VIG members are aware of the unique cultural and economic heritage of the Gorge, starting with the native peoples who enjoyed its bounty and beauty for thousands of years. We know the historical importance of the Columbia River in opening up the American West to multi-cultural emigration throughout the nineteenth century.
During the winter of 1999, the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Parks met to discuss several ongoing issues and foreseen needs in relationship to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It was recognized by the two agencies, that a vast multitude of other local, state and federal agencies maintain a vested interest and/or are charged with the overall protection and preservation of this unique natural and valued historic area. In review of the known needs for the area, a grass roots plan was developed to create a group of citizen volunteers to begin operating within the area. It was mutually agreed, in a handshake agreement, that both agencies would begin to organize a multi-agency volunteer project.
This exceptionally formed partnership would create, formulate and guide the needed beginning foundations for a group of committed and trained emissaries that would be reflective of the agencies they would represent. It was also agreed the day to day operational guidelines would be directed under the already existing Oregon State Police Volunteer Program and would be known as "The Volunteer Watch of the Columbia River Gorge." Shortly after forming, a close evaluation of the group's developing short and long term goals resulted in the group's name being changed to reflect and compliment the well roundness of this group's overall endeavors. Today, it is officially known as Volunteers in the Columbia River Gorge. Since its inception, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have become equally active and committed partners with the Oregon State Police and Oregon State Parks in supporting the Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives for the Volunteers in the Columbia River Gorge.  |
olunteers in the Gorge share values of cooperation, self-motivation, cultural and ecological appreciation, social assertiveness and personal independence. We bear important responsibilities, driving, hiking and biking in the Gorge on a regular basis, in service of protecting one of the great natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest. We provide information on Oregon State Laws and federal regulations concerning lawful behavior on roads and trails. We witness and provide possible solutions to problems. We may, at any moment, find ourselves involved in circumstances that demand quick thinking and sound judgment. To this end, we learn skills and techniques that sharpen the eye and facilitate effective action.
We can tell you about the famous Oregon Trail that led settlers through the Gorge to the fertile valleys of Portland and beyond. We can help you appreciate the Historic Columbia River Highway, which was designed and built in the early 1900's- one of the first highways in the country. Though only a third of it still exists in it's original form, it is still admired by visitors today who travel its graceful curves to stand stunned before numerous waterfalls and outstanding vistas. VIG members can recommend a variety of places to visit, trails to hike and bike, and places to enjoy solitude.