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Dear Friend,
If you haven't already heard, the Oregon Senate
passed the marine reserves consensus bill (HB 3013A) by a 24-3
vote margin, giving final legislative approval to an ongoing
process focused on marine reserves.
The bill, which unanimously passed the Oregon House, now
goes to Governor Kulongoski who will sign it into law. It
outlines a detailed plan and timeline to complete the evaluation
of six potential marine reserve sites recommended by the
Governor's Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC).
In addition, the bill establishes two marine reserve projects
at Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks - near Depoe Bay and Port
Orford, respectively. The bill also prescribes a process to plan
and evaluate proposed reserves that includes the development of
balanced and diverse regional community groups to assist in
shaping these potential marine reserve sites. Included in these
potential additional reserves are four areas of the coast
located at Cape Falcon north of Manzanita, Cascade Head north of
Lincoln City, Cape Perpetua south of Yachats and Cape
Arago-Seven Devils south of Coos Bay.
Please
click here to see the joint press release. (PDF)
The passage of this bill is a very important milestone in
carefully planning a sustainably managed ocean, and it affords
an important opportunity for all stakeholders to create
partnerships for a better Oregon. Thank you to everyone who
worked hard to make this happen.
Our Ocean coastal members are pleased to offer two
trips on Saturday, July 25th
Two
Great Areas of the Coast to Explore for the Day - come join the
fun!
The northern trip will leave Portland at 9:00 a.m.
and head to the North Coast to meet with supporters there. We'll
have lunch on the beach at Oswald West State Park. There will
also be stops at Neahkanhie wayside and Netarts Bay before
returning to Portland around 6:30 p.m. The day will include fun
activities and guest speakers; lunch will be provided.
The southern trip leaves from Corvallis and Eugene
at 8:00 a.m. and will join with supporters from the Central
Coast, visit the lighthouse at Heceta Head, Strawberry Hills
Park, hike in the Ancient Forest and tour Cape Perpetua before
returning to Corvallis and Eugene by 6:00 p.m. The day will
include fun activities and guest speakers; lunch will be
provided.
We hope you will be able to join us on one of these great
trips to see some of the areas where marine reserves are being
considered. Click here
for more details and to RSVP!
Best Wishes,
Our Ocean
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