As 2019 will soon be coming to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on all of the successes, challenges, and fun we had this year! Surfrider’s Oregon network smashed some of our biggest statewide and local victories to date – setting national precedent on many of our ocean protection and plastic pollution initiatives. We expanded our network, welcoming a new North Coast Chapter and three new youth clubs, all driven by the great and powerful, ever-dedicated volunteers and partners within the Surfrider Oregon family. We can’t thank everyone who has been a part of this year’s success enough, and we hope you’ll take some time to reflect on a few of the amazing 2019 contributions from our network – scroll down for the Oregon Surfrider 2019 Year in Review!
Help us do more! As the holidays approach, consider a donation, renewing or gifting a membership is another fantastic way to help our volunteer network and improve your surfing! Support Surfrider!
Plastic Pollution
Oregon Chapters worked hard to fight plastic pollution in 2019! From our massive lift with a statewide plastic bag ban in the legislature to the thousands of pounds of plastic debris removed from our beaches, we battled plastic pollution source to sea in 2019 - here’s a great overview.
Spotlight on the Numbers and Campaigns:
Story Highlights (click on each story):
Challenges:
We can’t win them all – we are fighting billion dollar industries after all! So here’s to keeping stock of some plastic pollution slips and misses this year:
Ocean Protection
Likely one of our biggest efforts was passing legislation to protect Oregon’s coastal waters indefinitely from offshore oil, gas or other mineral mining developments – a critical piece of our national Blue Wall to block the federal administration’s terrible plans for our national ocean waters. At the local level our Coos Bay Chapter has accelerated their organized opposition to the Jordan Cove LNG proposal.
Spotlight on the Numbers and Campaigns:
Story Highlights:
Clean Water
Surfrider Oregon volunteers remained dedicated to year round water quality monitoring, allowing ocean goers to be informed of water quality issues. Our network of seven labs covers 53 beaches from Seaside down to Port Orford.
Spotlight on the Numbers:
Story Highlights:
Coastal Preservation
Surfrider Oregon worked to preserve Oregon's coast through strong engagement in proactive coastal planning efforts, fighting bad legislation, providing education about climate change impacts and supporting ongoing monitoring for ocean acidification. Our volunteers continue to keep an eye on the coast so we can fight bad developments that harm our coastline.
Spotlight Activities and Story Highlights:
Beach Access
We're grateful that Oregon has public beaches because of the Beach Bill passed in 1967; unfortunately, that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. The coastal protection campaign in Newport successfully contributed to protecting a historical beach access.
On the fun side of beach access, events such as Stand Up for the Bay and free youth surf camps with our community partners support beach and ocean access for those who might not otherwise have it – part of our growing access for all initiative!
Expanded Network
The life-force of our network is our chapter, program and campaign leaders – all volunteers and incredibly powerful and dedicated individuals. They are Surfrider. This year, we saw a leap in our network, shepherding in 3 new youth clubs and a new north coast chapter! We're thrilled to be expanding the network, especially with some seriously remarkable youth volunteers. Our new Sam Case Club rocked a campaign victory in Newport with a plastic bag ordinance and worked the Capitol and Governor's office for Rise Above Plastic Pollution Day - check out this force to be reckoned with!
Protect What You Love & Love What You Protect!
Through all of the hard work highlighted above, we managed to remember the “enjoy” part of our mission and we had a lot of FUN along the way! Check out some highlights and photos below, there's really just too much awesome to share it all!
The Coos Bay Chapter awarded three scholarships (total value of $5,000) to high school students looking to enter or continue in an educational pathway with emphasis on the natural or environmental sciences.
66 youth surfers competed in the 11th Annual Otter Rock and Roll
The Coos Bay Chapter hosted their first Women’s Surf Session
The Newport Chapter supported Neighbors for Kids’ summer surf camp at Otter Rock Marine Reserve
The Portland Chapter's Paddle Cleanups and Action Days!
Oregon Chapters Lobby Washington DC
