Estuaries Articles

Coos Bay from Millicoma Marsh.

Local Governments Consider Coos Bay Plan

coos_bay_from_millicoma_marsh_alexa_carleton.jpg Phase 1 of the process for updating the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) has gone through an unexpectedly extended period of review and public comment. All three local governments that share governance of the estuar--Coos County, and the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend--are...Read more
Surf and Sun Virtual Walk and Run flyer.

Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run

We’re excited to announce the results of Oregon Shores’ first-ever Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run! We're thrilled to share the success of our inaugural Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run to raise awareness and funds for our work protecting coastal ecosystems and communities. The event saw over 20 dedicated individuals registering and collectively walking, running, or hiking 92 miles on...Read more
Condos at Cape Kiwanda.

Public Invited to Comment on DLCD Policy Agenda

Condos at Cape Kiwanda.\Photo by Sonja Peterson. The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has opened a public comment period for the agency’s 2023-25 Draft Policy Agenda. The Policy Agenda defines the agency’s proposed policy work for the 2023-25 biennium. Public comments or suggestions are welcome. The draft updated policy agenda is...Read more
Ship dumping ballast water.

Rule Amendments Proposed for Ballast Water

Ship dumping ballast water.\Photo courtesy of National Invasive Species Information Center. Ballast water carried by ships into the estuaries where ports are located can have serious environmental impacts. If not carefully handled, it can introduce invasive species and pollutants to the estuary. Many years ago, Oregon Shores played a leading role in advocating...Read more
Seaside from the air

Public Input Sought on Coastal Management Program

Seaside from the air.\Photo by Briana Goodwin, with support from Lighthawk. The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is a key player in planning and managing Oregon’s coastal resources. Oregon Shores interacts continually with the OCMP in pursuing many aspects of our work. It is housed with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), but in...Read more
Coos Bay's North Spit

Legislation Threatening Estuaries Becomes Law

Coos Bay's North Spit, where the proposed container port would be located.\Photo by Alex Derr. News flash: HB 3382, despite strong opposition from Oregon Shores and the entire conservation community, was passed by the Oregon Legislature and sent to Gov. Kotek for her signature. The version passed had been amended to somewhat limit the damage it would do, but it...Read more
Yaquina Bay estuary's King Slough.

Final Yaquina Bay Estuary Plan Draft Awaited

Yaquina Bay estuary's King Slough.\Photo by Rena Olson. The process of updating the Yaquina Bay Estuary Management Plan (YBEMP) has now passed the public comment stage; the comment period ended July 14. We now await the final draft of the plan update that will be submitted to local governments for adoption. The final draft from the consulting planners,...Read more
Yaquina River at Toledo.

Estuary Management Plans on Fast Track

Yaquina River at Toledo.\Photo by John Bauer. Oregon’s estuary management plans (EMPs) are decades old. We’re in the early stages of what will be a years-long effort, prompted by the Oregon Coastal Management Program, to update and revise the plans that guide management of these essential habitats and resource areas. EMPs are drafted and adopted by local...Read more
Upper Yaquina Bay estuary.

Land Use Coordinator Featured in Estuary Podcast

Annie Merrill in her favorite habitat. Annie Merrill, Oregon Shores’ land use coordinator, was interviewed recently for the Beyond Your Front Door Northwest podcast. The subject was “Protecting Oregon’s Estuaries.” Annie was interviewed by the program series producer and host, Dina Pavlis. Beyond Your Front Door...Read more
Alsea River in winter.

Lindly Park Plan Raises Resource Management Questions

Alsea River in winter.\Photo by Bonnie Moreland. The future of Don Lindly Park, a largely natural area bordering the Alsea River in Lincoln County, is being decided. Members of the public have two opportunities to weigh in, on Feb. 28 and...Read more