Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan

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The Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) was the first under consideration for update in the current round up EMP updates now underway, which will eventually include the entire coastal region. 

The process began pre-covid with an analysis of the environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the estuary, an assessment of the current 1983 CBEMP, convening of stakeholder focus groups, and an analysis of management options and data integration. Coos County began updating the plan in 2019. However, the process was put in hold due to the pandemic, and only resumed in 2022.

The update is a multi-jurisdictional process, including the cities of North Bend and Coos Bay, which share management of the estuary. The planning team also has technical support from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and hired a contract team from University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy, Research, and Engagement (IPRE) to facilitate the update.

Photo of Red Phalarope by Oregon Birder.
Red Phalarope.\Photo by Oregon Birder.

Due to the size and complexity of the CBEMP and the Coos Bay estuary as a system, the update is occurring in multiple phases. Phase 1 is largely a technical update. The intention is to modernize the plan maps and improve document structure and plan useability, and update legal language to be consistent with other local and state policies. The Phase 1 update is complete and the public comment period is over. 

Oregon Shores commented extensively at each step of the process. While we had some suggestions for specific improvements, the main thrust of our testimony was that Phase 1 was a valuable first step in modernizing the plan, but that it should include a firm commitment to continuing with more comprehensive planning in Phase 2, and should include clear recommendations for a community-based advisory committee to help guide the process, and a technical advisory committee to assist with developing up-to-date maps and other planning materials.

The next step is for each of the three local governments to hold hearings on the draft plan, and then adopt it. (It is essential that the county and cities adopt identical language, so any differences that emerge in the adoption process be resolved.) That adoption process is now in its final stages. This process involves a series of public hearings before the cities’ planning commissions and city councils, and before the Coos County Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, at which we are actively engaged in providing testimony to strengthen the plan. (The comment linked here went to the city of Coos Bay; comments submitted to the other jurisdictions are identical save for the headings.) Hearings have already been held by planning commissions. Watch the event listings on this website for information on the final round of hearings.

As noted, our primary concern with the Phase 1 adoption is to ensure that the local governments commit to a Phase 2 update, and that the adopted plan clearly outlines the appropriate committees that will guide the further update process. See our comment guide for information on these hearings and how to testify

We are looking forward to a more comprehensive, full revision of the plan in Phase 2, where issues like climate change, habitat loss, water quality, and endangered species must be addressed to protect the invaluable natural resources found in the bay. We are working hard to ensure this plan update is community-led, and includes thorough opportunities for public engagement. We hope you will join us in protecting the Coos Bay estuary.

Campaign for Oregon's Estuaries links:

Photo of Coos Bay Marsh at South Slough by Annie Merrill.
Coos Bay Marsh at South Slough. /Photo by Annie Merrill.