You can also visit Surfrider Foundation's official campaign page here.
The Issue: The trail our community has used to access Lighthouse Beach for 80+ years is currently blocked off. The trail originated as a public easement that existed expressly for public access to Lighthouse Beach before the county vacated it in 1960. Although this trail has been in use since then, the property owners constructed a barbed wire fence in early January 2022, making the beach inaccessible to the public. Beaches in Oregon are for everyone and this beach cannot be allowed to become a “private beach” in our great state of public beaches.
Goal: to permanently restore legal public access to Lighthouse Beach.
Activity: Our chapter has been investigating this issue for 9+ years. In February 2022, we have hired a legal team to investigate the issue and find possible solutions to resolve access to this beach. We have been gathering information and are awaiting further courses of action. Further, chapter representatives have asked the county to resolve access to Lighthouse Beach, by whatever means possible. Commissioner John Sweet is currently investigating a possible access route through an alternative property. Beyond Surfrider, we will be posting regular community updates including news, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts on the Friends of Lighthouse Beach Facebook Page and Website.
How can you help?
1) We are in need of volunteers to help raise local awareness of this issue. Please email our volunteer coordinator Annie Pollard at volunteercoordinator@coosbay.surfrider.org to find out about volunteer needs or to be added to the Friends of Lighthouse Beach volunteer email group.
2) Our investigatory team needs your input! If you have not done so, please fill out this survey about your use of the Lighthouse Beach trail.
3) We are also in need of funds to support our legal team and outreach efforts. You can donate directly here. You can also check out the Friends of Lighthouse Beach Online Store. We currently have “Free Lighthouse Beach” stickers available, and more items will be added soon. Proceeds benefit the Lighthouse Beach campaign.
4) Positive letters of encouragement can be directed to our county commissioners. It is important for them to know that access to this beach is important to a large and diverse group of beach goers.