We have arrived daylight's saving time giving us a little more time to enjoy being outside and in our ocean, waves and beaches! Oregon's short legislative session just wrapped up and while a bill to end daylight savings didn't make the cut, a few of our major efforts like Oregon's Marine Reserves, Right to Repair and restoring coastal access under recreational immunity came about as big victories - some well over a decade in the making! Meanwhile in the field, coastal cleanups are ramping up as the winter south westerlies are driving heavy debris and plastic pollution to our shores. We hope to see you on the beach soon!
Last week Oregon's legislature passed HB 4132, increasing the state’s investment in its system of marine reserves and protected areas, coming as a major victory to our chapters in Oregon. For over ten years Oregon's Surfrider network has been dedicated to supporting the states marine reserves and protected areas. From aligning citizen science programming such as ocean acidification monitoring with the specially protected areas to conducting outreach and education, this work been a huge part of our efforts in ocean protection.
Oregon Surfrider Volunteers Receive National Recognition
Sequoia Newberg, left, at nation's Capitol last year during Surfrider's federal lobby day event.
Massive congrats and kudos to Sequoia Newberg, Karl Anuta and Mike Sargetakis who were recently recognized by Surfrider Foundation's national staff and board of directors for their outstanding service and contributions to our network's mission. Surfrider Foundation annually recognizes several categories of service across our national network through our annual Wavemaker Awards and while we all know our Oregon volunteers are special, it's an extreme honor for these individuals to receive this nationwide recognition. Sequoia received the Youth Volunteer Service Wavemaker and Karl and Mike received the Distinguished Legal Service Wavemaker Award.
Expanding the Team for one of the "Dirtiest Beach Days"
We all know that the Fourth of July has become one of the “dirtiest beach days" of the year”. The Oregon chapters have long been a leader in the volunteer cleanup effort, hosting several beach cleanup sites on July 5th each year. Now, Surfrider Oregon is expanding our team in Lincoln County to help combat this problem, thanks to funding support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Meet Jennie Warmack, our new Marine Debris Outreach Coordinator!
Last month, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the final Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) for leasing and development of offshore wind along Oregon's outer coast. The area covers approximately 195,000 acres of ocean and offers the opportunity of 2.4 GW worth of energy development. Recreational and shoreside interests have been fairly marginalized during this and the recent legislative process (HB 4080) to develop a statewide roadmap. Comments for the Environmental Assessment of these areas are due this week.
Not all cleanups happen by land - Charlie Plybon and Mike Harrington of Newport, following a mission to recover derelict crab gear in the rocks off of Yaquina Head.
Further inland - PDX Chapter volunteers at their annual MLK cleanup keep it clean upstream through their Green Streets Program!
Surfrider staff and marine reserve advocates pose on the House floor with HB 4132 chief sponsor Rep. David Gomberg (D-10)
Soon to open - SB 1576 was passed this legislative session to reopen certain beach access locations like Short Beach pictured here - the bill address a challenge to the state's recreational immunity laws with a temporary fix to get us through the summer.
Pictured above - Recent field trip of ELAW which Surfrider supported hosting environmental lawyers from around the world to recharge a global movement! More info.
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