Introductions: Bob Ruleau, Yolanda Reyes, Noelle Saint-Cyr, John Dingler, Kyle Silon, Cory Parker, Andy Stone, Kristi Rothenbucher, Jason Wells, Stiv Wilson, Charlie Plybon, Pete Stauffer, Taylor Stanton, Steve Shipsey, Jocelyn Gary, and Matt Bedrinski.

Updates

1. Treasury Report (Kristi Rothenbucher): $6,298.45 with two customer deposits from Rose Mortage. Stiv asked for Pete to explain where most of the money comes from. Pete: A variety of different places, but the bulk comes from chapter events (pint night, water werks, etc.). Also when members sign up, they have the ability to give $5 of their membership to their local chapter. Finally, David Blackman’s mortgage company donated charity money, which really helped fatten up the account.

2. Ocean Policy Update (Pete Stauffer): EVENTS :
Feb 13 Portland Chapter meeting
Feb 16 Newport Chapter meeting
March 6 Common Ground in Salem
PROTECT THE OREGON BEACH BILL: In Gearhart, another Measure 37 claim has been filed to develop on Oregon's ocean beaches. Measure 37 is threatening this bill’s protection of the beach. M. 37 is a broad topic, but we’re only focused on the beach (only a few M 37 claims so far affect the beach). That's why Oregon Chapter is asking legislators to protect the Beach Bill by excluding any Measure 37 development claims west of the vegetation line. It says all beaches are public and protected from development (every other state except HI), originated from Oswald West and Governor McCall in 1967. Please let folks in Salem know you care about protecting our state's sandy beaches. May be setting up a media event in Salem in April with Matt Love (wants at least 600 folks to show). The Land Use Fairness Committee is currently accepting public and written comments on this issue. Plus, we have an Action Alert to easily send an email to your state reps. See website for more info on how you can make your voice heard. Remember it's for the beach!
WAVE ENERGY: REEDSPORT: On Feb 5, Surfrider met with Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and state agency staff to discuss potential recreation and public safety impacts of the proposed wave energy development off Reedsport. The meeting was a chance to provide input, present concerns, and request additional information. Most input received on the project thus far has been very favorable, but recreation and public safety issues still need to be addressed. At this juncture, it seems unlikely that wave height reduction will be a major concern. The project area is north of Umpqua river mouth and the "wave shadow" would not overlap with prime locations for virtually any swell direction including NW. Within the "shadow" (north spit sand dunes), height reduction would not likely be significant for the full array of 200 buoys, although more info on this is needed. The issue of behavioral response of sharks to ambient electromagnetic fields was also discussed. While no available science indicates there is elevated risk for surfers or swimmers, no studies indicate that there is not. Accordingly, Oregon Chapter is making formal requests to OPT at OSU to support investigation of this important research question. Also, Oregon Chapter is participating in a science conference this spring discussing potential ecological impacts of project. For more info or to provide input, contact pstauffer@surfrider.org . Big thanks to Stiv and Lloyd for their continuing research support on this issue. There’s been two proposals: Lincoln County and Reedsport: Stakeholder process of planning before wave energy permit. The Surfrider Foundation is soliciting member interest and questions. Pete has worked us into a seat at the stakeholder table. Lloyd (“the engineer”) is looking at wave height reduction concerns. Stiv is looking at shark behavior. Pete passed around a map of Reedsport and proposal area for w.e. Looks like the wave shadow will not affect any major surf spots. Wave height reduction doesn’t look like an issue. Stiv on sharks: Anytime energy is produced it creates an electromagnetic field. How big of field will be produced and how will it affect shark behavior. Very difficult question, nebulous field no one really has any definitive answers about how it will or will not affect shark behavior.
3. Charlie Introduction: Background: grew up in N.C., moved to FL for school, graduated Eckerd College with BS in Marine Bio., worked for St. Petersburg Aquarium 4 years, FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2 years, moved to OR to work for OR Coast Aquarium for past 5 years. Excited to be here and look forward to meeting and working with everyone.
4. Re-Cap January Events: (Stiv) G – Love: Jocelyn was a champ and did a great job of getting everything together.. Stiv took pictures and added a nice blog to the Portland page. Good exposure and obtained lots of signatures for Measure 37 claim at Cannon beach. Overall very positive event, fun and successful.

Current Projects:

5. Snowrider (Kyle): April 7th is Sustainable Slopes, donations for raffles: Email Stiv about donations and sponsors. Ian will get the swag. Kyle on Snowrider: what happens on the mountain happens on the coast, general background on Snowrider.
6. Mother Ocean Day: no updates
7. Pint Night: Some undetermined date in April. Will be at Satyricon! Kona has plenty of glasses for the event. Waiting on Satyricon for date options.
8. Retreat (All): Finances: Consensus to spend up to $700 on lodging for house that sleeps twelve. Date: Consensus was for the last weekend in April (Saturday and Sunday). Mountain vs. Coast: Consensus was for the coast (central to north coast). Charlie to find a house in the range of the agreed budget. Will also explore ideas for donated house, Craig’s list, etc. Agenda: Agreed executive council training, Snowrider and BWTF should be the theme for the agenda.
9. Surf Contests: Clean Water Classic (CWC) $1200 opportunity for chapter. Pete reviewed volunteer opportunities for CWC. 3-4 people at the event. Pete will create and route a sign up sheet if anyone is interested in signing up. The date is June 1-3. Pete and Charlie to participate in CWC conference call soon and will have more updates.
10. West Linn BWTF: Jamie is leaving and who will run lab? Noelle, put out a request for volunteer opportunities, not sure where the volunteers are at, who’s testing and what the frequency is. Currently samples are being dropped off at Gorge Performance. Stiv: Is it possible to get samples from N. coast to town in time. All agreed logistics of getting samples from coast to Gorge is nearly impossible for volunteers. Options: Teachers at Astoria and Pac City interested and may be able to support. Need to set up a BWTF meeting for interested volunteers and West Linn teachers.
11. Beach Cleanup - Anyone interested. Please email Charlie if anyone’s interested. The date is March 24th and I’ll find a place on the north coast for volunteers to captain.

Opens:
12. Surfboard Toxicity and Homeblown foams. Homeblown is a company that manufactures environmentally safe foam. There’s a new factory in US. Blanks to be reviewed by Stiv for WEND Mag. Bryan Bates (Owner Seven Surf Boards in Pacific City) will be shaping one of the blanks. Major drawback of so far, is it expands less and has a yellow color.
13. Steve S. went to Nationals for Board meeting. Toured trestles and saw impacts that would create for surf zone and steelhead. Just elected to national board of directors. Member since 19992 and all around great guy! Thanks for all you do Steve!

Current Portland Officers: Chair – Melissa Gilbert Vice Chair – Mike Albers
Secretary –Jocelyn Gary Treasurer – Kristi Rothenbucher
Volunteer Coordinator – Noelle Saint-Cyr Storm Drain Coordinator – John Thompson