Name that Oregon coast place? Hint, Coos County. Answer at bottom.
Summer is officially here! Oregon chapters have been ramping up and we're excited to bring you a recap of our spring stewardship and federal advocacy efforts, as well a sweet lineup of summertime events and an opportunity for local advocacy on the north coast. We'll be hosting cleanups around the state for July 5th, otherwise known as the Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year, and have lots of social opportunities lined up to get out on the beach and in the water. I hope to see you on the sand soon!
- Kaia Hazard, Oregon Field Manager
Bringing Oregon Coastal Priorities to Congress
On April 29 and 30, five Surfrider volunteers from across Oregon joined over 180 other ocean lovers from 28 states and territories for Surfrider Foundation’s 10th Annual Coastal Recreation Hill Day. It was all virtual again this year, but that didn’t stop us from showing up strong—together we held nearly 130 meetings with Congressional offices to speak up for clean water, healthy beaches, and thriving coastal communities. Read on to learn more about the activists in our Oregon delegation and our three key federal priorities.
While we celebrate the earth and ocean every day, Oregon chapters went crazy for Earth Month this year, with a full lineup of events celebrating and caring for our favorite places. With PNW chapters coming out of hibernation, we were eager to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. Oregon chapters hosted 9 cleanups during the month of April, during which 180 volunteers collected 1,018 lbs of trash from our shores! Check out the blog for a rundown of cleanups up and down the coast, photo highlights, and a recap of the other fun events the Oregon chapters got up to this spring (film fest, water safety training, and drag bingo were some of my favorites).
Last week, Charlie Plybon, everyone's favorite Policy Manager, stepped away from his policy work for a field trip in his backyard - hosting the Westside Village Magnet School for a cleanup at Ona Beach. Charlie took this opportunity to reflect on why cleanups are meaningful to him, and why he looks forward to them after legislative session wraps. Despite the plastic pollution crisis feeling daunting at times, beach cleanups make a tangible difference to us, our neighbors, our favorite places, and the critters that call them home.
This month, the Newport chapter will host their 16th annual Otter Rock and Roll, Oregon's only youth surf competition! There are still some divisions open for young surfers.
In Cannon Beach, we're opposing a proposed initiative requiring the city to “manage foredune areas”. Backed by oceanfront homeowners, the PAC would effectively gain a financial and operational blank check to reshape dunes to their preferred height and configuration. It would bypass Chapman Point HOA deed restrictions and ignore long-standing community opposition to view grading, all on the City’s dime. We and our local partner, the Friends of the Dunes, are dedicated to defeating this measure.
Looking north over the dunes at Chapman Point. Mylasia Miklas.
We'll be tracking this initiative over the coming months. Stay tuned for more information and local advocacy opportunities.
JUST DROPPED: Surfrider's 2025 Clean Water Report
No one should get sick from a day at the beach. As part of our fight for clean water for all, Surfrider is pleased to present our annual Clean Water Report.
Charlie led 87 students for a cleanup from Westside Village Magnet school during last week's field trip to Ona Beach. The first time he hosted students from this school was 2009 - they would now be in their late twenties/early thirties, and might even be reading this today as a Surfrider member!
One lucky family won big at the Coos Bay chapter's Paddling Film Festival silent auction, taking home a Fender guitar generously donated by OrCoast Music and a basket of goodies from 7 Devils Brewery!
The Portland chapter hosted their first Green Streets cleanup of the year, with 23 volunteers collecting 49 lbs of trash. Cigarette butts may not weigh much, but meticulous volunteers collected over 7,000 of them in just a couple of hours! (below)
Top Photo Answer:
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, named so for the Coquille legend of Ewauna. Learn more about the Coquille Indian Tribe who have called the south coast home since time immemorial. Today this area is home to one of the last remaining nesting grounds of tufted puffins on the Oregon coast.
