CBEMP 101
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Natural units are managed to protect natural resources, such as areas with significant fish and wildlife habitat, especially those that are the least altered or developed. They contain extensive salt marshes, tideflats, seagrass and algae beds, and a variety of fish and wildlife. Permissible uses include low-intensity water-dependent recreation, research, passive restoration, bridge crossings, and limited use of riprap. Uses that may be allowed under the resource capability test include boat ramps, aquaculture, habitat restoration, pipelines or other utility crossings, and bridge crossing support structures.
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The conservation unit is applied to areas that have been altered from their natural state. While their natural resources and habitat may be smaller or less significant than those in natural management unit areas, resource protection is still important for their long-term quality and health. A variety of development is allowed as long as there are no major alterations. Uses that may be allowed under the resource capability test include high-intensity water-dependent recreation, marinas, certain water surface uses that do not require dredging or filling, and aquaculture.
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Development units are reserved for areas with fewer natural resources that have been the most altered. These are typically applied to deep-water areas close to shore, navigation channels and subtidal areas suitable for disposal of dredged materials. In addition to uses allowed in natural and conservation management units, permissible uses include dredging and filling, water-dependent commercial activities, and dredged navigation channel and water storage areas that support industry, commerce, and recreation. Resource capability uses include non-water dependent or related uses and mining.
What are Estuary Management Plans?
Oregon’s Estuary Management Plans are foundational resources for coastal cities and counties, including spatial designation and classification of discrete estuarine management units, permissible uses for different portions of estuaries based on management unit classification, and regulatory standards for the review of aquatic area development proposals. Oregon’s Statewide Land Use Planning Goal 16 (Estuarine Resources) directs all local governments with authority over an estuary to prepare and adopt an Estuary Management Plan and related land use regulations.
who uses the estuary management plan?
An Estuary Management Plan allows local jurisdictions to manage their estuaries for the benefit of the public and natural resources in a way that meets the needs of the community. The CBEMP is implemented by:
Coos County Comprehensive Plan
Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan
North Bend Comprehensive Plan
What uses are identified in the estuary management plan?
Allowable uses of the estuary are identified based on the geography of the specific estuary. Coos Bay is one of three deep-draft development estuaries in the state, with maintained jetties and channels more than 22 feet deep. As a deep-draft development estuary, the CBEMP can delinate estuary management units in all three designations: Natural, Conservation, and Development.
Why Update the CBEMP?
The first CBEMP was adopted in 1982 and has not been fully updated since. Partial plan updates occurred in 1984 and 2024 (see more below), but there are still elements original to the 1982 plan. In the 40 years since its adoption, the natural environment and estuary management approach has changed significantly. There is a wealth of updated mapping, science, and community input that can be incorporated to ensure that the plan reflects the most relevant information and best serves the community’s current perspectives and future goals for the estuary.
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In 1979, the Coos County Board of Commissioners decided to create a coordinated, intergovernmental estuary management plan to balance conservation and development.
The Coos Curry Council of Governments (CCCOG) was designated as lead agency and hired Wilsey and Ham to facilitate meetings and prepare documents. Later, CCCOG produced documents directly while Wilsey and Ham facilitated discussions.
An Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) was formed, with its first meeting on July 16, 1979. The IATF included local governments, state, and federal agencies, each with regulatory or planning authority.
After several drafts, the “Third Draft CBEMP” was released for public review in July 1982. Local adoption and submission to LCDC (Land Conservation and Development Commission) followed in September.
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In April 1983, LCDC issued a 258-page review with suggested changes and gave a 150-day continuance to fix deficiencies. Another continuance was granted in October 1983 after progress was shown.
The plan was resubmitted after further public review and adoption steps.
The 1984 CBEMP emerged as the product of more than five years of work, involving complex negotiations, delays, and high costs.
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After adoption, the City of Eastside was incorporated into the City of Coos Bay, changing local jurisdictional boundaries.
In 2015, the Partnership for Coastal Watersheds (PCW)—a coalition of local, state, federal, and community representatives—began evaluating how to update the CBEMP. Their process intentionally mirrored the original IATF approach.
In 2019, PCW presented findings and recommendations to local governments. Officials agreed a full update was too resource-intensive, but supported incremental updates.
A 2024 partial update was initiated as the first step toward a comprehensive revision, recognizing the need to align land use with evolving community, economic, and environmental priorities.
How is the CBEMP Updated?
Generally, Estuary Management Plans are updated through a committee structure, leveraging experts and data to update maps, delineate uses, and draft implementation guidelines. This process can take several years to complete, including public input periods, local adoption, and state integration.
CBEMP Phase 1 Update
The CBEMP update process started in 2019, with a partial update adopted in January 2024. The update included digitizing new resource inventories and maps, aligning three separate versions of the plan into one document, and determining a process for future co-management of the plan.
CBEMP Phase 2 Update
Phase 2 will build upon the outcomes of Phase 1 to complete a more comprehensive update to the CBEMP. The process will be led by an Advisory Body composed of three committees. Currently, the Advisory Body is working to develop Committee leadership and structure, outline a scope and timeline for Phase 2 activities, and procure funding for a facilitator to manage the process.