River Talk with Spokane Photographer Charley Gurche  

The Forum is proud to contribute to Spokane's evolving culture of stewardship. For us, it's not enough to simply inform you about our work to sustain our region's lifeblood; we also want to inspire you to experience it. In the words of Edward Abbey, "It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it."

Our new "River Talk Series" will feature articles on artists, writers, kayakers, anglers, rafters, and adventurers of all kinds. People who remind us what's in our backyard.  

We begin with a Spokane River photography slide show from Charley Gurche, a nationally renowned nature photographer and a local Inland Northwest explorer for thirty years. His willingness to get lost in nature has led him to secret ice-skating spots, unmarked swimming holes, hidden trails, and uncharted views. Read More 

Occasionally something bad happens, and you need to call it out for what it is. As shown in this slide show, a couple with a home upstream of the T.J. Meenach Bridge decided to improve their view by clear-cutting trees all the way down to the river.

Said Mike Petersen, Executive Director of the Lands Council, "Every conifer, including Ponderosa Pine and Grand Fir, has been cut down, some over two feet in diameter and some just a few feet from the water line. Walking the area made me feel sick."