Oregon Surfrider Foundation - News

Nationwide, Our Sewer Systems Are in Need of Upgrades

2009-11-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

"Today, sewage systems are the nation's most frequent violators of the Clean Water Act. More than a third of all sewer systems -- including those in San Diego, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, Philadelphia, San Jose and San Francisco -- have violated environmental laws since 2006, according to a Times analysis of E.P.A. data." - excerpt from this New York Times. While we often highlight these issues in major cities, which are most competetive for funding infrastructure upgrades, it's our smaller coastal communities that often come last for priority funding and upgrades...remember our beaches, support sewer and stormwater solutions in your coastal communities.

Surfing on Oregon Field Guide This Week

2009-11-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

This Thursday at 8:30 pm and Sunday at 6:30 pm, Oregon Field Guide will be taking a look into the window of the lives and waves of few surfers here in Oregon. I don't know much about this one as Surfrider wasn't involved, but definitely curious to see what the good folks at OPB and Oregon Field Guide uncovered. Quoting Michael Bendixen chief photographer on the story, "we want to bring the audience as close as they can get to the surfer’s experience. We'd like the audience to feel the first peak of a wave, popping up on the board, and working with the wave's energy as you complete the ride. The ocean landscape is one of unrelenting change and unpredictability. In short, it’s a challenge to film. But, by doing this production, we were able to meet a group of surfers who commit a lot to this sport and lifestyle. More Here or click on the video clip at right.

Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan Update Process

2009-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Oregon's Territorial Sea has been the focus of much attention recently. With numerous wave energy project proposals submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), many wondered how this emerging use was going to fit in with existing uses such as commercial and recreational fishing, as well as non-consumptive activities like surfing, kayaking, and kite boarding. In March of 2008, Governor Kulongoski signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FERC that said Oregon would only allow wave energy projects to be built on a limited pilot project basis until we had revised our Territorial Sea Plan to include a new chapter for siting alternative energy projects within our nearshore. This policy framework of how we go about siting projects has been developed over the past year by OPAC's Territorial Sea Plan Working Group, as well as the Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee (of which Surfrider Foundation serves on as a rep of "Ocean Recreation"). Last week the Land Conservation and Development Commission adopted this new chapter, and set the stage for the next step in the on-going process which is to identify potential areas that might be suitable for siting alternative energy projects after important ecological, fishing and recreational areas have been mapped out. Check out the recent press in the Oregonian about the TSP process by clicking here. For an overview of how we have engaged on this issue, click on the link below for our 1 page document.

Oregon_TSP_1pager.doc

Sociocultural Study of Non-Consumptive Recreational Ocean Users within Oregon's Nearshore

2009-10-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Oregon State University is conducting research focusing on the "non- consumptive" ocean recreational users of Oregon - including divers, surfers, kite boarders, windsurfers, boaters/sailors, kayakers, and boat-based nature viewers. The project hopes to better understand these communities in learning about their needs, perspectives, composition, and contributions. Presently, there is a void in available information on these groups. The information gathered will be used to create a profile of these recreational communities to potentially serve as a foundation for informing policy decisions. This project seeks to ensure that the present void in information on these "non-consumptive" recreational ocean users is filled to facilitate their representation in future decision-making regarding Oregon's ocean. As a stakeholder of Oregon's ocean resources, your participation is highly valued. Participation in the study is voluntary, limited to individuals over the age of 18, and will involve the completion of a mail questionnaire.

To participate please contact Chris Eardley, an Oregon State University graduate student, at ceardley@coas.oregonstate.edu. Please mention which ocean recreational group(s) you belong to and provide your mailing address for receiving the questionnaire. All information gathered will be presented as a whole, in a summarized form. We will not seek any sensitive information, no identities will be made public, and mailing information will not be shared with third parties. Help us to serve you!

OPAC Meeting in Florence on 10/23

2009-10-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will be having a meeting this Friday from 9-4pm at the Florence Events Center. Topics of the meeting include an update on Marine Reserves, the West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health, and the Territorial Sea Plan Revision process. There will also be time for public comment. To view the draft agenda, click here. Stick around after the meeting for the 5th annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference, visit www.hecetaheadconference.org to register and learn more.

Oregon Marine Reserve Rulemaking Meetings

2009-10-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be holding public meetings in concert with the Division of State Lands and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on their respective draft rules for establishing a marine reserve at Otter Rock, as well as a marine reserve and marine protected area at Redfish Rocks in Port Orford. The meetings will take place in Salem, Port Orford, and Otter Rock between October 20-22. For more information, and to view the draft rules, click here.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 1-3 PM
State Lands Building
Land Board Room
775 Summer Street N.E.
Salem, Oregon

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 7-9 PM
Port Orford Public Library
1421 Oregon Street
Port Orford, Oregon

Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7-9 PM
The Inn at Otter Crest
301 Otter Crest Drive
Otter Rock, Oregon

5th Annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference

2009-10-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

The 5th Annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference is coming up on October 23-24 in Florence. This annual event is intended to inform and educate the public on the need for a healthy, productive, and resilient marine ecosystem off the Oregon Coast. This year's conference theme is "Oregon's Ocean: The Land-Sea Connection". The conference features a 3 part program with activities getting underway on Friday afternoon with Discovery Tours taking place in Newport, Charleston, and Florence. Friday evening will feature a dinner and presentation from Dr. Bob Malouf titled "Ocean Science and Management: Assessment of the Past 30 Years". Saturday's program will feature various panel discussions and presentations on topics such as the Territorial Sea Plan Update, Hypoxia, Ocean Resource Teams, and Marine Reserve Legislation. To learn more and to register for the conference, please visit http://www.hecetaheadconference.org/

Creating a National Ocean Policy

2009-09-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama has put together an Ocean Policy Task Force to help develop a National Ocean Policy and a framework for Marine Spatial Planning. The Task Force is currently holding listening sessions around the country to gather public input. This is a great opportunity to express support for ocean conservation - in particular, an Executive Order to protect, maintain, and restore our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. A strong National Ocean Policy will prioritize lasting ecosystem protection, while providing much needed coordination for the 20 agencies and 140 laws that currently govern these resources. Marine Spatial Planning provides an opportunity to plan for all the various existing/emerging uses of the ocean, while ensuring we protect our oceans for future generations. To read the Surfrider Coastal A-Z article on MSP, click here. For an in-depth set of recommendations, click here to view the letter from our friends at NRDC. Chapters and individuals are encouraged to submit written comments through the website of the Ocean Policy Task Force, to do so, click here.

2009 Oregon Fall Beach Cleanup

2009-09-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Make Everyday a Beach Cleanup, do it Statewide on Sept. 19th!

2009-08-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself on a remote beach or in a secluded cove and wondered why there always seems to be so much trash on the beach? Most of it usually floats in during winter storms, brought by ocean currents that have been carrying this trash throughout the ocean. Unfortunately, 80% of the trash that is found in the ocean gets there from land-based sources. Most Surfrider members make everyday beach cleanup day by picking up the un-sightly trash that they find on their beach, and many chapters and members also participate in the annual SOLV beach cleanups in the Fall and Spring. This year will mark the 25th anniversary that SOLV has been doing beach cleanups in Oregon, please mark your calendar and plan to participate in the annual Fall cleanup on September 19th at all Oregon beaches. Chapters and Organizing committees will be captaining sites all along the coast, and your help is needed! To learn more, and to fill out an on-line volunteer waiver click here. To find out more facts about the impacts of plastics on the marine environment, and how you can be part of the solution, rather than the pollution, visit www.riseaboveplastics.org

Lincoln County Wave Energy Community Forums

2009-08-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and County Counsel, in conjunction with Oregon State Extension Sea Grant Program and the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, are holding Community Forums on Wave Energy in the communities of Yachats, Lincoln City, and Newport. The goal of the Community Forums is to inform, listen to and engage citizens in Lincoln County in the planning and development of wave energy generation.

Monday, August 24th at 6:00 pm in Room 8, Yachats Commons, 441 Hwy 101 N., Yachats
Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00 pm in the Lincoln City Council Chambers, City Hall, 801 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City
Wednesday, August 26th at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, South Beach

For more information, and to view the agenda, click here

Blue Vision Summit Wrap Up

2009-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Blue Vision Summit from David McGuire on Vimeo.

Great work and good minds by all our chapter members and Oregon's very own Pete Stauffer who participated in this amazing summit!

ODFW Marine Reserve Workshop this Thursday

2009-08-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

The State of Oregon has been engaged in a process to consider marine reserves along its coast for the past few years. With a recommendation from the state's Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC), and passage of legislation implementing that recommendation, the process is entering the next phase. Two pilot marine reserve sites will be implemented soon, and four other sites will undergo further work to consider, develop, or refine site proposals, and will be further evaluated as sites for possible future marine reserves. ODFW is in the process of developing a work plan that will guide the state's marine reserves work during the 2009-2011 biennium. The plan encompasses both the two pilot and the four evaluation sites, and covers biological, habitat, socioeconomic, and community outreach work. The plan seeks to achieve the goals and objectives set forth by OPAC, the governor's office, the legislature, and others within the state. The purpose of this workshop is to receive input from coastal community members, the fishing industry, ocean users, local elected officials, and the general public to help shape the work plan. Once this work plan is complete, further workshops and meetings will be held over the coming months with local community groups to guide work plan implementation. The workshop will be held on Thursday August 6, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn 3019 North Coast Highway, Newport. For more information about the workshop, click here. To view the DRAFT workplan, click on the link below.
ODFW MR WORKPLAN DRAFT.pdf

Portland Ban the Bag

2009-07-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

On July 29, members of the Portland Chapter of Surfrider and Leave No Plastic Behind requested the Portland City Council to pass a ban on single-use plastic bags in Portland. During testimony, Surfrider presented 2,700 petition signatures, as well as a letter signed by 43 local businesses, groups, and neighborhood associations in support of the platform. Portland Mayor Sam Adams was among those who expressed support. "I applaud what Surfrider is doing nationwide to bring attention to this issue. Single-use bags represent an important opportunity to rethink our consumption patterns. People look to Portland as a leader in sustainability, and I think it's time to take the helm and reduce unnecessary waste in disposables and excessive packaging." Every year, 100 billion petroleum-based plastic checkout bags are used in the

United States

, requiring an estimated 12 million barrels of oil each year. Sadly, less than 5% of these bags are recycled each year and cities, counties, and non-profit organizations must pay millions of dollars each year to clean up the litter. Further, it is estimated that 60-80% of all debris in the ocean is plastic. Most types of plastic never truly biodegrade and marine animals often get entangled in the debris or mistake it for food. If you haven't already, please sign the online petition and check us out on Facebook (Ban the Bag). Also, please see media release and sign-on letter below.
SignOn_PlasticBags_Portland_7_29_09.doc
MediaRelease_Surfrider_Ban_the_Bag_July29_DRAFT3.doc

NRDC Releases Annual "Testing the Waters" Report

2009-07-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

For the 19th year in a row, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released a report summarizing the status of our nations beach water quality. Unfortunately, 2008 marked the 4th year in a row that the number of closing and advisory days topped 20,000 days nationwide due to elevated bacteria levels. In Oregon, 3% of all reported beach monitoring samples exceeded the state's daily maximum bacterial standards, which was a decrease from 8% in 2007. This indicates that some progress is being made to keep our nearshore waters clean, however much work still remains, especially in a number of problem areas. Harris Beach State Park in Brookings had the highest rate of exceedence in the state at 20%. Reported sources of beachwater contamination included: unknown sources (52%), sewage spills/leaks (13%), and sewer line cross connections and clogged ocean outfalls (33%). This highlights the need for identifying and correcting sources of beachwater contamination, one of the key elements included in the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act currently being considered in Congress, take action and show your support to your Congressmen by clicking here. To read the full report, visit: http://www.nrdc/beaches

Honoring the Life of Gary Smither

2009-07-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Oregon surfing community lost a great man and a great surfer. Longtime Surfrider member and Coos Bay resident Gary Smither passed away after a long battle with cancer. Gary will be missed by all, and remembered for his positive attitude towards life. There will be a honorary paddleout at the North End of Bastendorf Beach in Charleston on August 8th, starting at 3pm. There will be a potluck, BBQ, and a bon fire to follow. Please come and join everyone in having fun and remembering Gary. Pictured above is Gary on a recent trip to Sumatra with friends, doing what he loved...

Wave Energy Report - Regulatory Framework

2009-07-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) has released a new report that summarizes the regulatory framework for State and Federal permitting of wave energy projects click here. The report is an informational tool for stakeholders involved with the regulatory process. It identifies the most relevant state and regulatory requirements, explains the authorization process, and identifies the lead and participating agencies for each authorization. Also, on Sept 15-16, OWET is hosting the 2009 Ocean Renewable Energy Conference in Seaside, OR. For more info and to register click here.

Draft Beach Access Policy

2009-07-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

Your help is requested in our efforts to develop a National Policy on Beach Access. The purpose of the policy is to help guide and supplement Surfrider Foundation's position on beach access issues and endeavors, to view the Draft Policy, click on the link to the document at the bottom of this post. This policy was drafted based on previous Surfrider Foundation case studies involving local beach access issues and with an eye toward any future battles that may occur. In general the goal of the policy is to promote low-impact, universal beach access, while recognizing the balance of ecological integrity of the shoreline with the opportunity for maximized beach access. The policy also addresses perpendicular, horizontal and visual/scenic access to the beach as well as a balance of recreational user group interests. To learn more, visit our coastal A-Z article that discusses beach access by clicking here.
The Board of Directors has approved the proposed draft in their June 2009 meeting, and will also review any significant changes that are made to this proposed draft. Please review the policy and send any recommendations, suggestions or concerns by August 10, 2009 to Angela Howe, Legal Manager, ahowe@surfrider.org

Draft Beach Access Policy.doc

Blue Water Task Force and Beach Act Reauthorization

2009-07-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Oregon Surfrider Foundation voluteers and chapters in Oregon operate 5 coastal water quality labs in partnership with local high schools, watershed councils, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium?

Get involved by contacting:

Curry County - briana@oceanresourceteam.org

Charleston/Coos Bay - gtinker1@verizon.net

Siuslaw/Forence - m.chandler@charter.net

Newport - wahine676@yahoo.com

Clatsop County - troth@astoria.k12.or.us

We call this our Blue Water Task Force Program (BWTF). All for the love of our beaches and on shoestring budgets raised through our volunteers activities and events. Oregon's Beach Monitoring Program facilitated by Department of Human Services cannot effectively cover the entire coast without the supplemental sampling, advocacy and stewardship efforts of community based programs such as BWTF. And now you can help improve our state's program and those of beach monitoring programs nationwide.

For the third year in a row, Congress is considering a bill to reauthorize the BEACH Act. This landmark law was first championed by Surfrider Foundation a decade ago. The Clean Coastal Environment & Public Health Act of 2009 will increase the amount of federal dollars that can be spent on beach water quality monitoring and will modernize the technology we rely on to protect the health of the beach-going public as well as expand upon tracking and cleaning up sources of beach water pollution.

Urge your members of Congress to show their support for healthy beaches and robust coastal economies by cosponsoring the Clean Coastal Environment & Public Health Act of 2009. Don't let them put this off for yet another year!

Click Here for More Information and TAKE ACTION!

Significant Milestone in Oregon's Efforts to Protect Special Places

2009-06-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Oregon Senate voted to support HB 3013, which puts into practice the recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory council (OPAC). These recommendations were to implement two marine reserve projects this year, one at Redfish Rocks in Port Orford and one at Otter Rock near Depoe Bay, as well as the further evaluation and collection of baseline biological, social, and economic information over the next 18 months for sites proposed off Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, Cape Perpetua and to support a proposal from the Coos County area. The bill also directs communities adjacent to the proposal areas to form teams composed of diverse and balanced stakeholders for the on-going collaborative efforts surrounding rule making, research, monitoring, and marine reserve implementation. This bill was the result of several years of hard work by many people including Surfrider members and volunteers, OPAC, Coastal Caucus, Oregon Sea Grant, ODFW, as well as the conservation and fishing communities. Many thanks to all for their role in this important effort and on-going process. To read more about the bill and how it came together, click here.

Making the Land-Sea Connection

2009-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Most of us know that what we do on land affects the health of the ocean the we enjoy. While much work has been done to address our impacts to water quality, much work within our communities still remains. Implementing effective comprehensive planning and low impact development techniques are both crucial to protecting and restoring watershed health and the water quality in our nearshore. Fortunately, Surfrider Foundation members are not turning the blind eye, they are taking this issue by the horns by monitoring water quality, participating in their local planning processes, and speaking up about concerns to human and ecosystem health. Recently, the Oregonian published an article highlighting some of the water quality issues that we face within our coastal communities and what is being done about it, to read the full article, click here. Surfrider Foundation members and chapters operate 5 coastal water quality labs in partnership with local high schools, watershed councils, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. To get involved and volunteer, contact Oregon Field Coordinator Charlie Plybon at cplybon@surfrider.org.

"Reducing land-based coastal water pollution may be local leaders' most important contribution to the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems and to the protection of tourism, fishing, recreation and other activities that depend on clean coastal water." -excerpt from One Coast, One Future, Securing the Health of West Coast Ecosystems and Economies, Joint Ocean Commission Initiative, 2009. To learn more, click here.

Upcoming Summer Fun Events and Cleanups!

2009-06-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here comes summer and the Oregon Chapters' of Surfrider Foundation are bring you some great beach events! Get out and enjoy what we fight so hard to preserve and lend a steward's hand! Here's what's coming up and remember to check out our events calendar for a full listing of all events!

Saturday June 20th

Otter Rock 'N' Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge

Saturday June 27th

Foam Fest Siuslaw River Cleanup Fundraiser

Wednesday July 1st

South Beach Youth Stewardship Cleanup

Friday July 3rd

South Beach Youth Stewardship Cleanup

Sunday July 5

Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project

OtterRockNRoll

2009-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing the first ever Otter Rock N' Roll Youth Surf Contest and beach cleanup challenge in celebration of International Surf Day on June 20th..here's the skinny:
What: 18 and under surf contest, lessons, beach cleanup and stewardship activities.
Where: Otter Rock State Park
When: June 20th - 8:00 am to 7:00pm.
Registration: Pre-register by downloading the registration form here:
ISD_registration_waiver_form.doc. Deadline for pre-registration is June 17th, but we will accept beach registration (extra charge) depending on heat availability. Proudly sponsored by our local surf shops: Oregon Surf Shop, Ocean Pulse, Ossie's Surf Shop, and Otter Rock Surf Shop. All participants will recieve prizes (including best beginner). This is an event for kids and families for the joy of surfing and beach stewardship, so leave your surf egos at home and come out and support our youth and tomorrow's leaders for a day of fun in the sun (hopefully) and surf! Questions? Please send any questions for the event to cplybon@surfrider.org. Basic contest format is included on the registration form. Surf lessons come free for those entering the "best beginner" division and is open to particpants 18 and under! Big heaps of thanks to our larger sponsors Global Surf Industries, Monster Beverages, Surfing Magazine, Earthpack and the Sign Shop. We hope to see you there!!

SUPPORT OCEANS-21

2009-05-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Please take action and tell your federal representatives that you support 'Healthy Oceans' legislation. Oceans 21 (HR 21) would establish a national policy to protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems. The bill would also promote ecosystem-based management through Regional Ocean Partnerships, and provide critical funding through the creation of an Ocean Conservation Trust Fund. Oceans 21 will provide the governance framework that we need to protect and restore our oceans ecosystems in the 21st century. It will provide real benefits to our oceans, waves, and beaches in your community. Please participate in the Alert and make your voice heard! For more info, please click here.

Reducing Impacts of Excessive Nutrients

2009-05-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

Excessive nutrients can have profound impacts to our coastal watersheds as well as the marine environment. Harmful algal blooms stemming from excessive nutrients can have major impacts on recreational use, drinking water, and shellfish harvest. When these algal blooms die-off it uses up the otherwise available dissolved oxygen that is required for survival by aquatic organisms, often leading to fish kills. Two years ago, Siuslaw Chapter Blue Water Task Force Coordinator Mark Chandler led the effort to pass a Phosphorus reduction ordinance (the first in the State!) in his community of Dunes City after seeing massive algal blooms in both Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes, now this issue has made it's way up the ladder to potentially be adopted as a statewide policy. Yesterday, a piece of legislation aimed at reducing the amount of Phosphorus contained in automatic dish soap was passed out of the House Environment and Water Committee by a unanimous vote, SB 631 now awaits a vote on the full House floor before it goes to the Governors Office for signature. Please take a moment and contact your State Representatives by clicking here and let them know that you support this common sense approach to reducing the amount of Phosphorus entering our lakes, rivers, and ocean. Once passed, this legislation will go in to effect at the same time as the State of Washington, as well as following the steps that 14 other states have already taken. To read more on this issue and how it fits into our overall efforts to improve water quality, click on the link below.
Oregon Nutrient Reduction_1pager.doc