OR Group Fundraises To Restore Trails Damaged By Eagle Creek Fire

OREGON --An Oregon group is asking the public for help in fundraising to restore trails damaged by the Eagle Creek Fire last year. Calling the campaign, "Be There For The Gorge," the funds will revitalize the land in and around Multnomah Falls, Angel's Rest and Wahkeena Falls.

The Eagle Creek Fire sparked in early September and scorched more than 48,000 acres. Officials blame the fire on a Vancouver teen who they said started the fire by the illegal use of fireworks. He is expected in court in February.

"Rockfalls and debris - loosened by the fire - litter the trails alongside collapsed retention fences and walls," wrote the fundraising group on OregonKitchensTable.org. "Those trails are closed off to the public as the U.S. Forest Service assesses damage and watches for further impacts from winter weather. While the Forest Service doesn't know the full extent of the damage, they do know that extensive restoration work will need to be done, including tree and rock removal, retaining wall and fence reconstruction, bridge repairs, and regrading."

The group said fundraising $525,000 to pay for the restoration will allow Oregonians to access the trails again later this year.

"This is one of the first steps to help restore the Gorge and bring people back to one of the state’s most beautiful treasures," they wrote.

--Photo is the view from Angel's Rest after the Eagle Creek fire. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service