Shoreline Armoring

Shoreline armoring, such as riprap revetments and seawalls, protects property at the expense of our public shoreline; these hardened structures can starve beaches of their sand supply and increase erosion. Oregon Shores carefully scrutinizes every application for shoreline armoring, demanding that they meet the strictest standards for eligibility and opposing emergency permits for otherwise ineligible properties. We urge that Oregon step back from piecemeal decisions about shoreline alteration to hold a statewide discussion about the future of our beaches in the era of sea level rise.

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Shoreline Policies and Regulation

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD–aka State Parks) has primary responsibility for the rules and regulations that govern activities on the shoreline, but other agencies have roles as well. We advocate for policies that preserve shoreline resources and for people who want to visit the shoreline to observe its ecosystems and natural rhythms in peace and quiet. We address everything from beach driving, to harvesting, to habitat protection.

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Current issue:

Drone Use Regulations

Public Beach Access

Oregon’s famed Beach Bill reserves the entire ocean shore for the public. However, it doesn’t guarantee access to the shore. Oregon Shores has been fighting any effort to block access to the beach for 50 years.

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Beach Behavior

Oregon has 362 miles of unique coastline to enjoy and explore. Whether you are celebrating on the beach, hiking a trail, or exploring a tidepool, practicing good beach etiquette will ensure the beauty of the coast lasts for generations.

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Land Use and Other Regulatory Issues

Oregon Shores works with Oregon’s statewide land use planning department on everything from coastwide policies to small urban growth boundary expansions that threaten habitat. We also work on water quality, endangered species, dredge-and-fill, and other regulatory issues.

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Drone Use Regulations

Careful regulation of drones is needed to prevent wildlife disturbance and maintain the serenity of our wild public lands.

Nov 11, 2023

Help preserve the legacy of our Oregon coast for all generations