Nature Matters welcomes Meg Reed November 9

In the face of a changing climate, Oregon’s already dynamic coastal environment will continue to see challenges to development, infrastructure, recreation, and natural environments. All levels of government, organizations, and individuals are faced with difficult questions about how best to prepare, adapt, and mitigate for these challenges.

Meg Reed, the Coastal Shores Specialist for the Department of Land Conservation and Development’s Coastal Management Program, addresses those dynamics and more Thursday, Nov. 9 at a Nature Matters presentation. The 7 p.m. discussion takes place at the Fort George Brewery in Astoria. The event is free, open to the public, and will take place in the Fort George’s Lovell Building showroom. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for those wanting to purchase dinner or beverages.

Oregon’s Coastal Management Program is charged with the management, conservation, and development of Oregon’s coastal and ocean resources through the statewide land use planning program. Reed provides technical assistance to cities, counties, and state agencies regarding land use planning for coastal shore processes and geologic hazards. She also coordinates Oregon’s King Tides Photo Project. Reed’s background is in marine science, natural resource management, and science communication. The Nov. 9 event will examine some of the hazards coastal communities face and how climate change factors in to the policies and management of coastal resources and development. Additionally, this talk will discuss ways in which citizens can help provide coastal managers with local data through King Tides photographs to better help visualize the impacts of sea level rise. To find out more about the King Tides Photo Project, visit http://www.oregonkingtides.net. This year the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, as well as Oregon Shores and Surfrider, will be partnering to encourage participation and provide support for the project on the North Oregon Coast.

Nature Matters, a lively conversation about the intersection of nature and culture, takes place on the second Thursday of each month from October through May. Nature Matters is hosted by Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in partnership with the North Coast Watershed Association, the Lewis & Clark National Park Association, and the Fort George. For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471 or check out http://www.nps.gov/lewi or Lewis and Clark National Historical Park on Facebook or Instagram.