Oregon's Hood River is an important salmon and steelhead stream that flows from the flanks of Mount Hood northeast into the Columbia River Gorge. Damming, logging and irrigation have taken their toll on endangered runs of Columbia River salmon and steelhead. Western Rivers Conservancy is working with multiple partners to establish a major sanctuary for fish, wildlife and people along all three forks of the Hood River.

In 2010, the utility PacifiCorp removed Powerdale Dam, the only dam on the main stem, and is dedicating to conservation approximately 600 acres of land along three miles of the lower river. Western Rivers Conservancy seeks to acquire and protect thousands of additional acres of land in order to extend the sanctuary upstream on the West, East and Middle forks of the Hood. Working with partners, WRC’s vision is to restore salmon, steelhead and wildlife habitat along nearly twenty miles of the main stem and key tributaries, conserving the most natural reaches of the river corridor. This will involve working with community groups to ensure that lands are protected in perpetuity.

In 2006, Western Rivers Conservancy has made its first acquisition in the Hood River basin, 20 acres centered on Punchbowl Falls, a popular recreation spot. We are in the process of purchasing the adjoining 82 acres, which will complete conservation of the confluence of the West and Middle Forks.

We believe this project will help ensure that the Hood River remains a significant refuge for endangered runs of Columbia River salmon. At the same time, it will provide the public with recreational access to fish, boat, hike and view the spectacular scenery. This is Western Rivers Conservancy’s second project to protect a Columbia River tributary slated for dam removal. Portland General Electric, our partner on the Sandy River, removed Marmot Dam in 2007.

Critical support for the Hood River Project has been provided by the Autzen Foundation, L.P. Brown Foundation, Bullitt Foundation, Collins Foundation, Rocky and Julie Dixon, the Cecil and Sally Drinkward Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Jubitz Family Foundation, Randy and Leslie Labbe, Nancie McGraw, Mason Charitable Trust, the Jack and Kate Mills Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Mount Hood Meadows, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust.

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