Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Fall 2008 Newsletter

Inside: Casino Action Now Page 2

Honoring Nancy Russell Page 4

Nancy Russell Holiday Gift Brochure Founder, Friends of the Columbia Gorge Insert 1932 - 2008 Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Bo a r d o f Di r e c t o r s Cynthia Winter* Ch a i r Angie Moore Vi c e Ch a i r Dick Springer Se c r e ta ry Karen Johnson Tr e a s u r e r Ken Denis At-La r g e Me m b e r Rick Ray* At-La r g e Me m b e r Chris Beck Broughton H. Bishop Bowen Blair, Jr. Ed Caswell Susan Crowley* Maria Hall Bob Hansen* Christine Knowles* Aubrey Russell Pat Wall Mark Waller The Bush Administration Fr i e n d s o f t h e Co l u m b i a Go r g e La n d T r u s t Can Stop the Gorge Casino Photo: Chris Carvalho, Lensjoy.com Bo a r d o f T r u s t e e s Aubrey Russell Ch a i r Christine Knowles* Se c r e ta ry /Tr e a s u r e r Bob Hansen* e have a short window of If you care deeply about the Columbia Dustin Klinger opportunity with the Bush Gorge and its communities, please act today Bowen Blair, Jr. (non-voting trustee) Jim Desmond (non-voting trustee) administration to STOP a to urge Secretary Kempthorne to take GorgeW casino. Secretary of Interior Dirk immediate action to deny the Columbia St a f f Kempthorne is on record opposing off- Gorge casino proposal before he leaves Nathan Baker St a f f At t o r n e y reservation casinos. The Gorge communities office. Tell the Secretary that the Columbia Kelley Beamer Co n s e r v a t i o n Or g a n i z e r Justin Carroll Ex e c u t i v e Ass i s ta n t of Hood River, Mosier, Washougal, Bingen, River Gorge National Scenic Area is no place Peter Cornelison* Fi e l d Re p r e s e n tat i v e and Wasco County have raised concerns to for a massive casino. Ryan Couch l e g a l i n t e r n Kempthorne about the increased traffic, Kevin Gorman Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r crime, pollution and gambling addiction Secretary of the Interior Jane Harris De v e l o p m e n t Di r e c t o r Michael Lang Co n s e r v a t i o n Di r e c t o r a Gorge casino would generate (see page Dirk Kempthorne Marilyn Lipko De v e l o p m e n t Ass i s ta n t 8). In addition, more than two-thirds of all 1849 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20240 Kate McBride* La n d T r u s t Ma n a g e r Oregonians oppose a Gorge casino. Phone: 202-208-3100 Fax: 202-208-1821 Rick Till La n d Us e La w Cl e r k Renee Tkach* Ou t d o o r Pr o g r a ms Co o r d i n a t o r * Gorge residents

Ad d i t i o n a l Su p p o r t Active citizen support makes the difference! Your actions for Legal Counsel: Gary Kahn Gorge protection are crucial to our success. Contact your Senators and Representatives using Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and Kathleen Krushas (To the Point Publications) the information below, or check www.senate.gov or www.house.gov for other offices. Editor: Betsy Toll Washington Po r t l a n d Of f i c e Sen. Gordon Smith, (202) 224-3753 Sen. Patty Murray, (202) 224-2621 522 SW Fifth Avenue, #720 http://gsmith.senate.gov/public/ http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm Portland, Oregon 97204 (503) 241-3762 Sen. Ron Wyden, (202) 224-5244 Sen. Maria Cantwell, (202) 224-3441 http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/ http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/ Go r g e Of f i c e 205 Oak Street, #17 Rep. David Wu, (202) 225-0855 Rep. Brian Baird, (202) 225-3536 Hood River, Oregon 97031 Rep. Earl Blumenauer, (202) 225-4811 Rep. Doc Hastings, (202) 225-5816 (541) 386-5268 Rep. Darlene Hooley, (202) 225-5711 Rep. Norm Dicks, (202) 225-5916 www.gorgefriends.org Rep. Greg Walden, (202) 225-6730 Email your Congressional Representative by Rep. Peter DeFazio, (202) 225-6416 logging on to www.house.gov/writerep/

Cover photo: Nancy Russell in the Columbia Gorge. Photo: Courtesy of the Russell Family 2 Correction: The Cape Horn waterfall photo in our Summer 2008 issue was taken by photographer Carolyn Ganus. Director’s Letter

our and a half years ago, I got protecting the Columbia Gorge would a call from our founder Nancy make a lasting difference. When two of our Russell asking if I would come to staff members visited with her a few weeks herF house, as she and her husband Bruce before her death, Nancy’s very deliberate Friends of the wanted to speak to me. It was an unusual final words to them were, “Don’t budge.” request but I didn’t think much about it, I was blessed—and I don’t use that Columbia Gorge as I had a close relationship with Nancy word lightly—to spend time with Nancy and enjoyed spending time with both on the last two days of her life. She was works to ensure that of them. clearly at peace and ready to die. I felt As we sat in the Russells’ living more distress for myself and those around the beautiful and wild room, Bruce was struggling to breathe, her than I did for Nancy. Nancy Russell afflicted with a host of problems that lived life large and accepted a challenge Columbia Gorge remains would take his life six months later. Then that altered her life, to benefit generations Nancy dropped a bombshell on me: she to come. That challenge, her life’s work, is a place apart, had just been diagnosed with ALS, or now in our hands, and you better believe Lou Gehrig’s disease. I knew this was she expects us to carry it forward. a death sentence and I struggled with an unspoiled treasure words to comfort, to understand, to process this awful news. for generations Nancy was composed and matter of fact and didn’t show much emotion Kevin Gorman to come. until I asked, “How are your children Executive Director taking the news?” As we discussed her prognosis, she said, “I feel like someone has played a mean trick on me.” That short comment was the last semblance of any self concern I ever heard from her. Nancy continued to visit the Gorge while she could, but as her disease progressed, Gorge excursions were replaced by paintings of Gorge scenery in her room. As The Oregonian chronicled in September, she took one final Gorge tour less than three weeks before she died, to say goodbye to the landscapes she loved so well. Some people masterfully exemplify how to live, and Nancy Russell certainly fell into that category. But she also left a wonderful life lesson in how to die. Nancy died the way she lived. She refused to back down. She surrounded herself with flowers and children’s laughter. And she cared deeply that her three decades of tireless dedication to Nancy Russell’s last visit to the Columbia Gorge, in August. Photo: Aubrey Russell

3 Goodbye to the Guardian of the Gorge

Kevin Gorman, Executive Director, [email protected]

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Founder Nancy Russell: Three Decades Devoted to Protecting the Gorge

hirty years ago, the conservation Gabel), and continued her education at world had never heard of Nancy Scripps College in Claremont, California, Neighbor Russell. A Portland also on a scholarship. housewifeT with no fundraising or lobbying Nancy married Bruce Russell in 1957 experience and little non-profit experience, and focused her energy on being a wife and she was asked not only to start a fledging raising four children: Sally, Wendy, Alison, organization, Friends of the Columbia and Aubrey. Her third child, son Hardy, died Gorge, but also to pursue the monumental of meningitis at age two. While raising her task of securing federal protection of the family, Nancy volunteered as a docent for Columbia Gorge in both Oregon and the Oregon Historical Society and amassed a Washington. Most people assumed she was collection of tennis trophies, a tribute to her in over her head. But those people didn’t competitive spirit and natural athleticism. know Nancy Russell. Nancy’s love of the outdoors, interest in Nancy Ann Neighbor was born in botany, and fascination with Oregon history Portland, Oregon on January 11, 1932. led her to explore the Columbia Gorge. She The second of three children, Nancy was became a self-taught wildflower expert and strong-willed and adventurous from an developed the Wildflower Walkers program early age. She received a scholarship to for the Portland Garden Club. Nancy’s attend Catlin Hillside School (now Catlin activities involving the Gorge prepared her

Nancy Russell’s scenic “South Forty” property above Mosier is now public land. Photo: Kevin Gorman

4 ... her greatest legacy may lie in the “ inspiration her example provides to those who follow in her footsteps. ”

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Founder Nancy Russell: Three Decades Devoted to Protecting the

well for her next adventure, one that landscapes, drove the back roads, and on would last the rest of her life. numerous occasions purchased property herself to ensure it would not fall prey Protecting the Place She Loved to development. Her dedication didn’t In the late 1970s, John Yeon, a flag even when she was diagnosed in highly respected architect and son of the 2004 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, roadmaster of the Historic Columbia or ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig’s River Highway, was looking to recruit disease”), a terminal pronouncement someone to lead the charge to gain federal with an inescapable conclusion. She protection for the Columbia River Gorge. continued to hike and speak and promote The flower-strewn trails at Memaloose were like Creation of the I-205 Glenn Jackson Gorge protection into her final year. This home to Nancy. Photo: Aubrey Russell Bridge across the Columbia River meant September, less than three weeks before that development could quickly sprawl she died, Nancy made her final trip out to into the Gorge on both sides of the river. the landscape she loved so well. John invited Nancy and Bruce to his and Bruce’s generous donation to Oregon property across from , The Columbia River Gorge National State Parks to keep automobiles off the hoping to woo Nancy into taking the lead Scenic Area restored section of the Historic Columbia to protect the Gorge. No individual has had such a River Highway from Hood River to Mosier Nancy was enthralled by John’s lasting impact on a Pacific Northwest endeared her forever to the community of proposal and agreed to lead the effort. For landscape as Nancy Russell has had on Mosier. And Skamania County, which in the next six years, she fundraised, lobbied, the Columbia Gorge. Between that first 1986 had flown its flag at half-mast when spoke to groups throughout Oregon and meeting with John Yeon and 2008, Nancy’s the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Washington, and fearlessly stood up to accomplishments included: Area Act passed, purchased land from opponents and politicians attempting to • Shepherding passage of the Columbia Nancy Russell in 2006. In a cooperative water down or compromise legislation River Gorge National Scenic Area Act agreement to establish the Cape Horn to protect the Gorge. She brushed off through Congress; trailhead, she sold the property to the threats that included slashed tires and • Founding Friends of the Columbia county for half its market value. bumper stickers reading “Save the Gorge Gorge, a robust organization that today Today, the Gorge faces issues Nancy from Nancy Russell.” Her efforts bore boasts eleven staff, 5,000 members, and never could have contemplated three fruit when Congress passed the Columbia a $1 million annual budget; decades ago, such as proposals for large- River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, • Successfully advocating for purchase scale casinos and destination resorts. which was signed into law by President into public ownership of nearly 40,000 Yet because of Nancy’s commitment to Ronald Reagan in 1986. It was the only acres of Gorge lands from willing protecting the Gorge, the number of stand-alone environmental legislation sellers; individuals stepping up to the challenge passed during the Reagan administration. • Personally purchasing more than thirty to fight for those protections continues Nancy’s commitment to protecting properties to ensure that they would be to grow. the Gorge was tireless. For the next protected from development. Nancy Russell single-handedly twenty years she talked to community achieved many gains for Gorge protection, groups, raised funds, rallied volunteers, Nancy’s work and scrupulous but her greatest legacy may lie in the lobbied political representatives, principles gradually led to a shift in Gorge inspiration her example provides to those testified at public hearings, hiked the residents’ sentiment toward her. Nancy who follow in her footsteps. 5 Land Trust Now You See It ...

Now You Don’t! Before and after views from the Cape Horn bluff. View photo: Dan Huntington Inset: Kate McBride Kate McBride, Land Trust Manager, [email protected]

his October, the Friends of the house had been, and she was thrilled to land. The project was completed in early Columbia Gorge Land Trust see that her vision for Cape Horn was October, just before the rains started. formally transferred ownership becoming a reality. The Forest Service is currently ofT 4.19 acres of land above Cape Horn As required by the Forest Service, working on plans to reroute the Cape Horn to the U.S. Forest Service, bringing the before title could be transferred, the trail. Prior to removal of the buildings, Land Trust’s first major project close to 5,500 square-foot house and garage Gorge views were totally obscured on the completion. and 6,000 square-foot barn had to be section of trail leading past the property. Our efforts to open the rim of removed. In July, we contracted with The new route will run along the newly Cape Horn to the public began in Green Home Construction to handle the opened rim of the bluff and take full earnest more than four years ago with deconstruction work. Some 80% of the advantage of the stunning vistas up and the purchase of the Cleveland property building materials cleared from the site down the Gorge. on the Cape Horn bluff. Eventually we are now being sold for re-use through the Friends of the Columbia Gorge will be will have a modest overlook honoring Gorge Rebuild-It Center in Hood River. organizing stewardship workdays at Cape Nancy and Bruce Russell installed there. George Schmid & Sons Construction Horn to revegetate the land with native Nancy last visited this magnificent spot removed the asphalt and pavement, plants and remove invasive species. in early September on her final visit to recycling as much as possible and actually To volunteer, contact Renee Tkach at the Gorge. By then, only rubble and burying the concrete before beginning [email protected], or visit us online hardscape remained where the massive the final grading and reseeding of the at www.gorgefriends.org.

6 Intel Volunteers in the Gorge Outreach and Activities Renee Tkach, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

ore than fifty Intel employees Volunteers building volunteered with Friends of the fencing along the Columbia Gorge at Multnomah Multnomah Falls MFalls and Wahclella Falls in late summer, switchback. alongside U.S. Forest Service staff. Intel Photo: Renee Tkach volunteers constructed 800 feet of split rail fencing along the Multnomah Falls trail, and wielded brush cutters, rakes, and shovels to improve three miles of Trail #400 near Wahclella Falls. The Intel volunteers had a great time, and many plan to bring friends and family out to see their accomplishments. To learn how you or your company can volunteer in the Gorge with Friends, contact Renee Tkach at renee@ gorgefriends.org or 503-241-3762 x103. Columbia River Gorge Guest House Peter Cornelison, Field Representative, [email protected]

he Columbia River Gorge Guest to share regional knowledge with guests, House welcomes visitors from such as where to purchase salmon from around the world who want simple, local fishermen, the best berry-picking reasonableT accommodations while they enjoy sites, and favorite nearby wineries. The hiking, rafting, biking, and climbing in the Guesthouse provides private rooms as well nearby Columbia Gorge. as tent sites and a self-service continental Located near Cape Horn in Skamania breakfast each morning. It’s a great place for County, the Guest House is owned by Friends reunions, retreats, and company meetings. members Elise and Steve Thompson. A 40- For more information, please visit year resident of the area, Steve is always happy www.columbiarivergorgeguesthouse.com. Lewis Woodpecker. Photo: Dennis Paulson

Guest House owners Elise and Steve Thompson. Lyle Christmas Bird Count

he annual Lyle Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Sunday, TDecember 14. Join us for a great opportunity to learn about the more than 100 species of birds in the Gorge. All skill levels are welcome. The Lyle Christmas Bird Count is co-sponsored by Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the Columbia Land Trust, Klickitat Winery, and the National Audubon Society. To participate, contact Bob Hansen before December 7 at

509-637-2736 or [email protected]. 7 Legal and Conservation Gorge Communities Speak Out to BIA

Kelley Beamer, Conservation Organizer, [email protected]

n late August, the Bureau of Indian Affairs “I want our children to be able to fish for “Even though the proposed gaming (BIA) sent a letter to eight Columbia salmon and trout, to see the forests, deer, and establishment would be located in Cascade Gorge communities requesting input on elk…This is the NW lifestyle we cherish and Locks, Oregon it would have direct and potentialI impacts from an off-reservation deserve. I, along with our city council, do not indirect impacts on communities in casino in Cascade Locks. The BIA asked feel like the casino will benefit our vision of Washington.. and specifically the City of whether a casino would cause detrimental Washougal and the Columbia River Gorge.” Bingen.…Many people have chosen to move effects, including social impacts, affordable —Mayor Stacee Sellers, Washougal, WA to the Columbia Gorge area for a particular housing supply, emergency response services, quality of life. The establishment of a law enforcement, economic development, “Our communities are interdependent, and a gaming facility in Cascade Locks should not and the environment. massive development like the proposed casino— be allowed to change that quality of life.” Here is how Gorge community leaders significantly larger than the town of Cascade —Mayor Brian Prigel, Mayor of Bingen, WA responded: Locks itself—would change the nature of those characteristics that Mosier’s residents have “Our first concern with this proposal is ... “The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular stated they want to preserve and protect. ” higher levels of problem and pathological scenic area that offers world-class —Mayor Marc Berry, Mosier, OR gambling, the need for more crisis contacts, environmental, historic, aesthetic, and and an increase in the numbers of persons recreational values…Casino development is “Our tourism and quality of life depend on clean seeking gambling treatment.” antithetical to these values and ... will seriously air, so potentially adverse effects on air quality —Wasco County Commission, OR degrade the Gorge’s unique resources.” are of great concern to our City. To the extent that —Todd Mohr, Planning Commissioner of additional automobile traffic due to the casino Cascade Locks, OR in Cascade Locks increases air pollution, it will adversely affect our City.” To the extent that our quality —Mayor Linda Streich, “ Mayor of Hood River, OR of life is negatively impacted, there is no remedy or monetary compensation that will mitigate it.”

– Mayor Linda Streich, Hood River, OR

Small-town communities like Hood River contribute to 8 the Gorge’s high quality of life. Photo: Peter Cornelison A proposed destination resort development would dominate this riverfront landscape. Photo: Lydie Boyer Gorge Cases Reach State Supreme Court

By Nathan Baker, Staff Attorney, [email protected]

Gorge Commission’s Destination Resort Rules Appealed

By Nathan Baker, Staff Attorney, [email protected]

n September, a coalition of thirty-one precedent for future generations. Lumber Company or a future landowner parties led by Friends of the Columbia The first resort to be pursued under to instead pursue development of private Gorge, including Gorge landowners, the amendment will likely be a private vacation homes, restaurants, retail businesses,I conservation organizations, housing development with at least 245 businesses, and a conference center. and the congressman who introduced residential units on the banks of the Former Congressman Jim Weaver the National Scenic Area Act in the U.S. Columbia River, just west of White (D-Eugene) joined in appealing House of Representatives, appealed new Salmon, Washington. This would be the the destination resort amendment. rules that would allow the first destination largest development allowed since the Congressman Weaver was the sponsor resort development ever constructed creation of the National Scenic Area in of the Columbia River Gorge National within the Columbia River Gorge National 1986. The development would be at a Scenic Area Act, H.R. 5705, which became Scenic Area outside of the urban areas. former mill site owned by Broughton law in 1986. In a declaration filed with Earlier this year, the Columbia Lumber Company, adjacent to an the court, Congressman Weaver stated, River Gorge Commission amended the internationally renowned windsurfing site “If implemented, the destination resort Gorge-wide management plan to allow and a state park. amendment will result in significant urban-scale destination resorts within the Prior to the amendment, the Scenic development and commercial uses in National Scenic Area. By approving the Area rules allowed the former mill to be excess of what I intended to be permitted amendment, the Commission has violated redeveloped as a rustic resort with 35 under the Scenic Area Act, and will result the law, abandoned its duty to protect cabins and up to 175 camping sites. The in adverse resource impacts in violation of the Columbia Gorge, and set a terrible rule change sets the stage for Broughton the Scenic Area Act.” 9 Development Friends’ Nancy Russell Endowment

Jane Harris, Development Director, [email protected]

n honor of our founder Nancy Russell, Vic Clausen Youth Fund within the larger Friends’ board of directors made the endowment. Gifts to this fund support our work decision to name our endowment fund in southwest Washington schools, educating afterI her. Nancy never felt a need for this type middle-school students about the Gorge and of recognition, but the board and staff felt it supporting field opportunities that provide was important to have Nancy’s name on this hands-on educational experience in the Gorge. endowment for Gorge protection. It remains Making a gift to the Russell Endowment is in perpetuity, just as we know Nancy’s legacy simple and can include an outright gift of stock in the Gorge will live on. The fund currently or cash. An endowment gift can also be included includes $1.3 million in donor gifts, and in an estate plan. interest from the fund is used to support our For more information or to make a gift, day-to-day operations. please call our development department at Nancy Russell in 2006. Earlier this year, we established the 503-241-3762 x102. Photo: Friends of the Columbia Gorge Archives

In Memory of Nancy Russell Gifts through October 30, 2008

Gail Achterman and Charles McGinnis Scott J. Brown Ann Kash Robert Autrey and Joella Werlin Bill and Liz Brunkow Peter Kendall Bill and Joan Bailey Phyllis Charlton Elizabeth King Diana Baird Donald and Shirley Clark Jeanette and William Kloos Nathan Baker Mary Clark Molly Kohnstamm Julieann and Alan Barker Mary Coats Anne Kronenberg John and Susan Bates Helen Dalton Kathleen Krushas Elizabeth Belles Beverly Davies Milt Lankton Broughton and Mary Bishop Sally Davis William Lazar Bruce and Judy Bishop Selma Denecke Georgia Lee Melanie and Kent Bjorge Ken and Felice Denis Sharon Leighty Larry and Susan Black Andy and Pat Dignan Jan and Louise Leininger Ron Blessinger Mitchell Drake Kirsten and Christopher Leonard Betty Bonham Julia and Richard Ferreira Greg Lief Ernest Bonyhadi and Shirley Gittelsohn Al and Julie Ferro Leeanne and E. Kimbark MacColl Anne Booth Amy Fields Marieluise Macht Pat Boyle Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway Linda and Larry Marshik Mona Brett Lawrence and Gerry Gabriel Millard and Mary Lou McClung Barbara and Jerry Giesy Walter McMonies, Jr. and Caroline Hall William and Carol Greer Michael and Anne Miller Carl and Peggy Hammond The Moen Family Mark Hanschka Samantha and Gary Moller Martha Hart Angie and Mark Moore Ames Hendrickson Marna and Cliff Moore Galen and Jane Hickok John and Brenda Morris Douglas Hicks Anne and Ernie Munch Happy and Marshall Hieronimus Kandis Nunn Kathryn Humes Carlton Olson Brett Hyland and Gwen Farnham Hyland Michael and Mary Phillips Larry and Verona Jacobson Rick Ray and Anne Philipsborn Mary Anne Joyce and Catha Loomis Patricia Reading

10 Winter view from Cape Horn. Photo: Dan Huntington Featured Hike: Bald Eagle Hike

Distance: Easy one mile, little to no elevation gain. Members only.

Renee Tkach, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

ring your binoculars and join us for a special members-only outing on Saturday, January 10, to view bald eagles in the Gorge. Winter is the prime season to watch bald eagles, and thisB special event will be a great opportunity to learn about these iconic raptors. Forest Service biologist Cathy Flick will lead an easy stroll near the Klickitat River and introduce us to eagle pairs who winter in the Columbia Gorge. To register and/or to become a member, visit www.gorgefriends.org/ hikes. For more information, call Renee Tkach at 503-241-3762 x103. Bald Eagle. Photo: Dennis Paulson

Phyllis Reynolds Julie and Lee Steiner Suzanne and John Ritchie William and Cornelia Stevens The Columbia Gorge Ann Kash Mary and Richard Rosenberg Hank Swigert Peter Kendall Tom and Sandra Rousseau Wells Talmadge Discovery Center Elizabeth King William and Julia Rouzie Mary Taylor Jeanette and William Kloos Kathleen Russell Betsy Toll he Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is the official Molly Kohnstamm Scott and Sue Russell Gerard and Rita Van Deene Anne Kronenberg Michael and Marie Ryan Anna Westfall Tinterpretive center of the Columbia River Gorge Kathleen Krushas Meredith and C. William Savery Mark and Katherine Wheeler National Scenic Area, inspiring appreciation and Milt Lankton Elizabeth Shepherd Patricia Wheeler stewardship through exhibits and public programs. For a Julie Sterling William Lazar Anne While limited time the Discovery Center is offering membership John and Joan Shipley Dorothy Whitehead Georgia Lee discounts to all Friends members. Sharon Leighty Spencer and Vivienne Snow Tracey Wyatt Jan and Louise Leininger Anne Squier Delton Young Kirsten and Christopher Leonard Bernice Stearns Greg Lief Leeanne and E. Kimbark MacColl Marieluise Macht Special Gifts July 22 - October 21, 2008 Linda and Larry Marshik Millard and Mary Lou McClung In h o n o r o f Dr. Ja m e s M. Jo n e s In m e m o r y o f Ru t h Lo u i s e Br e a z e a l Walter McMonies, Jr. and Caroline Hall Catherine Price Marie Brunjes Michael and Anne Miller Louis Getsinger The Moen Family in h o n o r o f Fr e d & Na n c y Ma r s h William and Consuelo Jones Samantha and Gary Moller Robert and Joanne Wilcox Frederick A. Seaman Photo: Courtesy Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center Angie and Mark Moore Melissa and Jon Vernon Marna and Cliff Moore In h o n o r o f Do n & Su s a n McLa u g h li n The Discovery Center’s recent additions include a live John and Brenda Morris Robert and Joanne Wilcox In m e m o r y o f Ge o r g e Og d e n , Jr. raptor program and a wonderful Ice Age exhibit, complete Anne and Ernie Munch Nancy Schramm Kandis Nunn with a life-size Columbian mammoth model. Handicap- In h o n o r o f Na n c y Ru s s e ll Carlton Olson accessible trails through native landscaping, access to Mulvey S. Johnson In m e m o r y o f Na n c y St o l t e Ro s e n f e l d Michael and Mary Phillips Gayle Rothrock Mildred and Edward Andersen the nine-mile Riverfront Trail, a store, café, library, and Rick Ray and Anne Philipsborn John Rosenfeld excellent event facilities are all part of the Center. For Patricia Reading more information, visit www.gorgediscovery.org. 11 Photo: Dennis Paulson Know Your Gorge Air Quality Problems? Ask a Lichen.

Left: Letharia Vulpina Photo: Kevin Gorman

Right: Icmadophila ericetorum Photo: Linda Geiser

Below: Polycarpa Xanthoria Photo: Linda Geiser

cientists, study groups, and political and has found that the condition of certain officials are working to determine lichen species helps accurately pinpoint Show polluted the Columbia Gorge the most polluted areas in the Gorge, airshed is, but the brain trust best situated to and even indicate the types of pollution answer that question actually has no brains affecting them. at all. And who would that be? Lichens. The east and west ends of the Gorge are Lichens are symbiotic combinations of the most heavily polluted. The Portland/ fungus and algae and serve as some of the Vancouver metropolitan area in the west Gorge’s best pollution indicators. contributes high levels of toxic motor Some common lichens react negatively vehicle emissions to Gorge air. East of the Lichens help researchers better to increased nitrogen levels and acid rain, Gorge in Boardman, PGE’s coal-fired power understand Gorge air quality problems while others fare well despite pollution. plant and the Three Mile Canyon Farms, and the effects of pollution on Gorge U.S. Forest Service scientist Linda Geiser home to 60,000 cows, are major sources of ecosystems. How those problems are has studied Gorge lichens for fifteen years, pollution that funnel into the Gorge. addressed is up to us.

Non Profit U.S. Postage PAID Ridgefield, WA Permit No. 94 Friends of the Columbia Gorge P.O. Box 40820 Portland, Oregon 97240-0820