| Your Voice is needed to pass the Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587) and Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580), which collectively work to foster stewardship and collaboration to improve the management of essential coastal habitats. Both eelgrass meadows and rocky habitats play a critical role in bolstering marine biodiversity and supporting resilient communities–and they need your help! Both bills have been scheduled for a public hearing Wednesday, March 5th, at 8 am in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Will you stand up for ocean conservation by submitting written testimony in support of these bills? Here’s how:Write a brief letter expressing why these coastal habitats are important for communities, tourism, fisheries, and wildlife.Urge the committee to support HB 3580 and HB 3587 and their investments in conserving marine ecosystems.Submit the testimony for Rocky Habitats hereSubmit the testimony for Eelgrass Meadows hereMake sure you enter your “position on the measure” as “support” and then click on “text testimony” to write directly in the form or “Upload a PDF”Submit by Thursday, March 6th at 8 am. |
| Short on time? Here is a Sample Letter (Please personalize) Dear Co-chair Helm, Co-chair Owens and members of the committee, I am writing to ask that you please support HB 3580 and HB 3587, and our invaluable rocky habitats and eelgrass meadows. These bills offer a great opportunity to support biodiversity, coastal economies, and increase resilience to a changing climate. Oregon’s underwater eelgrass meadows are biodiversity hotspots, carbon sinks, and nursery habitat to many juvenile fish species. Their health is vital for sustaining our fisheries, maintaining water quality, and buffering against climate impacts. However, there are signs these essential habitats are in decline in Oregon. HB 3580 would set up a Taskforce to set conservation targets through a collaborative effort involving agencies, Tribes, scientists, local communities, and others. This bill is the first essential step to proactively prevent habitat loss before it’s too late. Oregon’s rocky habitats, like Haystack Rock and Coquille Point, are iconic tourist destinations for millions of visitors. They are also incredibly important for millions of nesting birds, marine mammals, fish and invertebrates. Increasing climate impacts and human disturbance are threatening these special places. HB 3587 would provide needed agency coordination to better protect these sites. It also would set up a grant fund for local communities to engage the public on best practices to enjoy these places while minimizing disturbance to sensitive wildlife and habitats. Now is the time to act to protect our coastal ecosystems. For a modest investment we can ensure both eelgrass meadows and rocky habitats can be conserved for generations to come. Sincerely, XXX |