After meeting for nearly 18 months, the Coos Bay Marine Reserve Recommendation Committee has come forward with a range of different scenarios for potential marine reserves and marine protected areas within the Cape Arago/ Seven Devils region and is seeking input from the public. The scenarios can be viewed at: www.portofcoosbay.com/marineres.htm During December 2010, the Recommendation Committee is hosting public comment town hall meetings in Reedsport, Charleston and Bandon on the proposed options. Following the town halls, the Committee will meet again to review public comments and finalize a recommendation for the Port Commission, which would then forward a proposal to the state Ocean Policy Advisory Council. The public meetings will be held in the following locations:
Bandon, December 8, 2010 - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Bandon High School Cafeteria - 550 9th Street SW, Bandon
Charleston, December 9, 2010 - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology - 63466 Boat Basin Road, Charleston
Reedsport, December 13, 2010 - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Reedsport High School Cafeteria - 2260 Longwood Drive, Reedsport
The Committee would like to hear from you about your thoughts on establishing protections for this ecologically rich area. Check out the different scenarios and plan on attending one of the meetings, or submit written comments here. Comments are due by noon on Monday, December 20th.