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They are how we protect our special coastal places

12 • 10 • 2014

Save the Helo - Newport Coast Guard Environmental and Recreational Response

Goal: To retain Coast Guard helicopter operations in Newport, Oregon, supporting environmental spill response and recreational ocean user safety.

Summary: In a poor budget-crunching decision the U.S.C.G. Command in Washington, DC decided to move the Coast Guard Helicopter operations from Newport, Oregon 90 miles south to North Bend, putting both environmental response and recreational safety at risk in one of the highest-used ports on the Oregon coast. Beyond search and rescue impacts, which has drawn much concern, local Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation members recognized the high number of spill and water quality responses that the operations would not be able to support in a timely fashion upon relocating the facility to an area already supported by two helos. More information.

Victory: Congress decided to pass a temporary bill keeping the helo in Newport for another 12 months! The local Newport Chapter of Surfrider signed on early to the campaign, understanding the critical role that the air station has provided over the years in not only saving recreational lives, but also in protecting the ocean environment as a lead responder and enforcer of marine pollution (a.k.a. MARPOL). Chapter volunteers attended multiple hearings, supported petitioning and letter writing, met with Senator Merkley and Wyden’s staff as well as design and launch a campaign webpage. With the passing of the CROmnibus, came the blessing of just one more year of funding, so we’ll be continuing to work on this effort with lead partners throughout 2015 to secure longterm funding for this important resource.