Concept Development for Mosier to The Dalles Trail Underway

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Announces Community Engagement Plan for Conceptual Development of New Trail Linking The Dalles to Mosier, OR

Friends of the Columbia Gorge, in collaboration with US Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is embarking on an initiative to engage the community in the planning and development of a trail connecting Mosier to The Dalles within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The concept of a recreational trail connecting communities across the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has been a part of the National Scenic Area vision since its establishment in 1986. Recognizing the need for thoughtful planning, Friends of the Columbia Gorge has hired a team of consultants to initiate an extensive, inclusive, and transparent community outreach and engagement process. Online open houses and targeted meetings will offer various avenues for engagement. An informational website will provide proposal details, timelines, and opportunities for public comments.

From January through fall 2024, the initiative will focus on gathering input and understanding concerns from affected groups and individuals. Discussions will focus on a preferred trail corridor, potential trailheads, trailhead amenities, and types of trail use that align with local and regional values. The initiative will culminate in a comprehensive final report summarizing the outreach process, community engagement, and preferred concepts for the trail.

This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing recreational opportunities in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, emphasizing collaboration between Tribes, land managers, landowners, interested groups or individuals, and community representatives.

For more information and to participate in the engagement process, please visit www.mosiertothedallestrail.org.

Media Contact: Nathaniel Brodie, Acting Public Affairs Officer, USFS, CRGNSA, nathaniel.brodie@usda.gov, (503) 568-2333

Media contact: Renée Tkach, Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, renee@gorgefriends.org, (971) 634-2039

Mosier Plateau, one of the many beautiful landscapes between Mosier and The Dalles, OR, that will form a part of the eventual trail linking the two towns.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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Friends of the Columbia Gorge is a conservation organization with over 5,000 members dedicated to protecting, preserving, and stewarding the Columbia Gorge for future generations. Friends maintains an office in Portland, Oregon, as well as in two Gorge towns—Hood River, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington. Learn more at gorgefriends.org and follow Friends on Instagram at @gorgefriends.