Summer has finally reached the Oregon coast and chapter activities are heating up! The Surfrider Board of Directors experienced the magic of Shortie's, dozens of kids got stoked out at Otter Rock and Roll surf competition, and I did marine debris outreach to students on the central coast. Things are moving quickly with Offshore Wind comment periods, and we are celebrating renewed investments in ocean conservation, as well as the launch of the new Oregon Ocean Alliance. Summer volunteer opportunities include July 5th cleanups, south coast Surf Camps, and north coast Land Use Advocacy. See you on the beach this summer!
-Kaia Hazard, Oregon Regional Manager
Governor Kotek Signs Ocean Conservation Bill
Last month, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Representative David Gomberg hosted a signing ceremony for House Bill 4132, a bi-partisan bill to increase the state’s investment in the Oregon Marine Reserves Program, representin renewed commitment to ocean conservation. Approximately 9% of Oregon state waters have been designated as either marine reserves or marine protected areas within the state program as important places for wildlife and marine ecosystems. The signing preceded a proclamation this month honoring Oregon's ocean on behalf of World Ocean Day.
New Ocean Alliance Launches Conservation Priorities for Oregon's Ocean
Oregon's Ocean Alliance, founded this year to support ocean conservation priorities for Oregon's ocean, is launching key initiatives targeting climate resilience, habitat protection and coastal restoration. Surfrider Foundation is proud to be a founding member of the group, leading the new Alliance's first key legislative priority earlier this year to reinvest in Oregon's marine reserves and protected areas. The new coalition serves as an important backbone for ocean and coastal conservation advocacy at the state level with an aim for bridging stronger regional and federal efforts to better fund critical ocean climate work in Oregon.
Erosion issues have long plagued the north bank of Ecola Creek in Cannon Beach, threatening private development and a beach access point. Surfrider has secured funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address these issues and advocate for a nature-based solution to create a more resilient shoreline. Read on to learn more about the history of the area, and what the future might look like for that estuary.
14th Annual Otter Rock n' Roll Builds Stoke & Encourages Stewardship
The Surfrider Foundation’s Newport Chapter welcomed young competitors from across the Pacific Northwest for the Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge in honor of International Surfing Day on June 15. Observed globally, International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness of issues facing our ocean, waves, and beaches. Contest results and a recap of the day can be found on the Newport blog. Massive thanks goes out to our sponsors and volunteers for putting on a great day for the kids!
Charlie Plybon, Oregon Policy Manager, provides an update this month in the ongoing offshore wind process. Read Surfrider's comments submitted for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Environmental Assessment, as well as Oregon State's Federal Consistency Review. We will now be focusing on the final Proposed Sale Notice, with comments due July 1.
Dive in and check out program and campaign highlights, and learn about what Surfrider is doing to make sure we have clean water to swim and surf in across our coasts - learn more
Art & Ecology Workshops
Last month, our friends at Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition invited us to participate in school outreach in Lincoln County. We talked to 338 students about marine debris, king tides, and snowy plovers, and what they can do to make a difference on their beaches this summer!
Students created this orca mural out of marine debris!
Portland Chapter leadership spent the day at Oswald West State Park with Surfrider's Board of Directors
Surfrider Board of Directors Visits Oregon
Last Friday, Surfrider's national Board of Directors visited Oregon, and enjoyed a beach day at Short Sands with Portland volunteers, regional staff, and HQ staff. Angela Whitlock, Marine Reserve Program Coordinator with the North Coast Land Conservancy, led a guided hike to view the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve from above and folks enjoyed some surf in the cove.
Upcoming Events!
July 1 - Proposed Sale Notice comment deadline (Wind) - More
July 5– Coastwide Cleanups - Register - search by zip code
July 7– Coos Bay Chapter Social: Surf Camp Primer –Register
July 11– Clatsop Co. Land Use Planning Seminar – More info
July 11– Portland Cleanup @ Mama & Hapas – Register