of Marjorie Sue Abramovitz Gail Tooker Dr. Marshall Goldberg Patricia Hutchinson In Honor of Laila McNeese Angela Jackson In Honor of Phyllis Clausen Inga Fisher Williams Craig and Y. Lynne Johnston In Memory of Carl Addy Sandy Wallsmith Robin Thomas Susan Kem In Honor of Michael James McRae Denise Kleim In Honor of Ezra Cohen Virginia Morell In Memory of Tracy Bogh Diane Koopman The Cohen Family Larae and Ronald Bogh Jocelyn and Lou Libby In Honor of Kate Mills Barb McConachie In Honor of Oliver Dalton Hank Swigert In Memory of Patricia Burnet Stephen and Jill Mitchell Tom and Sandi Rousseau Donald Carlson Mark Bajorek and Susan Palmiter In Honor of Jim Peters James and Renate Powell In Honor of Brian Doyle Bruce and Julia Brown In Memory of Vic Clausen Jennie Sandler Jill Turner Sidney Clausen and Robin Rexius In Honor of Rick Ray Carolyn Schirmacher and Mark and Virginia Stern Stephen Gerould In Honor of Gwen Farnham In Memory of Janice Driedger Elaine Smith Howard Goldstein and Carolyn and Larry Mastin Marsha Olian In Honor of Norma Reich Ellen and Charles Stearns Deborah Thomas Laurie Turney George Post In Memory of Sam Evans Carey and Charles Evans Barbara Whitmore 10 Photo: Debbie Asakawa

njoy an autumn stroll along the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail leading to Eexpansive views of the Gorge’s canyon walls colored by the changing foliage. Then continue east for a ½-mile along the Washougal Dike Trail to its end. Upon the successful completion of the Preserve the Wonder campaign, Friends will acquire the 160-acre parcel to the east, making it possible to expand the refuge, breach the dike, and create a more Featured Hike natural ecosystem. The refuge will soon be the site of the largest restoration project in the history of the Columbia Gorge. Total mileage for Steigerwald the flat, out-and-back hike, is 3.8 miles. Directions: From I-205 in Vancouver, take WA Hwy Lake National 14 east for 12 miles. Just past the National Scenic Area welcome sign at Milepost 18, turn south into Wildlife Refuge the refuge parking lot.

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 30, for a guided walk at Steigerwald.

Kate Lindberg, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected] gorgefriends.org/steigerwaldshores

In Memory of Mary S. Farnham Meredith and C. William Savery In Memory of Al King In Memory of Coe and Gwen Farnham Betsy Neighbor Hammond and Jennifer Wilson Lois Roberts Paul Hammond Jane Heisler and Ross Roberts In Memory of Neil Farnham Carolyn and Martin Winch In Memory of Joanne Laskey Gwen Farnham Bruce Cantwell and In Memory of Mary Rosenberg In Memory of Mac Jones Elizabeth Laskey Deborah Neft In Memory of Anita Barbey Meredith and C. William Savery Rachel Elizabeth Pratt Flake Susan and John Bates In Memory of Letty and Gayle Mayhew Dr. Joanna Smith and David Noone In Memory of Russ Gayle Cable Marylyn Mayhew Carlton Olson Holly Coit In Memory of Susanna Gabay In Memory of Eddie McAninch Spencer and Mary Dick Susan Gabay AFS Intercultural Student Exchange– In Memory of Nancy Russell Claire and Zanley Galton Camas Washougal Chapter Tom and Sandi Rousseau Anna Griswold In Memory of George Henry Gale Marilyn Cordell Maria Hall and Walter McMonies Patricia Thompson William and Sheila Good In Memory of Jessie Simmons Marie Hall Gerald and Juanita McGraw Edward and Laurie Simmons In Memory of Will Gerould Kristen Jarvis Philip Osborne Kathy Fiskum Molly Jones In Memory of Chuck Steadman Florence Taylor Kathy and Steven Kelly Donna Steadman In Memory of Ned Hayes Diane and Ernest McCall In Memory of Connie McKenzie Marie Hall In Memory of Gordon Story Ruth Mepham Don McKenzie Randy and Jan Miller Darlene Story In Memory of Sis Hayes Anne and Ernest Munch In Memory of Aage R. Nylen Elizabeth Brooke In Memory of Elizabeth and Nip and Tuck Investment Group Alice Davies Marie Nylen Edward Van Bemmel Wanda and George Osgood Marie Hall Ken and Meredith Long Maria Pope In Memory of T. Andrew Priebe Leslie and Randy Labbe Jean and Stephen Roth Donna Priebe Helen Lindgren In Memory of Mary Vranizan Brad Simmons and Shannon Hart E. K. and Melinda MacColl Celia Howe and Tim Lombard Martha Ann Smith In Memory of David Richen Lora and James Meyer Bill and Susi Stevens Darlene A Perry In Memory of Matthew Winthrop Josephine and Peter Pope Rebecca and Russ Teasdale Brandon Buza Betsy Russell 11 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 2623 Friends of the Columbia Gorge P.O. Box 40820 Portland, Oregon 97240-0820

Know Your Gorge The White Salmon River

Laura O. Foster, Author, Columbia Gorge Getaways

BZ CornersMap: Matthew Hampton of Cascade Cartography or 98 years, a tall concrete dam filled a narrow canyon on the White Salmon River. Completed in 1913, Condit Dam generated power for the Camas paper mill, transmitting To BZ Corner

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A A a e Little White pp Jew e D Rd ett Blvd k og Salmon Fish The dam was breached in 2011, and all traces were removed by C Spring Creek Dock Grade Rd r Hatchery e Fish Hatchery e k Hood Hood River Co Drano r yote 2012. Since then, the return of salmon and steelhead has been v e 62 Bridge BINGEN W i 63 64 a Lake R l i a Courtney Rd l Old Hwy 8 C o l u m b Rowland monitored by state, federal, and tribal agencies. Sailboard Lake HOOD RIVER Park Today, steelhead redds are consistently found in tributaries Straight’s Point above the dam site, and fall 2016 studies also found spring Chinook 69 MOSIER salmon spawning upstream. “One of the really interesting things N 35 tunnel 0 1 2 3 4 miles we haven’t seen in previous years is spring Chinook spawning Broughton Flume route 0 1 2 3 4 km above Husum Falls,” says Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Jeremy Wilson. Map of the White Salmon River area from Columbia Gorge Getaways. You can visit the dam site and abandoned powerhouse via Powerhouse Road, off SR 141. Further north, Northwestern Lake This year we are featuring excerpts from Laura O. Foster’s Road leads to the now-drained reservoir, its former waterfront Columbia Gorge Getaways. The book shows where to connect hikes homes, and its revegetating slopes. Through early October, rafting with the natural and human history of the Gorge, as you discover outfitters make the spectacular run through the former reservoir Gorge Towns to Trails. Order it at gorgefriends.org/gorgegetaways; and past the dam and powerhouse. a portion of each sale supports Friends.