Organization History
A small group of friends and neighbors began to have informal gatherings in the fall of 2006, exploring if and how we could become involved in supporting stewardship of the Cape Horn trail which was then a largely undeveloped, challenging and unauthorized trail. Major portions of the trail are located on United States Forest Service (USFS) Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area property.
As community members, we began to foster cooperative relationships with the USFS, Skamania County, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Washington Trails Association and City of Washougal Council representatives. We engaged deeply in a collaborative process resulting in the Cape Horn Trail Area Recreation Plan.
Over the years, the small group invited community members and trail advocates to join in constructive discussions with the cooperating agencies. This group of neighbors evolved into a working forum for trail related activities and advocacy and took on the name Cape Horn Conservancy (CHC). Further, CHC reached out to the surrounding community, providing a safe and supportive conduit through which residents could voice their concerns and suggestions. Such input has assisted in identifying trail, community and environmental impacts.
The USFS, after considerable input and effort by CHC and other cooperators, rendered a decision to officially recognize the trail. The Cape Horn Trail Area Recreation Plan became effective February 1, 2010.
CHC continues to meet with the USFS and other non-profits and currently helps develop operational plans, goals, timeframes and responsibilities.
CHC has provided considerable sweat equity in trail maintenance, GPS and map development, tree and shrub plantings, bank stabilization and control of invasive plants. We have moved from a casual neighborhood group to a structured and sustainable organization that will facilitate future endeavors in the continuing development, maintenance and stewardship of this valuable public resource.
We invite you to join us!
As community members, we began to foster cooperative relationships with the USFS, Skamania County, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Washington Trails Association and City of Washougal Council representatives. We engaged deeply in a collaborative process resulting in the Cape Horn Trail Area Recreation Plan.
Over the years, the small group invited community members and trail advocates to join in constructive discussions with the cooperating agencies. This group of neighbors evolved into a working forum for trail related activities and advocacy and took on the name Cape Horn Conservancy (CHC). Further, CHC reached out to the surrounding community, providing a safe and supportive conduit through which residents could voice their concerns and suggestions. Such input has assisted in identifying trail, community and environmental impacts.
The USFS, after considerable input and effort by CHC and other cooperators, rendered a decision to officially recognize the trail. The Cape Horn Trail Area Recreation Plan became effective February 1, 2010.
CHC continues to meet with the USFS and other non-profits and currently helps develop operational plans, goals, timeframes and responsibilities.
CHC has provided considerable sweat equity in trail maintenance, GPS and map development, tree and shrub plantings, bank stabilization and control of invasive plants. We have moved from a casual neighborhood group to a structured and sustainable organization that will facilitate future endeavors in the continuing development, maintenance and stewardship of this valuable public resource.
We invite you to join us!
Major Accomplishments Along Cape Horn Since February 2010
- 2010-2011 ~The construction of: two SR14 pedestrian underpasses, the Nancy Russell Overlook, the Jim Proctor Bridge and new trail sections and reroutes
- 2012-2013 ~Two additional bridges and multiple sets of steps constructed
- 2014 ~Western trail section rerouted to protect Larch Mountain Salamander habitat, native plant restoration work atop Cape Horn, and the construction of a kiosk/bus stop shelter at the park n' ride/trailhead
- 2015-2017 ~ The construction of two basalt overlooks on the lower trail, two bridges on the upper trail, and a new reroute providing access and protection to yet another viewpoint
Annual Reports
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