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State FactsMiles of Coast: 1,410 Coastal Population (2000): 1,326,072 Lead Coastal Management Agency: Department of Land Conservation and Development Approval Date: 1977 |
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Ocean and Coastal Management in Oregon
Oregon’s Coastal Program
The Oregon Coastal Program, approved by NOAA in 1977, is comprised of a network of agencies with authority in the coastal zone. The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development serves as the lead agency. The primary authority for the Coastal Program is the Oregon Land Use Planning Act. The Oregon coastal zone includes the state’s coastal watersheds and extends inland to the crest of the coast range, with a few minor exceptions.
Redfish Rocks along the southern Oregon coast are home to a breeding population of over 20,000 Common Murres.
The Coastal Program is a leader in coastal ocean planning. Two major initiatives for Oregon’s coastal managers are mitigating coastal hazards and managing Pacific Ocean resources. Oregon’s waters, which extend three miles from the coast, include intertidal areas and offshore rocks and reefs. Local governments oversee activity along the state’s coast by following local land use plans that are consistent with statewide goals for the coast.
Oregon’s National Estuarine Research Reserve
The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 4,771 acre natural area, is located in the Coos estuary on the south coast. The Reserve was designated in 1974 as the first unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Reserve encompasses a mixture of open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands.
The Reserve provides support and coordination for research activities that address priority research issues including: the assessment and mapping of intertidal and subtidal estuarine habitats and communities; restoration and recovery of native Olympic Oysters; and bioinvasions and the ecological impacts of aquatic non-indigenous species. The Reserve’s Estuary Study Program provides students with the opportunity to discover and learn about the unique and fragile ecosystem of South Slough and the living things that the estuary supports. The Reserve’s Coastal Training Program also provides local and regional decision makers with the best and latest scientific knowledge. The Reserve’s stewardship program is supported by volunteers who assist with field work, cataloging artifacts, clerical tasks, website design, trail maintenance, landscaping and more.
Program Highlights
Oregon Promotes Low Impact Development through it's Show off Your Runoff Program
Oregon Technical Assistance Tools for Hazard Management
West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health
Links
Oregon Coastal Program — The website provides information on the Program’s activities including planning, coastal hazards, and public access.
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve — The Reserve’s website provides information on their many research, education, and stewardship activities.
Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology — This program brief describes investments in technology development and research projects for the state of Oregon.
Marine Protected Areas in Oregon — A summary of marine protected areas and programs in the state.
Marine Protected Areas — Search for marine protected areas by state, region, or topic area.
Oregon Coastal Nonpoint Program Conditional Approval Document — The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program encourages better coordination between state coastal zone managers and water quality experts to reduce polluted runoff in the coastal zone.
Oregon Coastal Program Evaluation (2006) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of federally approved state coastal management programs.
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Evaluation (2008) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of estuarine research reserves.
Oregon Coastal Atlas — Oregon has developed an interactive mapping tool that can be used to learn more about Oregon’s Coast.
Contact Information for Oregon's Programs
Ocean and Coastal Program
Department of Land Conservation and Development
635 Capitol Street NE, Suite 150
Salem, Oregon 97301-2540
(503) 373-0050
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
P.O. Box 5417
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-5558