The Oregonian Editorial Board writes:

"The [Gorge] Commission seems to be operating as a land-use planning agency for a ribbon of waterfront rather than as a watchdog for a National Scenic Area.  It needs to get back on track and it needs to do so soon..." 

READ THE ENTIRE EDITORIAL

In late June, the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Appointments removed Commissioner Jeff Condit from the confirmation agenda. Condit’s reappointment was delayed due to an outpouring of public concern over his vote this past spring to approve a private destination resort in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Going forward, the Governor can request further consideration of Condit at a September meeting, or withdraw his name from consideration.  Click here to thank members of the Senate Rules Committee who are demanding better leadership on the Gorge Commission.

Urban Sprawl in the Gorge? Help protect the scenic beauty of the Gorge by containing urban growth. Read more...

Skamania County Rezone

Skamania County is in the process of a developing new land use rules that would apply to nearly the entire County, including the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  The proposed changes are significant because they would allow major industrial development without a permitting process on more than 89% of County lands outside of the National Scenic Area. What does this mean for the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area?  While the zone change begins at the border of the Scenic Area, its impact could affect miles of outstanding Gorge views and natural resources.

TAKE ACTION NOW

Click here to learn more

See the county's draft zoning map

Picnic With Friends at the Top of the World Ranch

Sunday, July 27, 12:00-3:30

Click here for details and directions

Comment period ends for Gorge Casino: more than 9,000 individuals voice opposition.

The Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed Gorge casino drew thousands of public comments saying "NO" to locating Oregon's first off-reservation casino in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

What's next?  Federal officials will review all public comments and publish a final Environmental Impact Statement by late fall or early winter.

New Study Links PGE’s Boardman Coal Plant to 50% of Columbia Gorge Air Pollution

A new scientific study from University of Washington air quality expert Dr. Dan Jaffe has found that Portland General Electric’s Boardman coal-fired power plant is responsible for up to 50% of the air pollution in the Columbia Gorge during times when air quality in the Gorge is at its worst. 

This important study highlights why it is critical for PGE to install modern pollution control technologies required under federal law to control pollution from Boardman and protect public health rather than installing the less protective controls PGE has proposed. Read our press release.

For details on the Campaign and how to contribute click here.

The unofficial trailhead for the Cape Horn Trail (corner of HWY 14 and Salmon Falls Road) is closed from May to September 2007 as Skamania County creates an official Park and Ride.  For directions to the interim trailhead and the re-directed trail, click here.  

Congress and President Bush recently approved $1 million for federal land acquisition in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that could help create a new trail in Washington and protect open space along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon. National Scenic Area office requested $1.95 million in federal land acquisition funding for fiscal year 2008. Included in their priority list is the Cleveland property, now held in Friends of the Columbia Gorge's land trust.  This property, with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Columbia Gorge, could become the centerpiece of the Cape Horn Trail.

Businesses Support Scenic Area

More and more Gorge business recognize the value of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to the support the economies and way of life of Gorge communities. The Gorge businesses linked below support the National Scenic Area. We encourage you to support them.

Click here to view a list of businesses.

If you are age 70 1/2 or older, new legislation now allows you to make cash gifts up to $100,000 a year from your IRA or Roth IRA to qualified charities without incurring income tax on the withdrawal.  Read about this tax incentive at New Tax Incentive for IRA Gifts

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust has launched the Campaign for Cape Horn, a two-year campaign to raise $4 million for the purchase of two spectacular view properties at Cape Horn above Washington SR-14 in the Gorge. (more)

The Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust is an exciting vehicle for protecting Gorge landscapes. View our priority areas and the Land Trust Brochure.  To support the Land Trust, please contact Jane Harris or call 503-241-3762 x 102.

TOP NEWS STORIES OF THE WEEK:

Guardian of the gorge
(06/22/2008) The Oregonian

Columbia Gorge at a crossroads
(06/19/2008) The Oregonian

Oregon Treasures Legislation Proposed To Protect Wild Areas
(06/17/08) OPB