EnviroGorge Article
EnviroGorge, an on-line magazine dedicated to environmental and conservation issues in the Columbia River Gorge recently published an article about the Delta. An excerpt on our organization is below, but the entire article is worth a read as it gives some of the history of the Delta that you may not know. From the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Vanport Flood, to private ownership and the impact of Reynolds Metals Company, to Public Ownership via the Trust for Public Lands, the article outlines the changes to the Delta, the organizations involved, and some of what we do as the FSRD.
For the full article, please visit Envirogorge.com/sandy-river-delta
Sandy River Delta (an excerpt)
By Susanne Wright. EnviroGorge.com
The Sandy River Delta, an ancient Mt. Hood mud flow, marks the dividing line between the Columbia River Gorge and urban Portland. It’s easy for motorists to speed past this place, unaware of its existence. But to ignore it is to miss out on its treasures and its tale of survival.Located on Portland’s urban edge, the delta’s visitor trails have become a popular destination for hikers, runners, birders, equestrians, and dog walkers.
Lots and lots of dog walkers. With dogs comes dog poop.
The Friends of the Sandy River Delta, a non-profit, volunteer organization that maintains trails and cleans up the site estimates it removes roughly 450 pounds of dog waste and trash from the delta each week.
“The delta is remarkably clean considering its heavy use, but many still don’t recognize that access to the delta is a privilege gained from the hard work of a few committed individuals,” says FSRD liaison Jeff Schuh. “The delta is not a dog park and dog walkers need to recognize this. There is concern the delta may become a victim of its own success. We hope that all visitors understand the need to be responsible.”