The Lewis River Hydroelectric Projects - PacifiCorp

Lewis River Interpretive & Education Plan
looks highly engineered and placing it in a natural setting is to set the stage for
the interpretation. The themes and topics addressed at the PacifiCorps sites
are designed to inform visitors that they are recreating within a hydroelectric
project. The storyline presents information about why there are fluctuations in
water levels throughout the year, the valley history before the lakes were there,
how Native Americans and early homesteaders lived on the river and fished
for salmon, why there are areas closed to preserve habitat for wildlife, . . . etc.
The interpretation along the Lewis River is the story about the balance between
power production, recreation, and the natural world.
Sustaining Interest
Once you have captured a visitor’s attention, it is not always easy to sustain it.
Once a visitor has satisfied that initial curiosity, the exhibit has to appeal to the
person on a personal level. It has to be visually dynamic—presenting a mixture
of elements: illustrations, photos, graphic elements, text and space. The balance
between these elements is very important.
Sea Reach Ltd • 146 NE yamhill Street • Sheridan, OR draft 3 • November 2008 • page 25