That's what graduate students from the University of Michigan are collaborating with ODFW to find out. They are conducting interviews this summer in many Oregon coastal communities. The purpose of the study is to learn how communities and their residents adapt to external challenges such as an economic downturn, a natural disaster, or a new policy decision. Understanding how these changes or stressors affect coastal communities will help inform future community planning and policy decisions. 

Students are interviewing community leaders and residents that represent a variety of stakeholder groups. They have finished interviews this week in Newport and Depoe Bay. Results will be presented in the fall at a recorded on-line presentation (webinar) and in a scientific paper.  Stay tuned for more details.