For thousands of years, the Columbia River has cut a magnificent channel through the volcanic plateaus of the Pacific Northwest. It brings power and energy, food, and endless recreation opportunities. But for the treasure it is, the Columbia River is in trouble. In the last 120 years, we have destroyed more than half of the habitat and we have left toxic contaminants in fish tissue and sediment. We have made some choices that, given the chance, we can change. Join us. The stewardship we build lasts a lifetime.

 
 

September Willamette River Big Canoe Paddles Open for Registration! Celebrate RiverFest On a Big Canoe

As part of Portland's new celebration - RiverFest - the Estuary Parnership is conducting two public Big Canoe Paddles on the Willamette River. Two trips are currently scheduled:
Tues. Sept. 2 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wed. Sept. 3 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Trips are $5.00 for adults, kids 16 and under are free with a parent. Trips are suitable for ages three and up with a parent. To reserve space, contact Jennie Klein at 503.226.1565 x. 222. Check out the Big Canoe Page for more information on these special boats.

2008 Columbia River Estuary Conference Focuses Science and Attention on the Estuary

More then 100 people converged in Astoria on April 29-30 for the fifth in a series of Columbia River Estuary Conferences. This year's focus - Ecosystem Restoration - generated a wide range of presentations. The Estuary Partnership was one of the primary sponsors of the conference. Presentations and summary notes will be posted on the Conference Website in early June.

Habitat Restoration Effectiveness Monitoirng Protocols Document Released

The report "Protocols for Monitoring Habitat Restoration Projects in the Lower Columbia River and Estaury" was released April 25. The document describes a series of standardized protocols for monitoring the effects of habitat restoration projects in the lower Columbia River and estuary. The protocols were developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force with the support of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

"Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation for the Federal Columbia River Estuary Program" Final Report Released

Often referred to as the RM and E Plan, the
"Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation
for the Federal Columbia River Estuary Program
" final report aims to provide the framework from which to asess the progress of estuary restoration projects to improve ESA listed salmonid populations. The report was prepared for the Bonneville Power Administration by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in conjuction with NOAA Fisheries and the US Army Corps of Engineers with the collaboration of the Estuary Partnership.

Estuary Partnership Calendars, Note Cards and T-Shirts Make Great Gifts

The latest student artwork from classes throughout the lower Columbia River area graces our 2008 Kids for the Columbia Calendar ($10) as well as new specially designed note card sets ($8). Lower Columbia River Water Trail T-Shirts also make great gifts. It's all available from the Estuary Partnership Store!

Students Get Wet Sampling Water Quality in September

More than 800 students, teachers, parents, and volunteers sampled water qualtiy along the lower Columbia River and its tributaries in September as part of the Estuary Partnership's Seventh Annual Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Event. Check out the Daily Astorian's coverage of two Lewis and Clark Elementary School classes monitoring along the Lewis and Clark River at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. Daily Astorian Article

Water Quality and Salmon Sampling Report Released

The Estuary Partnership, USGS, and NOAA recently released the "Lower Columbia River and Estuary Ecosystem Monitoring: Water Quality and Salmon Sampling Report." The report details the results of the Estuary Partnership's juvenile salmon and water quality monitoring efforts. Check out the What's New page for some of the report's key findings.

Lower Columbia River Water Trail Profiled in VIA Magazine

VIA Magazine, AAA Traveler's Companion Magazine profiles the Lower Columbia River Water Trail with a cover story in the May Issue of the Oregon/Idaho and California/Nevada/Utah editions. The story describes Tim Cahill's journey down the river and highlights parks and rental outfits that make accessing the trail easy. Read the Story

 

 

San Francisco Weekend Trip Awaits Raffle Winner!

Buy Tickets Now!

You can ride the trolley, stroll through Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Sausalito for a a sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge if you win the Estuary Partnership's 2008 raffle. The winner will recieve a weekend trip to San Francisco that inludes airfare and lodging (value ~ $1,300).

Tickets are $10 each. or five for $40 and only 999 will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Estuary Partership's Annnual Dinner and Auction on Saturday November 1, 2008 at the Portland Hilton. You need not be present to win.To purchase tickets, contact Vanessa Bird at 503.226.1565 x. 231.

Lower Columbia River Summit: Toxic Contaminant Reduction Action Agenda

Summariy Report Available

Over 100 community leaders from the private, non-profit, and public sectors met January 4, 2008 to discuss next steps for toxic reduction and monitoring of the lower Columbia River and estuary . The Summary Report details next steps, progress since January, and what needs to happen to address the problem.

Many Perspectives, One River Conference Summary Report Released

May 7-9, 2007, the Estuary Partnership and US Geological Survey hosted a forum followed by two days of technical presentations about conditions in the lower 146 miles of the Columbia River. It was a robust and informative three days thanks to the exceptional discussions. The Science to Policy Final Report summarizes the day one forum, the technical presentations, and next step.

New Estuary Partnership Brochures Debut

Three new Estuary Partnership brochures are in circulation. They include a Program Brochure with updated numbers on Estuary Partnership activities, an Education Brochure that highlights educational offerings, and a Water Trail Brochure that showcases the new water trail web site. If you haven't seen them in person, check them out on-line.

Zebra Mussel Relative Found in Lake Mead, CA. Boaters and Public Asked to be Extra Vigilant

Like its cousin the zebra mussel, the freshwater quagga mussel can grow on many surfaces and form dense colonies that impact water pipes, fish screens and ladders, native species and water recreation. Their arrival in the Pacific Northwest could have serious impacts. Boaters and the general public are asked to be on the lookout for any sign of these invasive mussels, and to take special precaution when transporting boats between waterbodies. Additional information and what you can do to stop their spread is available at: www.protectyourwaters.net or www.100thMeridian.or

Interactive Habitat Projects Map Available

During the last few years, the Estuary Partnership has secured millions of dollars for habitat restoration projects in the lower Columbia River. Now, there is an interactive map that allows you to easily explore the projects in detail. more

NOAA Fisheries Estuary Recovery Plan Module Available

The Columbia River Estuary Recovery Plan Module is one element of a larger effort to develop recovery plans for ESA listed fish species in the Columbia Basin. The module is intended to help account for the degree which the estuary and plume can contribute to basin wide recovery efforts. The Estuary Partnership developed the draft Columbia River Estuary Recovery Plan under contract to NOAA Fisheries. To view the module: more

Columbia River Elevated to one of the Nation's Great Water Bodies by US Environmental Protection Agency

The Columbia River joins six other Great Water Bodies in Goal 4 of the EPA's 2006-2011 Strategic Plan. Goal 4 - Healthy Communities and Ecosystems focuses on protecting, sustaining, and restoring the health of critical natural habitats and ecosystems. For more on the Great Water Body designation and EPA's Strategic Plan visit EPA's new Columbia River Basin page.

Lower Columbia River
Water Trail
Poster For Sale

Bring the Lower Columbia River Water Trail inside with the new Water Trail Poster. Blues, greens, and an overhead shot of a solo kayaker will make you feel like you're paddling the lower Columbia River wherever you are. Posters are available from the Estuary Partnership office for only $10.00 and proceeds benefit the Partnership's Stewardship Programs. Contact Vanessa Bird or 503.226.1565 x. 231 to purchase.

 

 

 

 

The Estuary Partnership focuses on the lower 146 miles of the Columbia River. We work in three areas to:

Protect the ecosystem and species - restoring 16,000 acres of wetlands and habitat by 2010 and promoting improvements in stormwater management.
Reduce toxic and conventional pollution - conducting long term monitoring and advocating to eliminate persistent bioaccumulative toxics, bring water bodies up to water quality standards, reduce hydrocarbon and heavy metal discharges and reduce bacterial contamination.
Provide information about the river to a range of audiences - compiling and evaluating data, offering education programs for children and building public and private partners.