Get ready for an exciting line-up of events focused on watershed protection along the North Coast! From webinars to community meetings, we've got you covered.
Beyond the High Water Mark: A Critical Discussion
On December 16th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center are hosting a webinar that delves into the complex world of floodplain management. Titled "Beyond the High Water Mark: A Call for Reform," this webinar aims to ensure compliance with federal laws and build community resilience against flooding and climate change.
Sign up for this free webinar at https://oregonshores.org/?post_type=event&p=51628&preview=true. It's an opportunity to learn about the recent "atmospheric rivers" and the crucial choices cities and counties face regarding FEMA codes and floodplains.
The webinar will explore the history of the legal case Northwest Environmental Defense Center et. al. v. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has driven Oregon communities to update their floodplain management codes. We'll discuss why these updates are essential for local communities, developers, the state, and FEMA to adhere to federal law while participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
But here's where it gets controversial: protecting floodplain habitats isn't just about the environment; it's about building resilient communities that can withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding events. This webinar will provide local governments with a comprehensive understanding of the reforms, including grassroots perspectives on the opportunities and implications of each pathway.
Leading the discussion is Mary Stites, Staff Attorney at the Northwest Environmental Defense Center. Mary, a graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, has been instrumental in enforcing the Clean Water Act, protecting endangered species, and preventing harmful industrial activities in sensitive areas.
NCCWP Astoria Chapter News: Monthly Meeting and More
The NCCWP Astoria Chapter is hosting its monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 17th, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to holiday events, the meeting will be held at Necessary Magic, 333 10th Street in Astoria, instead of the usual KALA venue.
At the January 13th monthly meeting, starting at 4:00 p.m., we'll discuss talking points for the Oregon Department of Forestry's Forest Management Plan (FMP). This meeting will take place at KALA in Astoria and can be attended virtually. A week later, on January 20th, the in-person meeting of ODF regarding the FMP (where testimony may be presented) will occur at the Tillamook ODF offices at 5:30 p.m.
Save Our Wetlands: An Update on Nedonna Development v. City of Rockaway Beach
In the case of Nedonna Development v. City of Rockaway Beach, you can watch the oral arguments presented before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) on January 13th at 10:45 a.m. The arguments will be streamed live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@landuseboardofappeals8802/streams.
Here's a brief background: The Rockaway Beach City Council unanimously reversed its prior approvals for a 28-lot Planned Unit Development in Nedonna Beach. Nedonna Development LLC has appealed this decision to LUBA, and the intervenors, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection, will be represented by the Crag Law Center.
Interactive Map: Beyond Toxics' Pesticide Application Tool
Beyond Toxics has developed an innovative, interactive map that showcases pesticide applications on Oregon forestland from 2014 to 2024. This first-of-its-kind tool, created in partnership with the InfoGraphics Lab at the University of Oregon, offers a transparent and accessible way to view historical pesticide records.
You can filter the map for specific chemical types, application methods, date ranges, and more. Beyond Toxics is committed to updating the data as more people engage with the map. Check it out on their website: https://www.beyondtoxics.org/work/pesticides-and-communities/pesticide-map/.
If you missed the webinar on December 9th about Beyond Toxics' new webmap, you can catch the recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UnJRO763ggM. Feel free to share it widely!
Glyphosate: The Science Behind the Ban
This month, North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection (NCCWP) extends its gratitude to the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Beyond Toxics, the Wild Salmon Center, and the Crag Law Center for their collaboration.
NCCWP stands firm on its commitment to protect community drinking water sources from logging and pesticide use, regardless of land ownership. They also advocate for an end to pesticide applications near residential, work, and recreational areas. Safe drinking water and clean air are fundamental rights that we all deserve.
Join NCCWP in their mission to safeguard and restore our drinking watersheds. Visit www.healthywatershed.org or www.facebook.com/NCCWATERSHEDPROTECTION for more information and to get involved.
