Implementing the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy

Managing Oregon's rocky coastline is a shared responsibility. In the fall of 2018, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) gathered decision makers across the state to begin an amendment to the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy (Part Three) of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP). The plan acts as a coordinated vision for marine resources in Oregon and guides the actions of state and federal agencies that are responsible for managing coastal and ocean resources in the public trust. 

Five years later, on April 20, 2023 the Land Conservation and Development Commission unanimously adopted an amendment to Part Three. The decision completed a process that added eight new management areas that reflect the needs of the communities that proposed them. Rocky Habitat Management Areas focus on balancing use and conservation through the enhancement of visitor experiences with education and interpretation to limit wildlife disturbance and habitat degradation.

The designations completed a multiple year effort led by the Ocean Policy Advisory Council to revise the Management Strategy and was focused on site management designations along areas of Oregon’s iconic rocky shoreline. The effort included extensive input from agencies, organizations, governments, and general rocky coast users on revisions to the Plan. 

Rocky Habitat Management Plan Development

Newly Designated Rocky Habitat Sites (listed from north to south):

1. Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area
2. Chapman Point Marine Garden
3. Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area
4. Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area
5. Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area
6. Coquille Point Marine Garden
7. Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area
8. Cape Blanco Marine Research Area 

The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is hosting a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to develop rocky habitat site management plans for the eight newly designated rocky habitat protected areas. These meetings are an opportunity to listen to professionals and volunteers whose work involves rocky habitats and to share feedback with OCMP staff. Part 1 of the Rocky Habitat Management Workshop Series wrapped up on October 22nd, 2024, in Bandon. Part 2 will begin in early 2025; the workshop schedule for 2025 will be announced later this winter. 

Please reach out to Eva Krukowski the Rocky Habitat Projects Coordinator with any questions, comments, or to request more information, 971-446-1529, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.