Oregon Sea Grant is organizing an outreach effort to inform the public about marine reserves and gather feedback about the concept and the process. Public Forums are being held in coastal communities this month and a complete schedule is on our event calendar. The results will be compiled and forwarded to OPAC for use as they finalize an Oregon Marine Reserve Policy guidance document later in 2008. During Phase 1 (Jan-March) Sea Grant will conduct listening and information-gathering in communities on the Oregon coast. One desired outcome is the formation of local working groups to further study the issue and, if they choose, nominate areas in their regions as potential marine reserves. During Phase 2, (April-June) Oregon Sea Grant will support local working groups and assist OPAC and the state in communicating with the public about the marine reserve nomination process. Be sure to check out the website http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/outreach/reserves.html for more info on how to get involved. And please email marinereserves@oregonstate.edu to provide your input - make your voice heard!