Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!
All in Environment
After nearly a decade of litigation, between Columbia Riverkeeper and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation, environmental advocates are celebrating a big win: As of May of 2023 all ten federally-owned dams on the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers have Clean Water Act permits mandating a reduction in discharges of hot water, oil, and toxic-chemical pollution.
The Columbia River Gorge Commission and their community partners will host several events for Gorge Latino Conservation Week from Thursday, July 20th through Saturday, July 22nd.
The Boulder Fire, which ignited near Boulder Lake Trailhead in Mt. Hood National Forest's Barlow Ranger District on July 8, continues to wreak havoc in the area. Fueled by dead and down debris and complicated by steep, rugged terrain, the fire has already scorched approximately 237 acres.
Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new member, Portland-based Carlos Marroquin. Columbia Riverkeeper’s volunteer board of directors oversees the organization’s advocacy goals and policies, finances, and public relations.
I'm reminded of my dependence on the sun and rain and plant wisdom. When the bigger world is grim with human violence, the garden provides a peaceful salve against despair. To pull weeds, quench the thirst of new sprouts, and transplant a daisy longing for more sunlight, this is happiness.
Global temperature increases won’t spare the Gorge said Dr. Oriana Chegwidden, a hydrologist and research scientist during an environmental conference at The Discovery Center in The Dalles in late May. “Our data shows that the Pacific Northwest will get warmer, likely a 5-10 degree increase, and wetter,” she said. “By 2080, snow accumulation will be gone.”
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Clark County Land Use Hearing Examiner Joe Turner issued a 72-page decision denying a land use application seeking permission for gravel mining operations in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, adjacent to the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge and near the Columbia River Gorge Elementary School and Jemtegaard Middle School.
How do you stop a fire? Don’t have it in the first place. Wasco and Hood River county fire districts along with the Oregon Department of Forestry have banned burning on June 11 in hopes that people turn to chipping or composting rather than matches to deal with outdoor debris.
Annette Beyers and Mike Richardson talk about plans for improving Sorosis Park and the fundraising that is left to do this morning, June 8. Beyers had maps and brochures about the current fundraising that will go towards landscaping, the construction of an ADA-accessible gazebo/pavilion, and improved walking trails.
Fire restrictions go into effect on May 23 for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The BLM encourages all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.
A male wolf that wandered into Klickitat County now has a female companion. Officials say it’s the first wolf pack in the region and may soon become a breeding pair.
Celebrate State Parks Day with free parking and free RV and tent site camping at all Oregon State Parks June 3 as well as special events at selected parks.
Have you seen them? They wear a lot of chartreuse and they have long handles with thumbs. They’re pretty cool, and they’re keeping it clean.
However, representatives from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which provides power to the City of Cascade Locks, have now confirmed to Columbia Insight that BPA does plan to charge the city a higher rate for its electricity due in part to the new data center’s power usage. According to a recent City of Cascade Locks memo obtained by Columbia Insight, these new increased rates are expected to cost the city an additional $570,000 a year.
The new BottleDrop bag drop location officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 4, at Fred Meyer becoming The Dalles’ first Green and Blue Bag drop location and the first location in the Columbia River Gorge.
Bargeway kicks off a week of entertainment tonight with the inventive chords of Chris Baron. There’s a lot going on in The Gorge this week, including The Little Shop of Horrors, Birds and Brews, Roller Skating, Book Signings, Movies, and tons of live music. Check it all out here.
April 21st is the last day to sumbit public input on The Lower White Salmon Coalition’s Draft Vision Plan for the lowest six miles of the White Salmon River. The plan envisions the future of conservation, restoration, and recreation on PacifiCorp's 500 plus acres that border both banks of the lower river.
Eric Leadbetter performs at Bargeway Pub tonight, April 19. The show starts at 6 p.m. His music is very unique and original, with ghostly echoes of the golden ages of rock. Eric is kicking off a huge week of entertainment as music, comedy art, and all forms of entertainment are spread far and wide this week in the Gorge.
The Bargeway Pub welcomes "Martino" Gerschwitz on Wednesday, April 12. Martin has toured with such bands as "Eric Burdon and the Animals" and "Iron Butterfly". In addition to the music, there are talks on the Volcanic Origins of the Columbia River, Comedians, drum circles and a nice run in Cascade Locks ending at Gorges Beer Co. Want to know more?
Mosier Community School Board to hold a meeting about school security after a teacher receives a threat and the school is shuttered for two days.
