04-21-2005, 02:31 PM
[font "Arial"][size 2]Meetings to develop nearshore management strategy [/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]NEWPORT - Two meetings set for the coming weeks will allow members of the public to participate in the second phase of conservation and management planning for Oregon's nearshore marine resources.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Marine Resources Program wants interested members of the public to participate in developing Oregon's Nearshore Marine Resource Management Strategy. This strategy is not intended to be regulatory, but to be a comprehensive, large-scale look at the nearshore environment and resources and to prioritize the species and habitats in need of management attention. The goal is to provide a proactive and sustainable approach to marine species and habitat management in Oregon.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Meetings next week in Newport and Gold Beach will focus on further developing ideas suggested by the public during previous meetings. They will look at non-regulatory conservation actions ODFW and interested partners-private citizens, industry groups, conservation organizations, tribes, other government agencies, or others-can take to contribute to the long-term health of the marine environment, fish and wildlife.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Meeting times and dates include: [/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]* Newport, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Embarcadero Resort Hotel & Marina, 1000 SE Blvd, Newport
* Gold Beach, April 26 at 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gold Beach Resort Conference Center, 29232 Ellensburg on Highway 101, Gold Beach[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]During earlier discussions, held in late March and early April, Marine Resources Program managers and biologists drew on the expertise, experience and insights of people who work, play and have an interest in Oregon's coast, from the high-tide line out to three nautical miles. They learned what Oregonians see as significant issues facing our state's marine resources, now and in the future. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2] "We had great turnout at the first series of public meetings," said Maggie Sommer, Marine Resources Program assistant manager. "People with diverse connections to Oregon's ocean-some with generations of local fishing experience in their families, beachcombers, business owners, scuba divers, students, and many others-discussed their concerns and priorities for nearshore marine resources."[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Many of those attending the meetings offered examples of what is working to keep marine fish, wildlife, and habitats healthy, here in Oregon, she said. "People may disagree on how our ocean and coastal resources should be used and protected, but everyone shares a vision of healthy marine fish and wildlife supporting a diversity of sustainable uses long into the future," Sommer said.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Additional meetings in mid-summer will provide an opportunity for public review of and comment on the Nearshore Strategy draft document.[/size][/font]
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[font "Arial"][size 2]NEWPORT - Two meetings set for the coming weeks will allow members of the public to participate in the second phase of conservation and management planning for Oregon's nearshore marine resources.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Marine Resources Program wants interested members of the public to participate in developing Oregon's Nearshore Marine Resource Management Strategy. This strategy is not intended to be regulatory, but to be a comprehensive, large-scale look at the nearshore environment and resources and to prioritize the species and habitats in need of management attention. The goal is to provide a proactive and sustainable approach to marine species and habitat management in Oregon.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Meetings next week in Newport and Gold Beach will focus on further developing ideas suggested by the public during previous meetings. They will look at non-regulatory conservation actions ODFW and interested partners-private citizens, industry groups, conservation organizations, tribes, other government agencies, or others-can take to contribute to the long-term health of the marine environment, fish and wildlife.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial"][size 2]Meeting times and dates include: [/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]* Newport, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Embarcadero Resort Hotel & Marina, 1000 SE Blvd, Newport
* Gold Beach, April 26 at 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gold Beach Resort Conference Center, 29232 Ellensburg on Highway 101, Gold Beach[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]During earlier discussions, held in late March and early April, Marine Resources Program managers and biologists drew on the expertise, experience and insights of people who work, play and have an interest in Oregon's coast, from the high-tide line out to three nautical miles. They learned what Oregonians see as significant issues facing our state's marine resources, now and in the future. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2] "We had great turnout at the first series of public meetings," said Maggie Sommer, Marine Resources Program assistant manager. "People with diverse connections to Oregon's ocean-some with generations of local fishing experience in their families, beachcombers, business owners, scuba divers, students, and many others-discussed their concerns and priorities for nearshore marine resources."[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Many of those attending the meetings offered examples of what is working to keep marine fish, wildlife, and habitats healthy, here in Oregon, she said. "People may disagree on how our ocean and coastal resources should be used and protected, but everyone shares a vision of healthy marine fish and wildlife supporting a diversity of sustainable uses long into the future," Sommer said.[/size][/font]
[font "Arial"][size 2]Additional meetings in mid-summer will provide an opportunity for public review of and comment on the Nearshore Strategy draft document.[/size][/font]
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