Why this work?

As the sixth largest estuary on the west coast, the Coos Bay estuary is one of Oregon’s most important ecological resources, both in its abundance, diversity, and quality and in the economic and cultural value it provides. However, modern management of the estuary and surrounding shorelands is based on the economic and social drivers of the 1970s, when local land use plans were developed. The surrounding community now agrees that current land use regulations need to evolve to reflect today’s economic and social drivers, while proactively addressing environmental changes and protecting natural resources.

About this project

This project is looking at how to create a modernized land use plan for the Coos Bay estuary that balances responsible economic development, social interests, and protection of natural resources. In order to identify areas where zone change will benefit estuarine management, this project is conducting an integrated assessment that will synthesize existing information to compare actual uses of estuarine and shorelands to zoned uses. For areas where lands are underutilized, have conflicting zones, or have obsolete zone designations, team members, end users, and stakeholders will assess economic, social, and environmental information. This will generate scenarios and recommendations that Coos County can use to improve its estuarine and shoreland management.

Project lead and contact

Jenni Schmitt, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Email: [email protected]

To learn more, view the project factsheet (PDF).