Gorge group opens office

Washougal — Friends of the Columbia Gorge recently opened its first Washington location, a small office in Washougal the group anticipates will aid its outreach efforts in Southwest Washington and serve as a meeting point for hikes and other outdoor activities, including its “Gorge Towns to Trails” trail-building campaign. The office is staffed by one full-time employee, Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee Tkach. The environmental advocacy group chose Washougal because it serves as a gateway to the Columbia Gorge. “We felt this choice was a natural fit for the values and missions of our organization,” Tkach wrote in an email. The Washougal office is at 1887 Main St., Suite 202. Friends of the Columbia Gorge also has two Oregon locations: Portland and Hood River.