UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, July 24 – Annual Filbert Farm Party
Mark your calendars for Crag’s 5th annual Filbert Farm Benefit Party! Aaron Matusick and Sandy Riedman will once again host an afternoon and evening of live music by the Nuborn Tribe, delicious Greek food and local beer! Kids are welcome.
Where: 5909 SE Oetkin Road, Portland, OR 97267. When: Starts at 3 and goes until 9.
Suggested donation: $10 to $20
We hope to see you there!!
August 26 and 27 – Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival
Crag and Hood River Valley Residents Committee will host our 3rd annual SYRCL Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival at Springhouse Cellar (13 Railroad Ave) in Hood River on Thursday, August 26th and Friday, August 27th. We’d like you to decide what films we’ll highlight! Please vote on HRVRC’s webpage: http://www.hrvrc.org/poll/. Tickets are available at the door and in advance through Crag or in Hood River at Doug’s Sports (101 Oak Street), Wacoma Books (212 Oak Street) and Springhouse Cellar. Stay tuned for more info…
ONGOING EVENTS
Field Trips – The Crag Law Center staff are frequently in the field meeting with citizens, scientists and government officials. Our staff field checks timber sales, water quality violations, development proposals and other projects. We meet with the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to discuss ongoing projects. We work with scientists to conduct systematic field surveys on the ground. If you would like to be informed about upcoming opportunities to join us in the field please call the office and inquire about the opportunities at Tel – (503) 525-2724.
Past Events
Thursday, May 13 – Wild Rivers Movie Night
On Thursday, May 13th, Crag and Gifford Pinchot Task Force hosted the Wild Rivers Movie Night at the Hollywood Theater. The evening featured the Portland Premiere of Trout on the Wind, a locally produced documentary about the removal of the Hemlock Dam and restoration of Trout Creek in Washington. Trout Creek is a tributary of the Wind River in the Columbia River Gorge. In 2009, the Forest Service, local contractors and local conservation groups joined forces to remove the dam and restore over 20 miles of prime habitat for Columbia River Steelhead. This film provides a first hand look at how this successful restoration project was accomplished from start to finish.
We also showed additional selections from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, including John Waller€™s Ascending the Giants; a short called SalmonsKin by Thomas Dunklin; and a local film by Sam Drevo about a rafting and kayaking trip down the Deschutes with a group of Blinded American Veterans.
Proceeds from the evening benefited the educational work of the Crag and Gifford Pinchot Task Force.
Monday, April 12 – Happy Hour and Dinner with Crag at HopWorks Urban Brewery
On April 12th Crag enjoyed an evening of beer, appetizers and dinner with our supporters at HopWorks Urban Brewery (HUB)! HUB donated 20% of their profits from Crag supporters to support our work throughout the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
Wild Shots Photography Auction – November 7th, 2009
The Crag Law Center hosted a wildly successful auction of archival quality framed photographic Wild Shots from Pacific NW Artists on November 7th, 2009 at the Springbox Gallery in NW Portland. Many talented photographers from the Pacific Northwest and beyond generously donated their pieces, including Alberto Rey, Darryl Lloyd, Michael Halle, Ron Cronin, David Jensen, Barbara Bond, Michael Durham, Jon Meyer, Kate McCarthy, Rolf Skar, Gary Braasch, Steve Baldwin, Bill Bayer, Claudia Howell, and more. Many thanks to our sponsors – Chernoff, Vilhauer, McClung & Stenzel, LLP, Kristin Winter with Realty Trust, Field Jerger, LLP, Pro Photo Supply, Springbox Gallery, Chuffy’s Too’licious, Patagonia, Poster Child, Art Heads, Trout Creek Orchard, Elk Cove Vineyards, New Seasons Market, Kings Ridge, SunGold Farm, Prairie Creek Farm, and Willakenzie Estate. We hope to see you in 2011!!!
Wild and Scenic Film Festival- August 26th and 28th, 2009
On August 26th and 28th the Crag Law Center and Hood River Valley Residents Committee (HRVRC) hosted the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival on Tour. Originating in Nevada City, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival sprouted one common goal: to use film to inspire activism. By covering issues with environmental undertones rooted in water use, transportation, and agriculture, Crag and HRVRC are hoping to use these films as a springboard to empower local grassroots organizations to protect the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The event was held at Springhouse Cellar Winery near the train station. We will be hosting the event again in 2010 and plan to do so at the same location. Check back next summer for more details.
4th Annual Old Filbert Farm Benefit Party- July 25th, 2009
On Saturday, July 25th Aaron Matusick and Sandy Reidman hosted an afternoon and evening of good food, drink, and music to benefit the Crag Law Center. The party featured live Reggae music from the Nuborn Tribe, organic beer from Lucky Labrador Brewing, delicious Greek food and Voodoo Doughnuts. About 200 people came over the life of the party and helped raised funds to support Crag’s work.
Forever Forests Educational Seminar (April 2nd, 2009) and Field Trips (April 4th and 5th, 2009)
The Forever Forests Educational Seminar and Field Trips were co-sponsored and hosted by Crag and the Mazamas (www.mazamas.org). These events featured scientists with expertise in forest science, climate science, ecology and hydrology.
Participants learned about and discussed:
- What are the greatest threats and restoration needs on PNW forestlands?
- What beneficial role does natural disturbance like wildfire or insects play in ecosystem processes?
- Can we reduce fire risk or increase forest resiliency through mechanical means?
- How can we respond to the risks that climate change poses on our forestlands?
Movie Night Fundraiser for the Madrone Wall Preservation Commitee
On February 5, 2009, the Crag Law Center sponsored a movie night at the Hollywood Theater to benefit the Madrone Wall Preservation Committee. Members of the climbing and outdoor recreation community came out to support local activists working to preserve one of the Portland area’s premiere climbing spots.
The event featured the Portland Premiere of €œVia Bearzi.€ Colorado climber Michael Anthony Bearzi is the man who invented the €œM-system€ rating for mixed climbing routes. A pioneer of climbing techniques, he was notorious for scouting the great new lines on big mountain faces. One climb that Mike would always return to was the NW Face of Devils Thumb in Alaska, which to this day has yet to see an ascent. His passion for the perfect alpine route up a big face led him to Gyachung Kang in Tibet, to the elusive northeast face. His expedition in 2002 was his last climb and also his first attempt at filmmaking.
When Mike did not return from Tibet, two Portland filmmakers, Jeff Alzner and Brook Kirklin, finished Mike€™s film. As an introduction to the Gyachung Kang trip, they recount his numerous attempts on Devils Thumb with Dieter Klose and his first free ascent of Cerro Torre in Patagonia with Eric Winkelman. The result is a tribute to pure mountaineering. Mike€™s film was an official selection at more than a dozen film festivals including Mountainfilm in Telluride, Kendal Mountain Film Festival in England, Taos Mountain Film Festival and Edinburg Mountain Film Festival.
€œOn Sight€ was also screened. It is a gripping adventure into the world of cutting edge rock and ice climbing, documenting a ground up, no practice approach resulting in raw and compelling footage. An all-star cast on extraordinary routes, produced by multi-award winning filmmaker Alastair Lee. Winner Grand Prize and Best Climbing film awards, Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
Tibet Benefit – August 8, 2008.
On the opening night of the Olympics, August 8th, the Crag Law Center sponsored a benefit movie night at the Clinton Street Theatre, featuring The Unwinking Gaze, a documentary from filmmakers who followed the Dalai Lama as he weathered the conflict in the mountainous terrain of Tibet. Filmed over three years, the movie portrays the daily sturggles of the Tibetan leader as he tries to strike a balance between his Buddhist vows and the realpolitic needed to placate China.
The evening included a special performance by the Tara Cafe Project. These Tibetan musicians promote the cultural continuity of Tibetan music. Their work focuses on recording and documenting Tibetan artists, both inside Tibet and in exile. This event provided an entertaining alternative to the opening night of the Olympics in Beijing, China.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival – July 30th and August 2nd
On July 30th and August 2nd the Crag Law Center and the Hood River Valley Residents Committee co-hosted the Wild & Scenic Film Festival – On Tour in Hood River. A big thanks to the Columbia Center for the Arts for allowing use to use their venue. Wednesday the 30th of July was agriculture night and over a hundred people came out to see 5 agriculture themed films and celebrate the robust agricultural enterprises in Hood River. On Saturday, the 2nd of August we showed five adventure oriented films. Thanks to all our sponsors: Waucoma Books, Hood River Railroad, Phelps Creek Winery, Da Kine, Double Mountain Brewery, Tazo Tea, Clif Bar, Tom’s of Maine, Gorge Kiting Adventure, Resource Revival, 10 Speed Coffee, Tching, Patagonia and especially the South Yuba River Citizens League. We anticipate hosting the Film Festival again next year.
2008 – Old Filbert Farm House Party!
We hosted a benefit party on Saturday, July 12th with live music from the Nuborn Tribe. A big thanks to Aaron & Sandy for opening their house in Milwaukie to friends and supporters. Lucky Labrador Brewing Company donated beer, Chad and Rachel cooked up an Organic Lamb provided by Gartners Meats, Tre and Kenneth’s provided us with delicious and nutritious Voodoo Doughnuts, we served refreshing beverages from Tazo Tea, delicious Greek Food from Alexis, and fresh greens from Sandy’s family farm in Mt. Angel, Oregon. and much much more!
2007 Wild Shots Photography Auction!!
In 2007, the Crag Law Center hosted the Wild Shots Photography Auction. The evening was a blast and a big success. Big thanks to The Celebration Christian Church for graciously donating the venue. We auctioned off over 50 archival quality framed photographic Wild Shots from over 30 Pacific NW Artists. Thanks to Noble Rot for the fine Oregon wine, Lucky Lab for the organic beer, and delicious food and drink from Food Front Cooperative. Additional thanks to Tazo Tea and Patagonia Portland for co-sponsoring the event! A Big Thank You goes to all the wonderful artists who donated their works! We received donations from Alberto Rey, Darryl Lloyd, Michael Halle, Ron Cronin, David Jensen, Barbara Bond, Michael Durham, Kai Guterman, Jon Meyer, Kate McCarthy, Rolf Skar, Gary Braasch, Steve Baldwin, Bill Bayer, Bruch Johnson, Michael Wilhelm, Claudia Howell, Carl Skoog, Ben Moon, Brian Litmans and many more….
2007- The Old Filbert Farm House Party!!!
We had a great party on Saturday, August 25th with over 150 people and live music from the Descarga Quartet. Aaron & Sandy’s House was hopping with the live music and good people, food and drink. We raised funds to support the Crag Law Center. Special thanks to the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, Chad and Rachel for their skills cooking the whole Organic Lamb provided by Gartners Meats, Tres and Kenneth at Voodoo Doughnuts and delicious beverages from Tazo Tea! Next year the party will be even bigger and better, get ready!
Wild Rivers, Wild Creatures, Wild Fire Film Nights
The Crag Law Center has sponsored numerous independent film showings at Portland’s Hollywood Theater and the Laurelhurst Theater. We have also hosted showings in Ashland, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend, and Hood River. If you would like hear about upcoming special events in your area, please email involved–at–crag.org.
Mekong – The Mother of All Waters. In 2004 Portlander Brian Eustis chronicled the first-ever complete navigation of the Mekong River from its source in Tibet, to the South China Sea. The film vividly explores and celebrates the diverse cultures and environments of the Mekong valley. The story also weaves in the tapestry of the impending human-rights abuses committed throughout the region and the impact of environmental degradation on the region’s subsistence cultures. This film was a finalist at the 2006 Banff Film Festival and was chosen to be a part of the international tour! For more information or to order the film visit www.mekongdescentfoundation.org.
Cascadia Ecosystem Advocates present : Boom, Bust and the BLM . This locally produced interactive film explores the forest shenanigans in Southern Oregon. The film deploys the first of its kind “Citizens Action Guide and Toolkit” to organize citizens around the state to counteract the Bush Administration’s plan to remove the Northwest Forest Plan protections for old growth forests from over 2 million acres of public land in Southern Oregon. Over the past half century in western Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has converted hundreds of thousands of acres of ancient forests into tree farms, yet nearly one million acres of old-growth remain. Due to a 2003 court settlement between the timber industry and the Bush Administration, 2.5 million acres of public forest in western Oregon could soon lose environmental protections. As the BLM prepares to release a draft management plan in August, this film could not be more timely and relevant for those who care about Oregon€™s forests, biodiversity, sustainable management and the various uses of our public lands. Directed and produced by Tim Lewis with technical direction by Trip Jennings, Boom, Bust and the BLM will give you the tools you need to take action to protect your public lands in Southern Oregon. Visit www.oregonheritageforests.org for more information. (20 min.)
THE CARNIVAL!
On October 28th, the Crag Law Center celebrated its fifth full year of fulfilling its public interest mission. On this special evening, we celebrated our work with conservation groups, recreation clubs, guides, outfitters and local people throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, the Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, the Cooper Spur Wild & Free Coalition, the Hood River Valley Residents Committee, the Columbia Riverkeeper and people from throughout the community put together an amazing show.
We had carnival games and funky DJ music, Stilt Walking, a costume contest, and delicious food and drinks! Those in attendance enjoyed environmental carnival games like the Freedom Forest Defense Ring Toss, Willamette River Plinko, “the LNG” Dunk Tank(er), the Mt. Hood Yodeler and other fabulous Carnival Booths.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:Field & Jerger LLP and to all of our sponsors: Sarah Foster of the Nomadic Theatre Co, New Seasons, Voodoo Doughnuts, Seaside Surf Shop, EPICOCITY Productions, Bolle Sunglasses, Patagonia Store in Portland, Next Adventure, Whole Foods Market, Tazo Tea, Mississippi Pizza Pub, Amnesia Brewing from the Mississippi Neighborhood, Lucky Lab Brewing from the Hawthorne Neighborhood, Clear Creek Distillery, the Circuit Bouldering Gym and many more!
Fall House Party – September 16th, 2006
Supporters Aaron Matusick and Sandy Riedman hosted a house party with live music from the Piano Throwers on September 16th at their house in Milwaukie. The Piano Throwers are a trio consisting of Tye North, Scott Law and Carlton Jones. A Big Thanks to Aaron and Sandy for hosting the party, and to New Season for the delicious food and refreshments and to Terminal Graviy for the tasty regional ale.
Wild Rivers, Wild Fire & Wild Creatures Film Night – May 18th
On May 18th, the Crag Law Center hosted a special screening of two short-length films and two shorts. The evening began with Shake Your Oncorhynchus, a short underwater film on Klamath River Fisheries. We showed Fire Scars, a film that takes you into the heart of the Kalamiopsis Roadless area and on a raft down the Wild Illinois River to explore the controversy over the Biscuit Fire and protection of the forests and wild rivers in the area. Culimating the evening will be the Portland Premiere of Liquid Insanity, a kayaking film out of Hood River that will take you on a journey through the Pacific Northwest (www.liquidkayak.com).
If you would like a copy of the films, contact Ralph Bloemers. The event’s proceeds have been applied to the Crag law center’s work with local citizens on wild river protection, fire education, forests protection and ensuring scientific integrity. Big thanks to our sponsors Patagonia Portland, Liquid Kayak, EPICOCITY Films, Telluride Film Festival, the Hollywood Theater, eNRG Kayaking. Visit www.crag.org/fire for more information on the Chicken Little hysteria sweeping the West.
Mt. Hood Wilderness & Cooper Spur Solution
On December 3rd, 2005, Congressman Walden and Blumenauer held holding Summit III in Portland and in Hood River. There was strong support in Hood River and in Portland for adding more Wilderness on Mt. Hood. Visit Cascade Peaks Protection for more specific information on the proposal and for some sample talking points.
Pakistan Earthquake Benefit
On February 10th, the Crag Law Center sponsored a benefit movie night at the Hollywood Theatre along with the American Alpine Club and Cascade Mountain films. The event sold out completely. The films were donated by Banff Mountain Films and the Telluride Film Festival, including shorts on rock climbing at Smith Rocks, Oregon, a spoof on the People of Mountain Village (Telluride) and a documentary on the conflict in the mountainous terrain of Kashmir and the current situation on the ground following the devastating Earthquake in the region. The event raised over $5,000 for relief efforts to help people rebuild and reclaim their lives.
Fall House Party – October 8th, 2005
CRAG Board member Carrie Ward hosted a house party on October 8th. Thanks to Patagonia for the clothing donation, to the Lucky Lab Brew Pub for providing tasty beer, to Wild Oats Market, New Seasons Market, Lee and Paul Dayfield, Gary Kish, Bill Barnes and Mark Meckler, Indigo Teiwes and shireen press, Sadna and Sunil Shenoy, Andy and Amy Osenar and many others who made donations to the auction and helped to make the party a big success.
On Everest: With Tom Hornbein & Barbara Brower!
In 2004, Tom Hornbein and Barbara Brower spoke about their experiences and observations in the Himalayas at a Benefit for the Crag Law Center.
In 1963, Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld pioneered the first ascent of the West Ridge of Mt. Everest with the first traverse of a major Himalayan peak, an effort recognized as one of the great accomplishments in the history of Himalayan mountaineering. Hornbein is the author of Everest, the West Ridge, judged #1 in the top 10 Everest books by Outside Magazine. Barbara Brower is a professor of geography at Portland State University and editor of the Himalayan Research Bulletin. She has conducted extensive research into the ecology and geography of the Khumbu Valley at the foot of Mt. Everest.
The event sold out. Tom’s talk, “Everest, a Magnificent Metaphor” recalled his climb four decades ago and how it has shaped his view of life as a mountain. Barbara wowed the audience with an informative slide show on her research into the Yak Culture, inspired by travels with her father, David Brower. All proceeds from the benefit went directly to the Crag Law Center work to protect Mt. Hood from development and exploitation. Thanks to our sponsors, Metolius, Patagonia Portland, REI, Columbia Titanium, Nike ACG, Oregon Mountain Community, US Bank – 39th and Salmon Branch and REI. A Special Thanks to go to Chernoff, Vilhauer, McClung & Stenzel, LLP for sponsoring the food at the event!
Stay Tuned for Similar Events in the Future, and feel free to contact us if you would like to get involved!
