Aug. 8, 2019. In the first audio edition of Columbia Insight, we take a deeper look at some of the issues related to overcrowding and congestion in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Featuring interviews with Lorelei Haukness from the U.S. Forest Service and Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge, we discuss the human impacts of recreation in the Gorge, as well as strategies that land managers are using to alleviate these impacts…
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What a brilliant premiere podcast. Great information in a format that allows me to sit quietly and cogitate while I listen.
Thank you Dac and team for letting the world know more about the Gorge and some of the challenges.
When the Multnomah Falls’ parking lot was built, the Forest Service built ONLY ‘X” number of parking places. The Forest service was limiting the number of people on the trail so hikers would have a specific hiking experience. Shuttle buses and remote parking lots now override the the original intent. As a result the hiking experience degraded dramatically and Multnomah Falls and the Eagle Creek fire now serve as excellent examples of how the Gorge is being loved to death.
Great idea. And yes overcrowding is definitely a problem as most of the wonderful quiet places we like to go. Here in the north Cascades, they have gone to permits for parking and shuttles here as well at some of the popular trails. I don’t know what the answer is to keep these wild places, wild for people to enjoy without as one commenter said, “loved to death”.
Great story and format Dac. What a great way to hear and learn about protecting the landscapes so everyone can have the chance fall in love with nature. Way to connect those with years of experience to beginning discoverers. Happy trails to you too!