Community Workshops on Sea Level Rise in Clatsop County

How do coastal flooding and erosion impact your favorite places?

SALEM - The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Clatsop County, and Cannon Beach are working together on a project to address the impacts of sea level rise on the north coast, such as increased flooding and erosion. This collaborative group will be hosting community workshops to hear directly from interested community members about how sea level rise may impact their quality of life now and in the coming years. The goal of these workshops is to bring people together to learn about the potential impacts of sea level rise in specific areas, and how those places could be impacted and adapted to continue to foster vibrant coastal communities.

DLCD, Clatsop County, and Cannon Beach invite community members to attend in-person community workshops, which are outlined in the table below. The agenda at each meeting will be similar, though tailored to each location within the County. Community members are welcome to participate in one or more meetings.

At each two-hour workshop, information about local sea level rise impacts will be provided, along with opportunities for participants to share what they value about their community and how that may be affected by sea level rise. For example, impacts may include road closures due to flooding and limited beach access with higher tides. The information shared at workshops will help to inform community priorities and develop future projects to adapt to sea level rise impacts. Registration is not required, but will help us plan for adequate food, interpretation, and other accommodations to make participation easier. All ages and families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

An online RSVP form (not required for attendance) and option survey is available at the following link: RSVP/survey form

Climate change is causing sea levels around the world to rise, which is impacting Oregon’s coastlines and coastal communities. One of the best ways to envision a watery future on the Oregon coast is by observing the king tides that occur on the coast each winter. As demonstrated by king tides, sea level rise will make existing erosion and flooding patterns worse in coastal regions and put pressure on already stressed communities and ecosystems. DLCD has created planning tools to assist communities in adapting to these impacts. Clatsop County and Cannon Beach are working with DLCD to utilize these new planning resources, which can be found on the Coastal Atlas: www.coastalatlas.net/sealevelrise.

Sea level rise rates are slower in Oregon than other parts of the country, but Oregon’s coast is experiencing sea level rise every year. The coming years will bring higher tides and more inundation in coastal communities. DLCD staff are available to help interested communities apply the planning resources and create a plan for an adapted future.

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Oregon’s statewide land use planning program — originated in 1973 under Senate Bill 100 — protects farm and forest lands, conserves natural resources, promotes livable communities, facilitates orderly and efficient development, helps coordination among local governments, and enables citizen involvement.  

The program affords all Oregonians predictability and sustainability to the development process by allocating land for industrial, commercial and housing development, as well as transportation and agriculture.  

The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) administers the program. A seven-member volunteer citizen board known as the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) guides DLCD.  

Under the program, all cities and counties have adopted comprehensive plans that meet mandatory state standards. The standards are 19 Statewide Planning Goals that deal with land use, development, housing, transportation, and conservation of natural resources. Periodic review of plans and technical assistance in the form of grants to local jurisdictions are key elements of the program.

About The Oregon Coastal Management Program

Oregon is one of 34 states to have a nationally recognized Coastal Management Program established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The Oregon Coastal Management Program aims to protect coastal and ocean resources, and ensure livable, resilient communities on the Oregon coast. The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development is the lead agency in the coastal program network, which also includes 11 state agencies and 42 city and county governments. Sea level rise adaptation resources are found on the Oregon Coastal Atlas website: www.coastalatlas.net/sealevelrise.