Now in it's 6th year, the Heceta Head Coastal Conference is devoted to bringing new understanding of the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast through recent scientific advances and current policy developments that are of benefit to coastal communities. This year the program will highlight Oregon's working waterfronts, and raise topics of consideration for coastal communities on how to manage and develop their waterfronts in the future. Speakers will cover topics including: overview of Oregon's current waterfronts and future needs; statewide port planning; resources and ideas for SMART growth planning; and how partnerships have fostered waterfront development. There will be discovery tours on the Siuslaw Estuary on Thursday, followed by a special presentation by OSU's Court Smith on the history of native people's dependence on salmon to the contemporary situation faced by fishing communities around the North Pacific Basin. Friday the 29th will be the main event of the conference, to register or learn more, visit: http://www.hecetaheadconference.org/