At the beginning of summer, Cannon Beach community members packed a conference room at Tolovana Inn to hear the latest updates on the ongoing project to protect the eroding north bank of Ecola Creek. Over a shared meal, project managers Jay Horita and Denise Lofman of CREST dove into the history of the project, how we got to this point, and provided additional context on our project parameters. Next, engineer Kara Scheu of Integral Consulting Inc gave us an overview of the extensive research and modeling her team conducted that was used to inform the designs, and finally unveiled the designs themselves, thoughtfully explaining each element and its purpose within the system. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions, and develop a greater understanding of the project.
This portion of the presentation was recorded, and we invite you to view it on our youtube channel.
After the presentation, we invited folks to participate in a mapping exercise, which allowed for deeper input on specific elements of the project, such as placement and content of interpretive signage, safety considerations, and placement of the access trail. This was also an opportunity to connect further and share stories of King Tides past, local anecdotes, and more. We loved hearing everyone’s stories and positive feedback on the designs! Additionally, we gathered important information from attendees that will be used as the design stage of this project progresses.
We’re so excited to move forward on this project with the support of those in this community, and are glad we can be a part of something that builds resilience, preserves access, and protects the beach!
Since this event, as the designs are further developed, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) – State regulators that manage the ocean shore – have been in regular contact with CREST and the engineering team at Integral in order to provide feedback, as this project has the potential to serve as a blueprint for similar projects in the future. As our coastlines and communities adapt to climate change, we will be required to develop nature-based adaptations in order to maintain and increase resilience.
In the coming weeks, the designs will be reaching the “permit-ready” level, and the permitting process with the State agencies will begin.
To read past blogs in this series, see Innovating on the Shore in Cannon Beach (September 2024) and What’s Next for Ecola Creek (June 2024)