Waldport Talk on Shoreline Armoring and King Tides

Meg Reed on the beach in front of recent shoreline armoring.

CoastWatch is sponsoring a presentation by Meg Reed, new Coastal Shores Specialist with the state’s Coastal Management Program (CMP), as a warm-up for the second round of this year’s King Tide Project (Dec. 12-15).  Reed will speak on Reed will speak on Thursday, December 8, at 6 p.m. at the Waldport branch of Oregon Coast Community College (3120 S Crestline Drive).  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The talk is titled “Finding Balance at the Oregon Coast: Insights on science, policy, and management of coastal erosion and shoreline armoring.”  She will also discuss the King Tide Project, which photographically documents the highest tides of the year, both indicating areas presently at risk for erosion and providing a preview of a future “normal” with sea level rise.  The presentation is intended to provide background for this citizen science project.

As Reed describes her subject matter:  “The high-energy wave and wind environment of the Oregon coast can create a challenging setting for development and human life. Stronger winter storms and increasing erosion due to climate change have already led to loss of beach and property in many areas. Various adaptation strategies have been employed or discussed for how to both protect property and the public beach, from shoreline armoring to managed retreat. Through analyzing comprehensive spatial and policy information about shoreline armoring, erosion, flooding, sea level rise, and other coastal hazards, we can start to understand the most vulnerable coastal areas, review armoring options and alternatives, and develop policy recommendations regarding new and existing coastal development, with the goal of moving towards resiliency. This talk will focus on some of the results of this analysis and also discuss ways in which citizens can help provide coastal managers with local data through King Tides photographs to better help visualize the impacts of sea level rise.”

Reed recently joined the CMP, a branch of the Department of Land Conservation and Development. Her position provides technical assistance to cities, counties, and state agencies regarding land use planning for coastal shore processes and geologic hazards.  She is also working with CoastWatch to organize the King Tide Project in her new role.

This isn’t her first stint with the CMP.  From 2013-15 (then known as Meg Gardner), she was a NOAA Fellow, working jointly with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the CMP.  Her project, “Analysis of Shoreline Armoring and Erosion Policies,” inventoried the portion of the coast already riprapped or otherwise armored, and provided invaluable background on the current state of management when it comes to erosional threats to the coast.  This background is highly relevant context for the King Tide Project.

Meg’s background is in marine science, natural resource management, and science communication. She previously worked for the State Marine Board and for environmental non-profits prior to moving to Oregon for her NOAA fellowship.