No - it's not a typo: we've actually been invited back to the site of River Rally 2003 in Stevenson, Washington.

Note to our eastern friends: in the west, when we say "Washington," you should hear Washington State, not District.

When you register for the event, you will have the option of selecting between 2 full-service lodges, both located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge: Skamania (site of River Rally 2007) and deluxe accommodations at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. We promise to do our best to award you your first choice (determined on a first-registered, first-accommodated basis), but space is limited so it will behoove you to sign up early. Both resorts are located about 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Make your decision knowing you can't make a wrong one (and how often does that happen?).

• Skamania Lodge is a magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With the exception of field trips, all River Rally meals, workshops and events will take place at Skamania.
  
  
• Bonneville Hot Spring Resort, approximately 7 miles west of Skamania Lodge, offers luxury lodging and ancient Mineral Hot Spring Baths. Bonneville's natural mineral hot springs located on the Lewis and Clark trail have been used for centuries by people seeking relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and body. Pre-scheduled shuttle service between Bonneville and Skamania will be made available, but this location is ideal for those with their own vehicle.

River Rally 2007 will play host to over 90 workshops of interest to river conservationists. At least, we hope they are of interest. We carefully selected these sessions after reading past evaluations (it’s true – we actually read them), listening to your comments throughout the year and researching up-and-coming river issues. From monitoring to education to fundraising and oh, so much more – there is something for every river-saver out there.

Come on – you know the person: The one who gives of herself endlessly to help protect your local river? The one who is the heart and soul of your local river protection efforts? The one who has much to say about your river and its benefits to the community - but never, ever gives long speeches when standing in front of 500 of his peers? At River Rally’s celebratory awards banquet, we will honor up to 5 peer-nominated River Heroes.

Nominations are due (post-marked by) February 9, 2007. And remember: if you don’t nominate ‘em, we can’t honor ‘em. So, stop stalling and nominate your hero today - you know you want to...

For more information about the National River Hero Award, visit the link below or contact Katherine Luscher.