Arlene Burns, Mayor

the dalles testimony

“Small enough to Make a Difference”

Previously: 

A geologist by education, after university I was driven by a curiosity to explore the world and share pristine experiences with others – first as an instructor and river guide, then as a photojournalist, public speaker and  filmmaker.  I believe in the power of stories to shape our future.

Arlene Burns for 59th District
  • BS in Geology from University of South Carolina, Columbia
  • World class expedition kayaker, guide and trip leader in New Zealand, Nepal, Tibet,  Siberia, Central Asia, Chile and Argentina;  Medalist of US Women’s Whitewater team for competitions in Siberia, North Carolina and Costa Rica;  Based in Kathmandu, Nepal for a decade;  Meryl Streep’s role model, coach and sometimes stunt double in Universal Studio’s The River Wild
  • Outdoor industry consultant for National Geographic, Timberland, MontBell, Perception, Malden Mills (Polartec International Board of Advisors), Patagonia (Catalog photographer and essay writer)
  • Public Speaker for Baylor Walkabout, Extreme Connection, Wilderness Medical Conferences, executive retreats, film festivals and workshops
  • Photojournalist published in outdoor magazines, catalogs and books
  • Trip leader/guide for Project RAFT (Russians and Americans for Teamwork)
  • Producer/Director/Host for films in Japan, Central Asia, Costa Rica, and North America, including Survival of the Fittest (ESPN); the Gorge Games (NBC);  X games (ESPN); Trailside; Anyplace Wild (PBS); Sport Northwest, Action Sports Cable Network; Sea Studio Foundation‘s “Otter 501”.
  • Film Festival Director / Board Member / Judge for various organizations including Mountainfilm in Telluride;  Blue Ocean Film Festival, Monterey, CA; Jackson Wild;  International Wildlife Film Festival;  Seawatch, and UNDP World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
  •  In development: Doc on Sardine Fisheries in Sea of Cortez.