Rallying around the 10th anniversary of the
Oregon Chapters' of Surfrider Foundation victory to protect free and open access to the South Jetty, Florence area coastal activists have refocused their efforts on continuing threats to access of our coastal scenic vistas. Harbor Vista County Park, also known locally amongst regulars as "Chicken Point" was this past summer included as an area charging user fees of $3. For many, frequenting this unique viewpoint is how they start their day, decide which jetty to go surf, or if they want to burn the gas and risk their lives by crossing the notorious Siuslaw River Bar to chase fish. Area residents and Surfrider activists responded swiftly by gathering over 250 signatures on a petition to eliminate the fee, as well as providing crucial public testimony to the Lane County Board of Commissioners. West Lane Commissioner Bill Fleenor championed the cause and quickly instructed park staff to remove the user fee sign from the viewing area. Big Ups and Massive Respect to all those who signed the petition, and helped gather signatures. Many thanks to Mark, John, Scott, Seth and Charlie for giving public testimony to the board, and cheers to our friends at
The Sportsman and
Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition CoastWatch program for all their help in this campaign victory!