INR Projects related to Marine and Coastal-based systems:

Coastal Community Water Supply -- Economic development and diversification on the Oregon Coast frequently are constrained by municipal and industrial water supply limitations. Without comprehensive information, economic development officials find it difficult to match prospects with specific communities. At the same time, cities and other water suppliers are required by the Oregon Water Resources Department to prepare Water Management and Conservation Plans. Yet, coastal communities are hard pressed to prepare these plans because many lack even basic information about their systems, their customers and the environmental concerns they will face as they attempt to meet their future water needs. Working with Sea Grant funding, the Institute is gathering information about water suppliers, rights and availability and research and analysis needed to help coastal communities address future water supply needs. This project begins to fill information gaps and lays the foundation for a comprehensive assessment.

Marine Science Advisory Panel -- The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy has undertaken the first congressionally authorized review of national ocean policies in 35 years. The Commission recently released a preliminary report and invited all Governors to comment on its recommendations. At the request of the Development Ocean-Coastal Management Program of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation, INR organized a Marine Science Advisory Panel with eight Oregon University System scientists to prepare the comprehensive scientific report Governor Kulongoski used to inform his review. The Governor included the full scientific report in the State’s formal comments to the U.S. Commission.

North Coast Explorer -- The North Coast Explorer was developed as a prototype website for Oregon Explorer, a natural resources digital library and web portal. It demonstrates how a website can provide integrated access to natural resources data, tools, and expertise for the North Coast Basin of Oregon. Its focus is on watersheds and fisheries and is designed to serve three user groups: local restoration groups and citizens (for example watershed councils and soil and water conservation districts), and Oregon Plan partner agencies. Partners included OWEB, University of Oregon's InfoGraphics Lab, the Natural Resources Information Management Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon Departments of Administrative Services and Environmental Quality, as well as members of coastal Watershed Councils. Funding was provided by OWEB.

Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center -- The Institute has completed agreements with the Oregon Department of State Lands and The Nature Conservancy to assume managerial responsibility for the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center (ORNHIC).

Salmon Anchor Habitat Project -- Managing Northwest Oregon state forests for diverse values has proved contentious. Some groups argue that timber production should be the primary purpose of these forests and that forest plans restrict timber harvesting too much. Others contend that forest plans do not adequately protect the best remaining coastal salmon habitats. Ultimately, the 2003 Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to review its Salmon Anchor Habitat strategy for Northwest Oregon state forests, focusing on its scientific basis, effectiveness, and revenue implications. ODF asked the Institute to convene a Work Group mandated by the Legislature to assure an unbiased approach to the review. INR staff designed a process based on the “consensus conference” model to engage the stakeholders directly with 14 scientific experts, provided research and report writing and moderated a series of meetings, culminating with a final report to the Legislature.