The Scene (CRGNSA Newsletter)

Keep up with current events by reading The Scene, a newsletter from the Forest Service unit that manages the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Newsletters are published monthly through our peak summer season.

 

A forest ranger tand next to Smokey Bear and points at the viewer. October 1, 2021. Vol 3, Issue 5 Hiring season for 2022 seasonal employees is right around the corner and we have testimonials from some of our 2021 seasonals.  We enjoyed a Harvest Moon walk sponsored by the Discovery Center in the Dalles.  We are gearing up for possible prescribed burning season and we are celebrating some major facelifts on our favorite trails.
Fire Crew - on break September 1, 2021. Vol 3, Issue 4 Partnered with ODOT and CAT, the CRGNSA implements a Timed Reservation Ticket system at Multnomah Falls. Scenic area staff have responded to 57 fires in and around the gorge with both state and local cooperators. Biologists and rangers helped with ongoing bat surveys in the CRGNSA and surrounding areas. 
A Forest Service employee holds out arms at a tabling event August 02, 2021. Vol. 3. issue 3. The Forest Service is partnering with the Port of Cascade Locks & Northwest Trail Alliance to develop a 15-mile, shared use trail system, Eagle Creek Trail is open again and Firefighters & Field Rangers are busy. 
Member of trail crew with chainsaw work on a large log in a sunny open area along a trail. July 1, 2021. Vol. 3 Issue 2. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Trail Crew has had a busy month removing
windfallen trees off the trail up and down the Gorge, from Angel’s Rest to Coyote Wall & so much more!
Two employees stand in uniform near a large piece of machinery removing debris from a road. June 01, 2021. Vol. 3 Issue 1. It has been a whirlwind of activity cleaning up following a very wet and destructive winter. Contractors have been hard at work clearing the Eagle Creek landslide blocking the road to the trailhead. 
Image of a person standing near a trail bridge as a section is lowereed by helicopter. October 16, 2020. Vol. 2 Issue 11. Salmon have arrived back in the CRGNSA, in order to survive to adulthood to spawn they need to beat unbelievable odds! Plus the Scenic Area performed some prescribed burning in the Central Gorge, what goes into planning a prescribed burn and why do we do it? 
Photo of the bark from the inside of a tree September 16, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 10. It’s almost time to say goodbye to our 2020 seasonals, we take a look back at what they have accomplished this year. Herman Creek trailhead and campground get a make-over, read about what exactly that is, plus we share some resources helpful for wildland fire information. 
View of tall waterfall from a viewing platform August 13, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 9. We’ve re-opened more recreation sites, including some high visitation areas. See the post-project monitoring of the Bridal Veil Creek Valley Bottom Reconnection project and learn to identify symptoms of heat related illnesses. 
A worker with axe working on clearing a log from trail on sunny day in forest. July 15, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 8. Field staff have been busy beavers! Plus learn about a new way we are trying to connect with the public and a common feathered friend in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
A trail worker on a rocky trail with burned trees standing with new green growth on forest floor. June 10, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 7. Our crews have been hard at work preforming some “business as usual tasks” as well as some larger projects. Highlighting the Eagle Creek Overlook renovation project and an update on our Forest Service campsites. 
Log fencing on an open plateau with a view of the Columbia River. May29, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 6. Our crews have been hard at work opening trails and day use areas in the Gorge, all while playing it safe. Plus, a spotlight on the fascinating lizards of the Gorge!
Photo of the feet with boots on with tools nearby May 8, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 5. Seasonal employees are here, and our trail crew is resuming work. Also, a contract has been awarded to replace the bridge across Eagle Creek!
CRGNSA Fisheries Program Manager leads a safety discussion with fallers in a field April 22, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 4. Everyday is Earth Day here, but today is the 50th anniversary! Learn about two recent ecological restoration projects and our new campaign to help you bring the outdoors in while you are staying home.
A police car and a line of orange cones on the historic highway marking a temporary closure. April 8, 2020. Vol 2 Issue 3. Updates on COVID-related road and trail closures, and a “Do the Right Thing” campaign. Learn about proposed improvements at Klickitat Mile One.
A mudslide covers the historic highway in the Gorge, March 21, 2020. Vol. 2 Issue 2. Learn what’s open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but remember to avoid crowds for social distancing. Winter raptor report, and an update on our Wild & Scenic River outfitter guide permits.
View of a large river gorge from above with snow visible on the adjacent hills and river banks. January 27, 2020. Vol. 2 Issue 1. Lower Cape Horn Trail closes soon to protect falcons, and firefighters help with Australian wildfires. Learn the history of Sandy River Delta!
Close up photo of stream over rocks and ice December 19, 2019. Vol. 1 Issue 22. Learn about fees coming to Sandy River Delta and get the buzz on drone restrictions. Test your preparedness with our “12 days” Holiday Gift Guide.
A firefighter stands near a mossy large trunk at a developed rec site with brick structures. November 18, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 21. A National Park Service crew visits the Scenic Area to tackle gnarly trail obstacles, while teens get a taste for outdoor careers with our new Explorers program. Plus, improvements are coming to Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground!
Rocks all piled up down a steep slope October 22, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 20. Share your views on trail sustainability, or share ideas for the Recreation Chapter of our Management Plan. Learn how we reduced wildfire hazards, restored a landscape, and got firewood to our community members. Also, a shout out to our volunteers!
Trail crew members in open area woking on a trail Sept. 20, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 19. We’re hiring for next summer! Prescribed burning is coming, and the latest on our management plan review and a proposed trail system near Cascade Locks.
Field rangers on the autumn-coated Cape Horn Trail Sept. 11, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 18. Learn about Harvest Moon Walks, and how to get your fourth grader outdoors. Hooked on fall fishing? Know the rules before you go!
Field Ranger at a campground program table.
Sept. 5, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 17. Reflections to mark two years since Eagle Creek Fire, including trail recovery numbers and tips on watching the forest regenerate. Upcoming autumn campground programs, plus a Spanish trip planning webpage!
Ranger pointing out lichen on a tree to visitors
August 28, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 16. Get the latest trail reopenings, and find out what it took to make it happen. Plus, a surprising reason to love lichens!
Rangers in uniform pose with Smokey Bear at a public event. August 21, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 15. Get the update on Gorge wildfires and fuels management for the season, and learn about the new Leave No Trace social media guidelines.
Building a wooden bridge on site before moving it. August 15, 2019. Vol. 1. Issue 14. Watch us build a bridge for Eagle Creek, and get the scoop on river use surveys. Strap on your boots for Pacific Crest Trail Days!
New wood bridge along Larch Mountain Trail spans a large creek. August 8, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 13. A historic pavilion gets a facelift, and rangers visit with the world’s tiniest dog. Get the buzz on what helicopters are up to in the Gorge! 
A person in rain gear labors on a trail August 1, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 12. Calculate how much water you need to drink on these hot summer days, get updates on Cape Horn Trail, and go nuts for Western Gray Squirrels! 
Group gathers round a campfire as a ranger talks. July 25, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 11. Get ready to celebrate the newest segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, and raise a root beer float to Latino Conservation Week! 
A group of peoplein hard hats pause for a photo while working in the forest. July 17, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 10. Rangers launch campground programs for visitors, a problem spot on the closed Wahclella Trail gets the “dry boot” treatment, and volunteer archeologists dig into the logging history of the western Gorge.
Forest Service employees gather on a float with Smokey Bear July 10, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 9. Field Rangers visit Mosier, and the long-awaited Catherine Creek Bridge is installed. Learn why fish are celebrating the recent Bridal Veil Creek Restoration Project.
Three people in hard hats view fire impacts on the ground three years later. July 3, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 8. Fire ecologists observe the natural regeneration cycle in the Eagle Creek burned area, Smokey Bear celebrates 75 years, and fire restrictions go into effect on National Forest System lands in the Columbia River Gorge.
Three workers dig into a dusty trail with tools. June 26, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 7. Urban youth camp in the Gorge, while the trail crew preps for a bridge installation at Catherine Creek. Get tips on Leave No Trace and how to create pollinator habitat!
A trail crew member on a trail about to cut a log with a chainsaw.. June 19, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 6. Our trail crew logs out loop hikes near Larch Mountain Picnic Site, an upcoming public meeting will share insights from a Sustainable Trail Co-Visioning effort with partners, and everyone is getting psyched about the White Salmon Riverfest!
Rangers talk woth kids about the outdoors at an event. June 12, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 5. Rangers teach Leave No Trace with a mock campsite gone wrong, while our trail crew takes on a massive Douglas Fir on a wilderness trail. Plus, tips on how to stay safe in cougar country. 
Kids try on life vests June 5, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 4. A new restroom at Eagle Creek Campground preserves the site’s historic heritage, while our trail crew takes on closed sections of the Gorge 400. From Water Jam to Get Outdoors Day, learn what our rangers have been up to and where to find them next!
Trail signs May 30, 2019. Vol 1. Issue 3. Shake out your winter legs, because the wait for one of the Scenic Area’s most spectacular views is over. Test your “bush eyes” & follow the ups and downs of the trail status at Multnomah Falls. 
A person hangs off belay in front of Multnomah Falls. May 22, 2019. Vol. 1, Issue 2. Catch a celebrity bear sighting during an EcoBlitz at Sandy River Delta, learn a lizard’s surprisingly useful trait & follow our trail crew as they rebuild a CCC-era wall. Plus, tips on transit options!
A Forest Service employee shows children a cross-section of a burned log May 15, 2019. Vol. 1, Issue 1. Wildflowers in bloom, a coyote takes back Coyote Wall, and contractors pry loose unstable rocks at Multnomah Falls. 
 
 
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