July 5, 2017
Page 9
Mississippi
Alberta
North Portland
Vancouver
East County
Beaverton
Free guided big canoe excursions along the lower Columbia River and its tributaries keep the public informed on efforts to restore and protect
habitat, improve water quality and reduce pollution.
Connecting to the River
Free canoe paddles for
environmental focus
Free guided big canoe excursions along
the lower Columbia River and its tributaries
started up last week and will continue all
summer as a non-profit works to keep the
public informed on efforts to restore and
protect habitat, improve water quality and
reduce pollution.
The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
was established in 1995 by the Governors of
Washington and Oregon and the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency to provide regional
coordination on environmental concerns, ad-
vance science, and get on-the-ground results in
the lower Columbia River and estuary.
The paddle tours give riders a unique per-
spective on the water. Binoculars are provided
to view birds and other wildlife. Professional
environmental educators lead the group outings
and provide interpretation.
Participants help paddle one of two stable
29-foot canoes, each seating up to 14 people.
The paddles are ideal for beginners and no ex-
perience is necessary. Trips are family-friend-
ly and suitable for all ages 5 and older. The
Estuary Partnership provides paddles and per-
sonal flotation devices in standard sizes.
The tours run through Sept. 6 and are quite
popular, according to officials, with reserva-
tions already taken through the month of July.
Reserved space is available on a first come, first
served basis. For more details and to register,
visit estuarypartnership.org.