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• 31. [Article] Recreational placer mining in the Oregon scenic waterways system

  This report discusses the benefits versus the cost of recreational placer mining in the Oregon Scenic Waterways System.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recreational placer mining in the Oregon scenic waterways system Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff, Shelby, Bo, 1948-, Bernell, David This report discusses the benefits versus the cost of recreational placer mining in the Oregon Scenic Waterways System. Title: Recreational placer mining in the Oregon scenic waterways system Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff, Shelby, Bo, 1948-, Bernell, David This report discusses the benefits versus the cost of recreational placer mining in the Oregon Scenic Waterways System. Close

• 32. [Article] Willamette Basin conservation project, final report

  Appendix 5-B is available upon request.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Basin conservation project, final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources Appendix 5-B is available upon request. Title: Willamette Basin conservation project, final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources Appendix 5-B is available upon request. Close

• 33. [Article] The Oregon scenic waterways system: a review and assessment

  The popularity of Oregon Scenic Waterways continues to increase, indicating that the public values these waterways more than ever. Oregon s exceptional endowment of undeveloped rivers and lakes contributes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon scenic waterways system: a review and assessment Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Bernell, David, Behan, Jeff The popularity of Oregon Scenic Waterways continues to increase, indicating that the public values these waterways more than ever. Oregon s exceptional endowment of undeveloped rivers and lakes contributes in many important ways to the high quality of life that residents and tourists enjoy, and is a key reason why more people continue to move here and vacation here. Pressures resulting from rising growth make it clear that protecting waterways will present many challenges, but our findings strongly suggest that the benefits of meeting these challenges far outweigh the costs. Title: The Oregon scenic waterways system: a review and assessment Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Bernell, David, Behan, Jeff The popularity of Oregon Scenic Waterways continues to increase, indicating that the public values these waterways more than ever. Oregon s exceptional endowment of undeveloped rivers and lakes contributes in many important ways to the high quality of life that residents and tourists enjoy, and is a key reason why more people continue to move here and vacation here. Pressures resulting from rising growth make it clear that protecting waterways will present many challenges, but our findings strongly suggest that the benefits of meeting these challenges far outweigh the costs. Close

• 34. [Article] Expressing Oregon environmental benchmarks in ecological terms: recommendations to the Oregon progress board

  A multidisciplinary team of scientists (Appendix 1) examined 10 of the 16 environmental benchmarks that are tracked by the Oregon Progress Board. The intent of the environmental benchmarks is to provide ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Expressing Oregon environmental benchmarks in ecological terms: recommendations to the Oregon progress board Author: Oregon State University, Norris, Logan A. (Logan Allen), Institute for Natural Resources, Nicholas, Jay, Salwasser, Hal, Oregon Water Enhancement Board A multidisciplinary team of scientists (Appendix 1) examined 10 of the 16 environmental benchmarks that are tracked by the Oregon Progress Board. The intent of the environmental benchmarks is to provide a fair assessment of the status and trends of Oregon's environmental health. The scientists were asked to clarify benchmark definitions if necessary, explain the status of data for the benchmarks, and define ecologically possible conditions for each of those benchmarks for which such conditions could be identified. Title: Expressing Oregon environmental benchmarks in ecological terms: recommendations to the Oregon progress board Author: Oregon State University, Norris, Logan A. (Logan Allen), Institute for Natural Resources, Nicholas, Jay, Salwasser, Hal, Oregon Water Enhancement Board A multidisciplinary team of scientists (Appendix 1) examined 10 of the 16 environmental benchmarks that are tracked by the Oregon Progress Board. The intent of the environmental benchmarks is to provide a fair assessment of the status and trends of Oregon's environmental health. The scientists were asked to clarify benchmark definitions if necessary, explain the status of data for the benchmarks, and define ecologically possible conditions for each of those benchmarks for which such conditions could be identified. Close

• 35. [Article] The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011

  From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Castelein, Kathleen A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Lauten, David J., Farrar, J. Daniel, Kotaich, Adam A. From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2011 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue use of mini-exclosures(MEs) to protect nests from predators when and where needed, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational data about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 247-253 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 214 individuals were known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 289 nests in 2011, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall apparent nest success was 50%. Exclosed nests (n = 48) had a 71% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 241) had a 48% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (22%), corvid depredation (20%), unknown cause (18%), one-egg nests (16%), abandonment (15%), wind/weather (3%), mammalian depredation (2%), adult plover depredation (2%), infertility (1%), and rodent depredation (1%). We monitored 148 broods, including four from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 168 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 46%, and 1.57 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Castelein, Kathleen A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Lauten, David J., Farrar, J. Daniel, Kotaich, Adam A. From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2011 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue use of mini-exclosures(MEs) to protect nests from predators when and where needed, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational data about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 247-253 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 214 individuals were known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 289 nests in 2011, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall apparent nest success was 50%. Exclosed nests (n = 48) had a 71% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 241) had a 48% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (22%), corvid depredation (20%), unknown cause (18%), one-egg nests (16%), abandonment (15%), wind/weather (3%), mammalian depredation (2%), adult plover depredation (2%), infertility (1%), and rodent depredation (1%). We monitored 148 broods, including four from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 168 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 46%, and 1.57 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Close

• 36. [Article] The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011

  From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kotaich, Adam A., Portland State University/INR, Farrar, J. Daniel, The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, Castelein, Kathleen A, Gaines, Eleanor P., Lauten, David J. From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2011 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue use of mini-exclosures (MEs) to protect nests from predators when and where needed, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational data about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 247-253 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 214 individuals were known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 289 nests in 2011, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall apparent nest success was 50%. Exclosed nests (n = 48) had a 71% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 241) had a 48% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (22%), corvid depredation (20%), unknown cause (18%), one-egg nests (16%), abandonment (15%), wind/weather (3%), mammalian depredation (2%), adult plover depredation (2%), infertility (1%), and rodent depredation (1%). We monitored 148 broods, including four from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 168 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 46%, and 1.57 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2011 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kotaich, Adam A., Portland State University/INR, Farrar, J. Daniel, The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, Castelein, Kathleen A, Gaines, Eleanor P., Lauten, David J. From 6 April – 19 September 2011 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2011 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue use of mini-exclosures (MEs) to protect nests from predators when and where needed, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational data about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 247-253 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 214 individuals were known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 289 nests in 2011, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall apparent nest success was 50%. Exclosed nests (n = 48) had a 71% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 241) had a 48% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (22%), corvid depredation (20%), unknown cause (18%), one-egg nests (16%), abandonment (15%), wind/weather (3%), mammalian depredation (2%), adult plover depredation (2%), infertility (1%), and rodent depredation (1%). We monitored 148 broods, including four from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 168 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 46%, and 1.57 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Close

• 37. [Article] The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2010

  From 8 April – 27 September 2010 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2010 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Farrar, Daniel, Castelein, Kathleen A., Kotaich, Adam A., Lauten, David J., Gaines, Eleanor P. From 8 April – 27 September 2010 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2010 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue selective use of mini-exclosures (MEs) to protect nests from predators and evaluate whether exclosure use can be reduced, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational information about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 232-236 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 175 individuals was known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 261 nests in 2010, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall Mayfield nest success was 25%. Exclosed nests (n = 67) had a 72% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 194) had a 23% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (24%), unknown cause (17%), one-egg nests (15%), rodent depredation (14%), abandonment (12%), wind/weather (5%), corvid depredation (5%), mammalian depredation (4%), wave overwash (2%), infertility (2%), and adult depredation (1%). We monitored 94 broods, including two from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 80 fledglings. Overall brood success was 55%, fledging success was 33%, and 0.90 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2010 Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Farrar, Daniel, Castelein, Kathleen A., Kotaich, Adam A., Lauten, David J., Gaines, Eleanor P. From 8 April – 27 September 2010 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Beach, New River, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2010 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue selective use of mini-exclosures (MEs) to protect nests from predators and evaluate whether exclosure use can be reduced, 4) determine nest success, 5) determine fledging success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect general observational information about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management. We observed an estimated 232-236 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 175 individuals was known to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 261 nests in 2010, the highest number of nests since monitoring began in 1990. Overall Mayfield nest success was 25%. Exclosed nests (n = 67) had a 72% apparent nest success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 194) had a 23% apparent nest success rate. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation (24%), unknown cause (17%), one-egg nests (15%), rodent depredation (14%), abandonment (12%), wind/weather (5%), corvid depredation (5%), mammalian depredation (4%), wave overwash (2%), infertility (2%), and adult depredation (1%). We monitored 94 broods, including two from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 80 fledglings. Overall brood success was 55%, fledging success was 33%, and 0.90 fledglings per male were produced. Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management of recreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals. Close

• 38. [Article] Policy cornerstones and action stategies for an integrated ecosystem marketplace in Oregon

  This report is one component in a series of roundtables, workshops, and working groups funded in part by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation exploring opportunities and issues for ecosystem services ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Policy cornerstones and action stategies for an integrated ecosystem marketplace in Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources This report is one component in a series of roundtables, workshops, and working groups funded in part by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation exploring opportunities and issues for ecosystem services markets. The paper draws on two workshops. The first, entitled “Building an Oregon Ecosystem Services Marketplace: Policy Focus Session,” was held in Portland on January 18, 2008. The ideas, suggestions and examples shared at the workshop provided the foundation for a draft of this document that was then discussed at a second workshop, held May 8, 2008, with state agency directors and staff. Title: Policy cornerstones and action stategies for an integrated ecosystem marketplace in Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources This report is one component in a series of roundtables, workshops, and working groups funded in part by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation exploring opportunities and issues for ecosystem services markets. The paper draws on two workshops. The first, entitled “Building an Oregon Ecosystem Services Marketplace: Policy Focus Session,” was held in Portland on January 18, 2008. The ideas, suggestions and examples shared at the workshop provided the foundation for a draft of this document that was then discussed at a second workshop, held May 8, 2008, with state agency directors and staff. Close

• 39. [Article] Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop Summary Report

  This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at the Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop. The Workshop was designed and conducted by the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) and Oregon Sea ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop Summary Report Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kleibacker, Megan, Ewing, Amy, Achterman, Gail L. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at the Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop. The Workshop was designed and conducted by the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) and Oregon Sea Grant (Sea Grant) on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) and the Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association to support and further the work of the Regional Gravel Initiative (RGI). The Workshop centered on a USGS report presented by Dr. Jim O’Connor and two scientific panels. The geomorphology panel was composed of Dr. Brian Cluer (NMFS), Dr. Pete Klingeman (OSU Department of Civil Engineering), Chris Lidstone (Lidstone and Associates) and Dr. Desiree Tullos (OSU Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering). The biological panel was composed of Todd Confer (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife), Dennis Halligan (Stillwater Sciences), Jim Waldvogel (Sea Grant), and Chuck Wheeler (NMFS). The report was prepared by Gail L. Achterman of the Institute for Natural Resources based upon notes taken by Amy Ewing, INR, Megan Kleibacker, Sea Grant, and several agency staff members who shared their notes. In the portions presented in conversational format, the text represents summary - rather than exact - quotations. For convenience moving forward, the report incorporates the discussion questions developed for the workshop by the RGI Technical Team. The questions and other material from the discussion question paper are italicized in the report. Title: Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop Summary Report Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kleibacker, Megan, Ewing, Amy, Achterman, Gail L. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at the Regional Gravel Initiative Workshop. The Workshop was designed and conducted by the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) and Oregon Sea Grant (Sea Grant) on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) and the Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association to support and further the work of the Regional Gravel Initiative (RGI). The Workshop centered on a USGS report presented by Dr. Jim O’Connor and two scientific panels. The geomorphology panel was composed of Dr. Brian Cluer (NMFS), Dr. Pete Klingeman (OSU Department of Civil Engineering), Chris Lidstone (Lidstone and Associates) and Dr. Desiree Tullos (OSU Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering). The biological panel was composed of Todd Confer (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife), Dennis Halligan (Stillwater Sciences), Jim Waldvogel (Sea Grant), and Chuck Wheeler (NMFS). The report was prepared by Gail L. Achterman of the Institute for Natural Resources based upon notes taken by Amy Ewing, INR, Megan Kleibacker, Sea Grant, and several agency staff members who shared their notes. In the portions presented in conversational format, the text represents summary - rather than exact - quotations. For convenience moving forward, the report incorporates the discussion questions developed for the workshop by the RGI Technical Team. The questions and other material from the discussion question paper are italicized in the report. Close

• 40. [Article] Scientific Workshop to Inform the Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project

  In recent years, depletion of sands in the nearshore environment along the northern Oregon and southwest Washington coasts has been documented. This erosion raises concerns about protection of economic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Scientific Workshop to Inform the Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project Author: Institute for Natural Resources In recent years, depletion of sands in the nearshore environment along the northern Oregon and southwest Washington coasts has been documented. This erosion raises concerns about protection of economic and ecological resources in the area. The Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project was initiated to engage public and private sector participants in a collaborative process to explore the use of lower Columbia River maintenance dredge material to address the depletion of natural sand volumes in the nearshore environment off the South Jetty of the Columbia River. The objective of the proposed supplementation of dredged sediments is for these sediments to rebuild the offshore sands in the project area and, over the long term, better protect the South Jetty from wave impacts. This project is one of the activities of the Lower Columbia Solutions Group (LCSG). Convened by Governor Kulongoski of Oregon and former Governor Locke of Washington, the LCSG is a diverse group of local, state and federal stakeholders interested in and affected by dredge material disposal activities in the Lower Columbia River area. Stakeholders include crabbers, fishing interests, environmentalists, development interests, and local, state and federal government. The Nearshore Project group and the LCSG have requested that scientists with relevant expertise provide input about the current state of scientific understanding and research needs for topics pertinent to the Nearshore Beneficial Use Project. In response, the Institute for Natural Resources at OSU is co-hosting a Scientific Workshop to Inform the Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project. This two-day workshop is by-invitation-only. Day 1 of the workshop, which is being organized by INR, will focus on a discussion of scientific information about such topics as sediment migration, wave and current patterns, and biological communities in the project area. Day 2 of the workshop, hosted by the LCSG, will share the products from the previous day's scientific discussion--such as areas of scientific agreement, research and monitoring needed to address scientific unknowns, and key indicators for assessing impacts of a nearshore beneficial use project--with policymakers, resources practitioners, and interested stakeholders. Products and outcomes of the workshop will be used to help increase understanding about the state of knowledge and uncertainty regarding the nearshore environment and recommend effective policies and activities that will address concerns about resource protection in the area of interest. Title: Scientific Workshop to Inform the Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project Author: Institute for Natural Resources In recent years, depletion of sands in the nearshore environment along the northern Oregon and southwest Washington coasts has been documented. This erosion raises concerns about protection of economic and ecological resources in the area. The Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project was initiated to engage public and private sector participants in a collaborative process to explore the use of lower Columbia River maintenance dredge material to address the depletion of natural sand volumes in the nearshore environment off the South Jetty of the Columbia River. The objective of the proposed supplementation of dredged sediments is for these sediments to rebuild the offshore sands in the project area and, over the long term, better protect the South Jetty from wave impacts. This project is one of the activities of the Lower Columbia Solutions Group (LCSG). Convened by Governor Kulongoski of Oregon and former Governor Locke of Washington, the LCSG is a diverse group of local, state and federal stakeholders interested in and affected by dredge material disposal activities in the Lower Columbia River area. Stakeholders include crabbers, fishing interests, environmentalists, development interests, and local, state and federal government. The Nearshore Project group and the LCSG have requested that scientists with relevant expertise provide input about the current state of scientific understanding and research needs for topics pertinent to the Nearshore Beneficial Use Project. In response, the Institute for Natural Resources at OSU is co-hosting a Scientific Workshop to Inform the Columbia River Nearshore Beneficial Use Project. This two-day workshop is by-invitation-only. Day 1 of the workshop, which is being organized by INR, will focus on a discussion of scientific information about such topics as sediment migration, wave and current patterns, and biological communities in the project area. Day 2 of the workshop, hosted by the LCSG, will share the products from the previous day's scientific discussion--such as areas of scientific agreement, research and monitoring needed to address scientific unknowns, and key indicators for assessing impacts of a nearshore beneficial use project--with policymakers, resources practitioners, and interested stakeholders. Products and outcomes of the workshop will be used to help increase understanding about the state of knowledge and uncertainty regarding the nearshore environment and recommend effective policies and activities that will address concerns about resource protection in the area of interest. Close