CBEMP Advisory Body
The Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) is supported by three essential advisory committees—Steering, Technical, and Citizen Advisory—which are integral to implementing the Citizen Involvement Program as required by Section 2, Policies #36 and #39 of the CBEMP. In alignment with Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 1, these committees work collaboratively to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and community insights that ensure the public plays an active role in land-use planning of the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan.
Committee Leadership & Members
Each committee has a specified number of members and 3 officers, including a Chair (who will also serve on the Steering Committee), a Vice Chair, and a Secretary. The Secretary is responsible for taking notes, while the Chair and Vice Chair are responsible for preparing meeting agendas and providing them to staff for posting on the County website and calendar.
These committees were created to support plan updates, but they require significant time and engagement. Not all positions are required to be filled, and in many cases one person may cover more than one category.
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Steering Committee
Steering Committee provides overall direction and coordination for land use planning efforts, such as updates to the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan.
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Citizen Advisory Committee
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) provides a formal way for community members to participate in Oregon’s land use planning process.
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Technical Advisory Committee
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) provides scientific, regulatory, and professional expertise to support land use planning and policy updates.
Steering Committee
Steering Committee provides overall direction and coordination for land use planning efforts, such as updates to the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan.
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City of Coos Bay: Chelsea Schnabel
City of North Bend: Palak Pandey
Port of Coos Bay: Rick Adamek
Coquille Tribe: John Ogan
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians: Courtney Krossman
Technical Advisory Committee Chair: Haley Lutz (as of 3/10/26)
Citizen Advisory Committee Chair: Jamie Fereday (as of 4/6/2026)
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Officers are elected by Committee vote, and serve their position for one (1) year. More details about Officer positions are available in the Steering Committee Bylaws.
Chair: John Ogan (appointed on 3/13/26)
Vice Chair: Rick Adamek (appointed on 3/13/26)
Secretary: Palak Pandey (appointed on 3/13/26)
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The purpose and authority of the Steering Committee is outlined in their Charter, which was approved by the Committee on March 13, 2026.
The Coos Estuary Joint Steering Committee (the "Steering Committee") is a dedicated planning body responsible for the ongoing and structured maintenance of the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP). The Steering Committee provides overall direction and coordination for land use planning efforts, ensuring that the CBEMP remains a unified multijurisdictional plan spanning Coos County, the City of Coos Bay, and the City of North Bend
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Operating procedures and expectations are outlined in the Committee Bylaws, which were adopted by the Committee on March 13, 2026 and amended on April 6, 2026.
Citizen Advisory Committee
Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) provides a formal way for community members to participate in Oregon’s land use planning process.
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Confederated Tribal representative for the Citizen Advisory Committee: Courtney Krossman
Coquille Tribal representative for the Citizen Advisory Committee: Vacant
Coos County Citizen Advisory Committee At Large: Chase Messerle (as of 3/17)
City of Coos Bay Advisory Committee At Large: Jamie Fereday
City of North Bend Advisory Committee At Large: Ken Bonetti
Maritime Industrial Background: Pat Goll
Commercial or Sport Fishing Background : Josh Bettersworth (as of 2/11/26)
Aquaculture or Seafood Processing Background: Steven Miller
Public Health or Social Services Background: Emily Reinig
Recreational or Tourism Background: Joe Aguirre (as of 3/17)
Local Business Background: Darrel Smith
Citizen with Environmental Interest: Ashley Audycki
Citizen from Priority Population: Vacant
Citizen with an Environmental or Conservation Background: Christine Moffitt
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Chair: Jamie Fereday (appointed on 4/6/26)
Vice Chair: Ashley Audycki (appointed on 4/6/26)
Secretary: Joe Aguirre (appointed on 4/6/26)
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The purpose and authority of the Citizen Advisory Committee is outlined in their Charter, which was approved by the Committee on March 13, 2026.
The Coos Estuary Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) is established as the officially recognized Committee for citizen involvement for the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP). Its primary purpose is to satisfy Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 1 (Citizen Involvement) by ensuring that the land use planning process includes a formal mechanism for meaningful public participation, transparency, and accountability. The Committee serves as a companion body to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
The CAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Coos Estuary Joint Steering Committee (the "Steering Committee") and local governing bodies, ensuring that plan updates and policies reflect community values and priorities.
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Operating procedures and expectations are outlined in the Committee Bylaws, which were adopted by the Committee on April 6, 2026.
Technical Advisory Committee
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) provides scientific, regulatory, and professional expertise to support land use planning and policy updates.
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Marine Economist/Blue Economy Expert: Rick Osborn (as of 2/11/26)
Port and Shipping Specialist: Caddy McKeown
Recreational and Tourism Planner: Michael Graybill
Cultural Heritage Expert/Anthropologist: Vacant
Historian: Steven Greif (as of 3/17)
Environmental Conservationist: Kyle Motley
Coastal Engineer: Susan Foreman
Marine Biologist: Shon Schooler
Sociologist: Payton Smith (as of 2/11/26)
Recreational Fisheries Expert: Chris Clair
Watershed Specialist: Haley Lutz
Water Quality Specialist: Melissa Cribbins
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Officers are elected by Committee vote, and serve their position for one (1) year. More details about Officer positions are available in the TAC Bylaws.
Chair: Haley Lutz (appointed on 3/10/26)
Vice Chair: Melissa Cribbins (appointed on 4/6/26)
Secretary: Kyle Motley (appointed on 4/6/26)
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The purpose and authority of the Technical Advisory Committee is outlined in their Charter, which was approved by the Committee on March 10, 2026.
The Coos Estuary Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is established as the officially recognized Committee for technical guidance and expertise for the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP). By including experts from diverse fields, the committee provides a well-rounded perspective that ensures the management plan considers and balances economic, cultural, historical, recreational, social, and conservation interests. The Committee serves as a companion body to the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).
The TAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Coos Estuary Joint Steering Committee (the "Steering Committee") and local governing bodies, providing technical guidance and scientific input for managing the estuary’s economic development and to ensure that decisions are grounded in sound science, regulatory compliance, and best management practices.
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Operating procedures and expectations are outlined in the Committee Bylaws, which were adopted by the Committee on March 10, 2026 and amended on April 6, 2026.
Apply for a Vacant Position
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