Getting to Know Oregon’s Recreational Ocean Users 

A first-of-its-kind study in the state, Oregon State University is conducting research focusing on the “non-consumptive” ocean recreational users of Oregon-including divers, surfers, kite boarders, windsurfers, boaters/sailors, kayakers, and boat-based nature viewers. The project hopes to better understand these communities in learning about their needs, perspectives, composition, and contributions. Presently, there is a void in available information on these groups.

The information gathered will be used to create a profile of these recreational communities to potentially serve as a foundation for informing policy decisions. This project seeks to ensure that the present void in information on these “non-consumptive” recreational ocean users is filled to facilitate their representation in future decision-making regarding Oregon’s oceans.

As a stakeholder of Oregon’s ocean resources, your participation is highly valued. Participation in the study is voluntary, limited to Oregon residents over the age of 18, and will involve the completion of a mail questionnaire. No identities will be made public, no sensitive info will be collected, and addresses will not be shared with third parties.

To participate please contact Chris Eardley, an Oregon State University graduate student. Please mention which ocean recreational group(s) you belong to and provide your mailing address for receiving the questionnaire.

OutdoorRideShare.com

If you like to be active, be green, and save money, this site's for you.

Maybe you don't have a car. Maybe you have a car but none of your friends can go that day. Maybe you have a car, and a friend to go with but you want to cut down on your carbon footprint and cost on gas by taking more people. . . whatever your reason to use outdoorrideshare.com you are making the right choice.

OutdoorRideshare.com was built with the understanding that these are generally the most important obstacles to overcome when it comes to getting outdoors. Which break you surf, which river you float, which mountain you climb matters, but not as much as getting to a break/river/mountain. If you have a specific place in mind for your trip, include it in your post title. If you have a certain number of people you can take, include that too.

It's easy. It's the right thing to do. Use it!

Water quality advisories (a.k.a. the poo factor)

Sample results detected higher thannormal fecal bacteria levels at the following locations:

No advisories at this time.

The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) monitors the waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria, and reports elevated levels to the public. For information on advisories, testing sites, and the program in general, follow this link.

OSP Fan Club Support the site you so dearly love by sporting an OSP Hoody, t-shirt (now in long sleeve too), or an embroidered beanie. Stickers too. Just can't get enough of the OSP. Click here to order.

The state of our beaches

Oregon began to implement a statewide beach water quality monitoring program in 2003. An on-line Costal Atlas is now available that provides a wealth of information on coastal resources. Beach access information and status is exceptional due to Oregon's longstanding "Beach Bill", with greater than one access site per mile of shoreline.