.jpg)
Regarding OPRD Ocean Shores Permit Application # 3123-26
Urgent - Public Comments must be received by September 27th!
Seize this opportunity to let your voice be heard in the ongoing battle against harmful shoreline armoring! The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is currently reviewing an application to construct a riprap revetment along the public shoreline in Cannon Beach. The proposed project would place a permanent shoreline armoring structure along approximately 50 feet of oceanfront land at a short term rental property.
This is an important opportunity for beach users, community members, neighbors, visitors, conservationists, and everyone who values Oregon’s public beaches to tell OPRD how this project could affect the public shoreline.
Why does this permit matter?
Riprap is a form of shoreline armoring that uses a layer of large boulders to protect oceanfront development from erosion. While shortsighted homeowners may view armoring as a quick solution to protect the property directly behind it, hard shoreline structures can also interfere with the natural movement of waves and sand. This contributes to loss or narrowing of the beach in front of and beside armored areas.
Surfrider has repeatedly raised these concerns about the impacts of riprap on Oregon’s beaches, including the dangers of beach scouring, sediment loss, impacts to neighboring properties, recreational access, destroyed habitat, and the long-term public cost of protecting private development.
You may remember that this particular proposal has already generated significant community worry and opposition. Earlier versions of the proposal were denied by the Cannon Beach Planning Commission, and a previous appeal also failed. A later application was again denied by the Planning Commission before the Cannon Beach City Council overturned the application denial by 1 vote in November 2025. Now, the project would still need to independently satisfy OPRD’s state Ocean Shore Permit standards to move forward.
.jpg?width=1440&height=550&name=Cannon%20Beach%20Aerial%20with%20Haystack%20Rock%20(Shutterstock%20purchase).jpg)
What can you do? Help protect Cannon Beach by submitting your own Public Comment!
Long story short, this permit has been rightfully denied multiple times and we need to make it clear to OPRD that denying this riprap project is the correct and responsible resolution. The application is currently in the public comment period and is awaiting review by OPRD. This is our opportunity to turn out as many public comments as possible to communicate to OPRD that we collectively oppose beach armoring.
What can you write about?
OPRD asks the public to address whether granting the permit would be detrimental to:
-
Interests and safety of the public
-
Natural resource values of the ocean shore
-
Scenic values
- Recreational values
- Economic values
Speak to any of these elements that particularly resonate with you and let your concerns be heard. Keep in mind that your comment does not need to be technical or lengthy. The most meaningful part of a public comment is sharing your own story and personal connection to the beach. A strong comment should explain who you are, why this beach matters to you, what specifically concerns you about this proposal, and why you believe OPRD should deny Permit #3123-26.
To help you craft your comment, we've put together a full commenting guide and sample comment letter.
👉 Get it straight to your inbox by emailing Taylor Wood at twood@surfrider.org
How to submit your comment
Preferably, send your written comments by email to the OPRD Ocean Shore Permit Program at OceanShores.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov with “Application # 3123-26” included in the subject line. Bcc twood@surfrider.org so we can track submissions.
Alternatively, comments may be mailed to:
Tyler Blanchette
OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 2139
Waldport, OR 97394