Don Bonker Appointed to Columbia River Gorge Commission

Former Congressman to Support Area’s Economic Development While Protecting Resources

Washington, D.C. (June 8, 2009) – Former U.S. Rep. Don Bonker (D-Wash.), an executive vice president at APCO Worldwide, is a new member of the Columbia River Gorge Commission following an appointment by Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire. Bonker serves alongside 12 other commissioners to oversee policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge, and to support economic development consistent with resource protection.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to serve the Columbia River Gorge Commission,” said Bonker. “In my 14 years serving Southwest Washington in the U.S. Congress, I am most proud of my environmental achievements.”

The Columbia River Gorge Commission was established in 1986 by the Columbia River National Scenic Area Act and works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the states of Oregon and Washington, four Native American Treaty tribes and the six counties within the scenic area.

Of the 13 members, three are appointed by each of the governors of Oregon and Washington, one is appointed by each of the six Gorge counties and one non-voting representative is selected from the U.S. Forest Service.

“Congressman Bonker has supported and defended the natural resources of our beautiful state for many years, and I know the Columbia River Gorge Commission will benefit from his tremendous expertise and steadfast enthusiasm,” said Gregoire.

In Congress, Bonker was a national leader in international trade and investment policies and the promotion of human rights, but his most notable accomplishments stemmed from his efforts to protect environmental landmarks in Washington state. He helped to establish the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, add Protection Island to the National Wildlife Refuge, preserve the Point of Arches in the Olympic National Park and ban the export of Western Red Cedar.

The Don Bonker Cedar Grove Trail was recently designated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in honor of Bonker’s efforts to preserve the ancient cedar forest in Southwest Washington.

About APCO Worldwide

Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. APCO offers services related to business and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.

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Contact:
Elizabeth Wolf
+202.778.1470
ewolf@apcoworldwide.com