* Summer 2008 NewsletterPosted June 23th, 2008 The most recent newsletter in PDF form
* Mount Hood wilderness bill stalls Posted Feb 29, 2008 Surprise objection by Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn
[August 14th, 2008] Oregon Treasures
On Monday, August 18th the Hood River County Board of Commissioners will hear public comments regarding the Oregon Treasures legislation. It would add 80 miles of wild and scenic designations to nine river on Mount Hood and 132,000 acres of wilderness to the existing 186,000 acres of wilderness on and around Mount Hood. Currently Hood River County is not supporting the bill. However, circumstances have changed and with enough support from the community and our members, we think Hood River County Commissioners just might change their minds.
Within this legislation is the “land-swap,” that HRVRC, Mount Hood Meadows, Hood River County and Cooper Spur Wild & Free mediated over for 18 months. Included in the land swap is language that would:
- Protect the Crystal Springs watershed and 25% of Hood River County’s drinking water.
- Protect the wild north side of Mount Hood including access for backcountry skiing and the historic Tilly Jane trail.
- Protect a key deer and elk migration corridor.
Recent press regarding wilderness bill
Conservationist tell county to back Wilderness bill
Letter to the editor - August 13th, 2008
Letter to the editor - August 6, 2008
>>More info on land swap
[August 14th, 2008] HRVRC annual meeting & Wild & Scenic Film Fest
Hood River Valley Committee (HRVRC) held its annual meeting on July 30th, 2008 at Columbia Center for the Arts. Over 40 people attended. Re-elected were Kate McCarthy, Ron Cohen, Scott Franke and Peter Cornelison. Isa Taylor of Parkdale officially joined the HRVRC Board of Directors.
After two years as President, Mike McCarthy stepped down and the Board elected Peter Cornelison as President. Cornelison briefed attendees with four initiatives to be worked on over the next year: promoting the economic viability of farming; supporting community planning and “smart growth” in Hood River County; advocating for bike and walking routes and connectivity; and involving our members in building community.
Following the annual meeting, HRVRC hosted night one of Patagonia’s Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival. Over 100 participants joined at a reception, which was followed by six short films that combined agriculture with environmental themes. The goal of the film festival is “to inspire activism”. This was HRVRC’s first year of involvement with the film festival.
>>See photos
[May 29, 2008] Website update
HRVRC will be launching a completely revamped website in summer 2008. While it is under construction, this website will be updated only minimally. Look forward to a more user-friendly site that is geared towards providing members information about the most critical land use issues in Hood River and how they can get involved.
[May 1, 2008] HRVRC recieves $13,250 grant from Meyer Memorial Trust
HRVRC was awarded its first substantial grant from Meyer Memorial Trust (MMT) this past March, 2008. Based in Seattle, Washington, MMT "exists to invest in people, ideas, and efforts that deliver significant social benefits to Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The $13,250 "grassroots grant" was awarded to:
- Upgrade and redesign website
- Aid in implementing public educational efforts
- Upgrade computer
- Supplement a developing research project that will increase knowledge and understanding of farmland loss
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Site last
updated July 15, 2008 by HRVRC staff
Photo
Credit: Darryl Lloyd LongshadowPhoto.com
