The now-defunct The Local Planet frequently included coverage of river issues, though this one was unusual in that the cover article was actually an existential piece entitled “Of Nudity, Violence, Waking and Water.” Written by Tod Marshall, this essay takes its inspiration from the catyclismic Missoula Floods during the last Ice Age, and moves to encourage the reader to experience the river as part of our individual and regional selves. Published in November, 2002.

TLP River article (148 Kb, Acrobat® file)

On November 7, 2002, then Executive Director Rick Hastings contributed an editorial column to Spokane’s Journal of Business entitled “Our economic future: A river runs through it”, covering much of what Friends of the Falls’ mission and vision is all about. The link below downloads a copy for your reading pleasure.

JOB Op-ed (508 Kb, Acrobat® file)

In October of 2002, just after the release of the Gorge Conceptual Plan, Spokane’s CityCable 5 produced a 15-minute show on the project, including its background, and key projects and opportunities. Nicely-shot images of the Lower Falls and Gorge area, plus interviews with then City Planner Steve Franks, Spokane Tribe Culture Director Bryan Flett, and Rick Hastings of Friends of the Falls. Click the image to watch.

Concept Plan Video (32 Mb, QuickTime® file)

The link below downloads a copy of a September 11, 2002 article on WSU Spokane’s annual design charette, focused on developing concepts for the Spokane River Gorge, and including a description of the winning team’s work that utilized the former railyard axis and cement artifacts found at the site now known as Kendall Yards. Written by Ann Colford and published in the Pacific Northwest Inlander.

PNI Charette (261 Kb, Acrobat® file)