The 25-story construction crane used since 1995 to investigate such things as how Pacific Northwest forests absorb carbon dioxide, obtain sufficient water and resist attacks by pests and diseases is being pruned back to just the tower.

By ALLEN THOMAS Fall chinook salmon retention in the lower Columbia River will not close early, instead remaining open through Tuesday.

By LAURA McVICKER An 11-year-old autistic Portland boy, lost for two nights in wilderness near Mount St. Helens, was found safe Monday morning. Just after 6 a.m., Alex Irvin walked to the clearing of the Siouxon trailhead as searchers were mobilizing with dogs.

By Laura McVicker, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash. Aug. 5--An 11-year-old autistic Portland boy, lost for two nights in wilderness near Mount St. Helens, was found safe Monday morning.

By ALLEN THOMAS Having exceeded harvest guidelines, sturgeon angling in the Bonneville pool of the Columbia River Gorge will shift to catch-and- release beginning Saturday.