The pace of the marine reserve process and ocean protection initiatives is really picking up in October!

Oregon Marine Reserves Update

Forming the Community "Evaluation" Teams

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is currently considering how to form the community teams who will be charged with evaluating the proposed marine reserve sites at Cape Falcon, Cascade Head and Cape Perpetua. Our Ocean believes that it is critical for the state to lead a consistent process that better ensures more productive outcomes including: a transparent process with meetings that are conducted in accordance with public meetings laws, the construction of balanced and diverse community teams, the identification of a professional third party facilitator for each site and a consultant who would aid the state in constructing and supporting the roll out of the community team formation. We have also included a request for very clear roles for each participant in this process.

Oregon is at an important moment in the marine reserves process. This is the first time stakeholders will witness the implementation of legislation relating to marine reserves in Oregon. It is crucial that the process continue in the best manner possible, building confidence and trust among all parties, in turn leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Another Step toward Designating the Two Initial Pilot Sites: Rulemaking

ODFW is accepting comments on draft rules to establish, study, monitor and evaluate marine reserves at Otter Rock north of Newport and Redfish Rocks near Port Orford. Click here to read the draft rules.

You can provide comments in person at three upcoming meetings:

• 1 - 3 p.m. Oct. 20, - State Lands Building, 775 Summer Street N.E., Salem,
• 7 - 9 p.m. Oct. 21, - Port Orford Public Library, 1421 Oregon Street, Port Orford,
• 7 - 9 p.m. Oct. 22- The Inn at Otter Crest, 301 Otter Crest Drive, Otter Rock.

If you are interested in attending, please email Erin Anderson and she and the field team will assist you.

Those unable to attend one of the meetings may submit written comments to:

• odfw.marinereserves@state.or.us for comments to ODFW,
• marinereserverules@dsl.state.or.us for comments to DSL,
• park.info@state.or.us for comments to OPRD

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will accept comments until Dec. 11, when the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will adopt the ODFW rules. The Department of State Lands (DSL) will accept comments until Nov. 17; their Board will adopt the DSL rules at the Dec. 8 State Land Board meeting. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will accept comments until Nov. 17; their commission will adopt the OPRD rules at the Jan. 28, 2010 Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

OPAC's next Meeting

The Ocean Policy Advisory Committee (OPAC) meets October 23 in Florence to review changes to the Territorial Sea Plan. The meeting will be held at the Florence Events Center. The time is to be announced.

Other Ocean-Related News

Heceta Head

The 5th Annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference is coming up on October 23-24 in Florence. This is a great annual event to inform and educate the public of the need for a healthy, productive and resilient marine ecosystem off the Oregon coast. This year's theme is "Oregon's Ocean: The Land-Sea Connection." Click here to learn more and register for this great conference. We hope to see you there!

The Obama Taskforce

The Obama Administration's Ocean Policy Task Force recently released their Interim Report regarding a coordinated national policy for better management and protection of oceans and Great Lakes. It is promising that sustainable ocean management has received so much attention from our federal partners.

There's still time to weigh in. A 30 day public comment period ends on October 17th. Information is available at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/interimreport/

If you'd like to ensure that you have the latest information, you can sign up for the ODFW marine reserves list serve here:
http://www.oregonmarinereserves.net//index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=43

Please take advantage of these opportunities to participate in Oregon's process to sustainably manage its nearshore by establishing a network of marine reserves and protected areas and we'll expect to see you at one or more of the events!

Our Ocean is heartened to see the state progress and looks forward to continuing our work with the state and all stakeholder groups. Our ability to make a difference is supported by you. Thank you for your continued support through this important and historic process.

Best Wishes,

Our Ocean