Keeping pace with future environmental conditions in coastal Oregon, USA

Abstract

Recognizing the national importance of coasts and Great Lake shorelines, in 1972, leaders in Congress created the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to balance economic development and natural resource protection so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits the coasts provide. To meet the goals of the Act, the National Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM Program) takes a comprehensive approach to coastal resource management, focused on national objectives to protect natural resources; manage development in areas most prone to coastal hazards; ensure priority is given to activities that depend on the water, such as ports, fishing, and the revitalization of waterfront areas; and provide public access for recreation. The CZMA also seeks to preserve and protect estuaries for long-term research and education by encouraging the states to designate National Estuarine Research Reserves, and since 2002, conserves sensitive coastal and estuarine lands, or “green infrastructure,” under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP pronounced “kelp”).

Citation

Flitcroft, Rebecca; Guannico, Guillermo. 2013. Keeping pace with future environmental conditions in coastal Oregon, USA. Water Resources IMPACT. 15(6): 6-9.