The Columbia Experience from ColumbiaRiver on Vimeo.

Flowing for more than 1,200 miles, the Columbia River is one of the most significant environmental forces in the Northwest. Yet during the last two centuries, damming of the river has put local environments at risk. More than 400 dams block river flows in order to bring power to surrounding communities, contributing significantly to decreased fish runs and waste. But a team of paddlers recently took off to try and change that.

After having set in at Mica Dam (about 200 miles from the source of the river) on March 1st, the Columbia Experience Project team will spend the next two months paddling all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The team is hoping their trip will raise awareness of the river and its dams.

According to the Columbia Experience website:

The end goal is to raise awareness of hydro electric energy and help reduce the amount of waste and destruction for future projects in the Columbia River drainage as well as providing research for other water sheds around the world. Ultimately, reducing the amount of structures that present day corporations strive to place in the name of human progression.

Activism and adventure… we love it! We’ll be keeping you updated as to how the expedition is doing. You can also check out their blog for frequent updates.

And PS: they’re also penning a story for the Fall issue of Wend, so stay tuned.