The Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan regulates the ecological, social, cultural, and industrial uses of the bay and surrounding land. This July will begin a series of meetings and hearings to solidify Phase I of the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan. South Coast communities have already been making waves in the development of this plan by submitting hundreds of comments to ensure that the plan reflects the social, cultural, and ecological fabric of this region.
Together, community members are advocating in Phase 1 for:
- A commitment to a Phase 2 update that will include climate adaptation and disaster preparedness
- A Citizens Advisory Committee that truly represents our community, as well as a Technical Advisory Committee and an Ad-Hoc Steering Committee
- Robust public engagement so that this plan represents the vision of community members for the bay
- Tribal Sovereignty is adequately respected and integrated into the plan
You can learn more about how to build out your testimony using this guide.
A community presence and testimonies at these meetings will be crucial to making sure that this plan is updated in a way that best allows for a healthy, thriving bay, ecosystem and economy on the South Coast. This September, Phase I of the Estuary Management Plan update will be solidified in a final vote by Coos County, Coos Bay, and North Bend in September. Communities have the opportunity to help shape the outcome of the plan this throughout the summer by participating in public meetings and giving testimony at hearings.
Will you join South Coast community members and give testimony?
North Bend, OR 97459