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The IOSC is...

...the preeminent gathering of oil spill response experts from around the world!

The International Oil Spill Conference contributes to and enables a culture of preparedness within the oil spill response community, the broader field of incident management, and society as a whole.

It provides a forum for professionals from the international community, the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations to highlight and discuss innovations and best practices across the spectrum of prevention, preparedness, response and restoration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portland Sights and History

Mt. Hood over Portland skyline

Portland started as a spot known as "the clearing,"which was on the banks of the Willamette about halfway between Oregon City and Fort Vancouver.

Portland's location, with access both to the Pacific Ocean via the Willamette and the Columbia rivers and to the agricultural Tualatin Valley via the "Great Plank Road" through a canyon in the West Hills (the route of current-day U.S. Route 26), gave it an advantage over nearby ports, and it grew quickly. It remained the major port in the Pacific Northwest for much of the 19th century.

The city of Portland, Oregon, has been proclaimed as North America's "Best Big City," according to Money magazine. One visit will explain why.

Come take a first-hand look at the region's natural beauty, its bustling local scene, our seasonally focused dining and our welcoming accommodations - much of which can be accessed via the region's convenient and eco-friendly light-rail system. You'll soon understand why so many visitors flock here year-round.

Drive just about ten minutes north of Portland on Highway 30, and you'll feel that you've left the city behind. Before you lay wetlands, wildlife preserves and farms. Columbia County is Portland's nearest escape. From kayaking at Scappoose Bay to mountain biking at the Vernonia skills park, this haven for outdoor enthusiasts offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing and small town Oregon appeal. Luxury B&Bs are nestled among quirky boutiques and antique stores in Olde Towne St. Helens and Vernonia. St. Helens is 'Halloweentown' for the whole month of October. Enjoy Christmas ships in December. Winter birding here is some of the best in the northwest. You can get here from PDX without a car: bike the Banks-Vernonia Trail or scenic routes off of Highway 30; or catch a ride from downtown Portland on Columbia County Rider. This affordable public transportation drives past the Scappoose Creek Inn, an old dairy turned B&B. See Twilight, Halloweentown and Ax Men locations here too.