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Congressional staffers tour new project sites in the watershed above Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
After the successful completion of the Steigerwald Reconnection Project, involving the natural reconnection of Gibbons Creek to its alluvial fan and the Columbia River, the Estuary Partnership is looking upstream for more ways to benefit water quality, reduce flood risk, and improve conditions for salmon, lamprey, and other species. Two projects, the Campen Creek Reconnection Project and the Washougal High School stormwater retrofit project, aim to do just that.
Campen Creek is the largest and most urbanized tributary within the Gibbons Creek watershed. Campen Creek enters Gibbons Creek right before Gibbons Creek flows through the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge and into the Columbia River.
On Saturday, November 18, the Estuary Partnership hosted a site tour for staff members from the offices of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator Patty Murry, and U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Port of Camas-Washougal Director Cassi Marshall, City of Washougal Stormwater Program Supervisor Sean Mulderig, and members of the Gorge Refuge Stewards Board of Directors also joined the tour.
The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing “on-call” design and engineering services to our School Stormwater Retrofit Program.
Please join us in welcoming Adam Goodwin to the Estuary Partnership! Adam joined us in November as a Program Assistant in the Community Programs Team. Adam provides essential administrative support for a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from green stormwater infrastructure projects to youth environmental education. He brings over fifteen years of administrative experience in the non-profit sector to our team.
Adam graduated from the University of Portland with a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish, and a minor in Environmental Science. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, birding, and making music. Welcome, Adam!
Congratulations Ian, Research Scientist III
We are excited to announce that Ian Edgar has been promoted to Research Scientist III. Ian has been an integral part of the Monitoring and Research Team since 2021, when he began his career with us as a Field Technician. Ian’s remarkable contributions to data processing and management systems have been nothing short of impressive.
Since 2021, Ian has been on a trajectory of continuous growth and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his work. After his initial role as a Field Technician, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of our data management processes. Now, stepping into his new role as Research Scientist III, Ian is poised to take on broader responsibilities and challenges.
In this elevated role, Ian will continue to co-manage our Ecosystem Monitoring Program, contributing significantly to the Action Effectiveness Management and Research programs. Additionally, he will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the methane carbon flux study.
Ian's advancement to Research Scientist III is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the invaluable impact he has made at the Estuary Partnership. Congratulations, Ian!
Congratulations Derek, Research Scientist I
We are excited to announce Derek Marquis has been promoted to Research Scientist I. Derek, a key member of the Monitoring and Research Team since the summer of 2022, began his career with the Estuary Partnership as a Field Technician before being hired full time as a Research Technician.
In his new Research Scientist I role, Derek is set to take on even more impactful responsibilities. He will be instrumental in the Monitoring and Research team operations, driving critical data collection, proficient lab management, and assisting with reporting and project management duties.
Derek’s promotion reflects his hard work, dedication, innovative solutions to problems, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We look forward to seeing Derek continue to make significant contributions and inspire those around him with his passion and expertise. Congratulations, Derek!
Meet Amy Boyd and Chad Brown, two new members of our Board of Directors!
Amy Boyd joins the board with over 18 years of experience working in local government in Oregon and in communities along the lower Columbia River focusing on aquatic and lower Columbia River ecosystem policy and project management. Throughout her career, Amy served as the project manager for the Fort Columbia Tidal Reconnection Project, a project to reconnect 96-acres of wetland habitat to the Columbia River and helped to establish the Gathering Program for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe with the US. Forest Service. Today, Amy is the Environmental Manager at the Port of Longview. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Policy, and a Master of Studies in Environmental Law. When she isn’t working or volunteering with our Board of Directors, Amy enjoys spending time on her hobby farm and traveling with her family.
Chad Brown is an accomplished documentary-style portrait and adventure photographer, creative director, film director, conservationist, and veteran of the US Navy. He is also the founder and president of the nonprofits Soul River Inc and Love is King. Soul River Inc. specializes in outdoor education and cultural expeditions for risk youth and veteran mentors together. Love is King focuses on welcome access, safety, and healing in the outdoors for BIPOC communities and other under-serviced voices. Chad is also a board member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association and Alaska Wilderness League. He has been featured on BBC and CBS, including Good Morning America and NatGeo/Disney’s Called to the Wild reality TV show, and in national publications like Outside Magazine and The Drake. He has also been featured in regional publications across the Pacific Northwest. Chad was the first recipient of the Breaking Barriers Award presented by Orvis, and the Bending Toward Justice Award from Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.
We believe that by working together, a cleaner and healthier Columbia River is possible. And we're so grateful for the generosity of people like you who walk alongside us to create cleaner waterways and vibrant, engaged communities.
Look at what your support has accomplished. You've helped us:
Prepare to restore three miles of the East Fork Lewis River.
Create community-driven solutions to sea level rise along Washington’s Baker and Grays Bays.
Improve water quality through stormwater retrofit projects in partnership with communities and schools in Rainer, Ilwaco, Portland, and beyond.
Launch new research about the carbon sequestration potential of lower Columbia River wetlands to fight climate change.
Engage 3,000 students with interactive science lessons and hands-on outdoor learning.
Please make a tax-deductible gift by December 31 to support our vital work to restore the Columbia River and to engage communities in its care. We're 27% of the way toward our $10,000 goal, so your gift makes a difference.
