Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe Blog

West Hayden Island Presentation

7:00 PM

March 10, 2009

At Audubon Society of Portland

with Audubon Conservation Director, Bob Sallinger

West Hayden Island is one of Portland’s most important and most at-risk Greenspaces. This 826 acre-parcel includes critical habitat form listed salmon and steelhead, one of the largest, intact cottonwood gallery forests left on the Lower Columbia, and 39-acres of wetlands. It is an amazing place that most people don’t even know exists.

The Port of Portland is attempting to annex and rezone West Hayden Island to pave the way forward for marine industrial development tat would turn much of this natural area into parking lots. This is not the first time that they have tried to develop West Hayden Island. In 1999-2000 Audubon successfully fought a prior annexation/ rezoning attempt by the Port in which the Port was ultimately forced to admit that its economic and environmental analyses were flawed and it has not adequately explored  alternative development sites. At the time the Business Journal Of Portland wrote:

“We are relieved to learn that the Port of Portland has decided to re-examine its West Hayden Island project. The Port wants to rend the island’s fragile environmental fabric so that marine cargo facilities…can be built there…We are not convinced it’s a good trade-off.”

Portland Business Journal Editorial—September 25th, 2000

Now the Port is back and their case for Marine Industrial Development on West Hayden Island is no stronger today than it was 9-years ago when they first withdrew their application.

Audubon Conservation Director has been actively involved in efforts to protect West Hayden Island since the 1990’s. His first major policy work for Portland Audubon was the successful 1999-2000 campaign to “Save West Hayden Island.”

We will need your help to turn the Port back again!

Come learn about West Hayden Island and how you can help save this critical wildlife area!

From Sea Kayak Symposium

Precisely timed to match increasing tides and strong seasonal currents. Sea kayakers from around the world gathered across the bay from San Francisco for the first annual Golden Gate Sea Kayaking Symposium.  Offering advanced skills training and an incredible collection of talented coaches, the symposium granted opportunities for skill development in a dynamic ocean environment.

From Sea kayak risingtide1

Centralized north of the city in Marin County, the venue was highlighted by the area’s historical significance and natural beauty preserved by the Golden Gate National Park. Despite the uncharacteristic high pressure system that created clear blue skies and balmy temperatures throughout the entire weekend, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Evenings were shared with great food and inspiring slideshows that brought to life expeditions from around the world.
Classes such as rock gardening, tide races, navigation, tidal planning, technical skills and leadership training provided theoretical components that could be immediately applied by students for hands-on learning. For those seeking professional and leadership development, accomplished coaches of both the ACA (American Canoe Association) and the BCU (British Canoe Union) offered training and certifications.

From Sea kayak risingtide1

Alder Creek employees Dave White (Buyer), Amanda Cantal (Coach), and Paul Kuthe (Program Dir.) were all fortunate enough to attend the event. Of the many paddling gatherings on the West Coast, I highly recommend this symposium for those who seek training opportunties and want to have a blast on the water. The multitude of highly skilled leadership figures gathered in one setting created a uniquely fun and informative event. We extend gratitude to all those who made the event happen and especially to symposium founders: Sean Morley, Jen Kleck and Matt Palmariello. http://www.ggsks.com/

From Sea Kayak Symposium

From Sea kayak risingtide1

From Sea kayak risingtide1