Friday, August 29, 2008
Ocean Renewable Energy - Coos Bay
On Sept 25-26, the Oregon Wave Energy Trust will host the third annual Ocean Renewable Energy Conference at the Mill Convention Center in Coos Bay. The conference will present on all aspects of project development from early stage community engagement to final deployment and energy generation. As part of the program, Surfrider Foundation will participate in a panel discussion on Friday morning on Community Perspectives. Please join community leaders, developers, utilities, state and federal agency staff that are working on this important issue here in Oregon. Also, on Sept 24, an Open House on Community Involvement will be held at the Southern Oregon Community College from 6-8 pm. To register for the conference please visit http://www.oregonwave.org/ See you there.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Offshore Oil Drilling?
In 1981, Congress protected America's coasts and marine ecosystems from the threats of oil and gas development through adopting the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Moratorium. The moratorium prevents the leasing of coastal waters for the purpose of fossil fuel development. However, with rising consumer prices for fuel, there have been ongoing calls this summer for Congress to lift the long-standing ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling. In response, the Surfrider Foundation has released a statement on its position against offshore oil drilling. 'Surfrider Foundation is opposed to any attempt to lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling,' said Environmental Director Chad Nelsen. 'Our nations oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet Americas oil needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation.' For more info, including a discussion of myths vs. facts, please click here OffshoreDrillingMyths.docThursday, August 14, 2008
Jack Johnson - August 20
The Surfrider Foundation was one of a select group of non-profit organizations that was handpicked by Jack Johnson to participate in his current tour and help launch his All At Once campaign. The campaign seeks to redefine the typical concert experience by allowing fans to meet face-to-face with local and national non-profits and learn about environmental actions they can take. 'I cant think of a better reason to put on a concert than to bring people together to create positive change,' said Johnson. The Portland Chapter of Surfrider will be tabling at Jacks upcoming show at Columbia Meadows on Aug 20. Also dont forget about our opportunity to win free tickets to the show by signing up for a membership through this link by Aug 17. You'll be entered into a drawing for 2 pairs tickets. For more information on the Surfrider Foundations partnership with Jack Johnson, including tour dates and locations, go to http://www.allatonce.org/. Tuesday, August 12, 2008
SHOW US THE SCIENCE
1986 was a great year. Huey Lewis was at the top of the music charts. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were working to end the Cold War. And, 1986 was the last time that a comparitive toxicology and sediment study was completed for the ocean outfall of the Georgia-Pacific pulp mill outfall off Newport (see plume photo). For years, Newport Chapter and other citizens have been asking the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to strenghen the scientific monitoring requirements of the pulp mills discharge. Such monitoring is needed to understand the effect of releasing 11 million gallons a day of treated wastewater in the vicinity of important nearshore habiats and popular surfing spots and fishing grounds. The wastewater discharge of the mill contains a broad spectrum of pollutants including bioaccumulative toxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and resins from the pulping process. Between 2001-2006 alone 19,000 lbs of lead was discharged off Nye Beach through the mill's effluent line according to EPA's toxins release inventory. To read our report which explains why the current scientific monitoring & assessment of the wastewater permit is inadequate to meet standards of the Clean Water Act, please click on the links below. Remember knowledge is power.Surfrider_ScienceBasedRecommendations_GP_Mill_NPDES_Final.pdf
Fact%20sheet_GP%20Report_2008April_Final.doc
Friday, August 08, 2008
Resolutions of Support
On August 5, the City of Cannon Beach passed a resolution in support of establishing marine reserves in Oregon state waters. Cannon Beach now joins Yachats and Lincoln City as coastal cities that have formally expressed their support for Oregons marine reserve planning process. Other communities on the coast are considering similar resolutions, as well. Marine reserves are places in the ocean that are protected from human impacts, including extraction and habitat damage. Science shows that reserves almost always result in greater abundance, size, and diversity of marine organisms inside their boundaries. Surfrider is currently developing its proposals for marine reserve sites based on membership input and our position statement on marine protected areas (MPAs). Please join a coalition of ocean users that is participating and supporting this process. Also, on Aug 19, the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will meet in Garibaldi with opportunities for public comment. For more info on Oregons planning process http://www.oregonmarinereserves.net/. For info to get involved pstauffer@surfrider.org.Monday, August 04, 2008
BLUE WATER TASK FORCE
Did you know that Surfrider volunteers monitor water quality at over twenty locations on the Oregon coast? Oregon Chapter maintains four water quality labs (Astoria, Newport, Charleston, and Port Orford) in partnership with high schools and aquariums, and lab analysis is conducted by students as part of an educational program. Sample results are then disseminated to surf shops, state agencies, and the Surfrider website (see link above) When advisory levels of bacteria are documented, the data is also forwarded to local government officials. In several places on the coast, the Blue Water Task Force has led to collaborative partnerships with city governments, watershed councils, agency staff, and fishermen to protect and/or improve local water quality. We are always looking for volunteers to help collect samples and participate in related advocacy and education. To find out how to get involved in your community, please contact Charlie cplybon@surfrider.org.Saturday, August 02, 2008
Common Ground II: Oregon's Ocean Legacy
This month, Green Fire Productions is hosting five special screenings throughout the state of the acclaimed documentary, Common Ground II: Oregons Ocean Legacy. Take a deep dive into Oregons rich coastal waters, and learn about why people in Oregon want to establish a network of marine reserves off our coast. Enjoy some spectacular underwater footage and hear from marine scientists, elected officials, and fishermen about what is being done to protect Oregons ocean. Common Ground II, the follow-up program to Common Ground: Oregons Ocean, will be followed by a Q & A discussion to bring you the most up-to-date information about the marine reserve planning process now underway and let you know how you can get involved. It is intended to serve as a catalyst for productive conversation as Oregon plans to create a system of marine protected areas and reserves in its state waters. To see a full list of film screenings, please visit our event calendar http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html or see first comment to this post.
