Stop Armoring at Lincoln Beach

The Newport Chapter is fighting a proposed riprap structure that threatens a stretch of public beach in Depoe Bay.  Oregon’s public beaches are a cherished treasure, one we hope to leave for future generations. However, rising sea levels and coastal development are shrinking these beaches, threatening public access and recreation. This erosion not only endangers recreational areas but also impacts vital habitats and ecological balance, while reducing climate and storm resilience in coastal communities.

SeaRidge Condominiums have proposed to install a massive 600 ft long riprap structure along the shore of Lincoln Beach.  In a unique situation, this property has received a land use exception to Goal 18, the statewide land use planning goal that protects beaches and dunes from development and prohibits shoreline armoring in post-1977 development.  However  a Goal 18 exception requires thorough review and comprehensive consideration of alternatives to shoreline armoring. Surfrider and partner group Oregon Shores find the application incomplete, with little consideration of solutions that would better protect the ocean shore, recreation, scenic, and natural resources. The project would additionally further undermine neighboring properties that lack shoreline armoring, eroding the beach and foredune and increasing hazard risks to these owners. Surfrider’s Newport Chapter is working with Oregon Shores to engage our members in public hearings, comment periods, and provide legal review of the project’s proposal and evaluate impacts to the public beach. 

For more information and to track this application, visit Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and search for Application #3051

***This Campaign is a part of the Oregon Beaches Forever Campaign. We’re looking to raise 10,000 voices to safeguard Oregon’s Beaches – add your voice here today!***

UPDATE 8/14/24: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department held a hearing on the Director’s Initiative to review the application.  Surfrider staff and volunteers, along with our partners at Oregon Shores, submitted comments in opposition.  OPRD has 45 days to deny or approve the application. Read our comments here.

UPDATE 9/30/24: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department denies the application for riprap!  Dig into their findings and staff report here.