December 2006

WRC will Make First Hood River Land Purchase: Punch Bowl Falls

On November 17, Western Rivers Conservancy was the successful bidder at an auction for a 20-acre property at the confluence of the West and East Forks of the Hood River, the site of Punch Bowl Falls. Just 12 miles from the town of Hood River, Oregon, this forested tract has easy access to view the waterfall and the beautiful columnar basalt cliffs that tower over it. Punch Bowl Falls is a powerful ledge drop into a beautiful round pool, a popular swimming hole in the summer. The land is owned by Longview Fibre.

This is Western Rivers Conservancy's first land purchase on the Hood River in a larger effort to establish a series of conserved corridors on all three forks of the river. In 2010, PacifiCorp will dismantle the only dam on the main-stem Hood River, removing the primary barrier to salmon and steelhead. In conjunction with dam removal, many conservation partners have come to the table with the Hood River's best interest in mind. WRC and partners envision that the Hood River will be conserved in its natural state, protecting important fish and wildlife habitat and providing new opportunities for people to enjoy the river.

Flowing from the flanks of Mount Hood to the Columbia River Gorge, the Hood River is the heart of a healthy and diverse ecosystem. The Hood's diversity of fish species rivals any other river in Oregon, and its wildlife habitat is outstanding. It is also a major amenity to the community and greater region, providing recreation opportunities and connecting residents to the landscape in a way that enhances their quality of life.

Once WRC takes title to the Punch Bowl Falls tract, we will find the best long-term steward for the parcel for fish and wildlife habitat protection and compatible public recreational access.

Back to previous page