Sunset Beach Marine Debris Display Unveiling Ceremony
Reservation is required to be entered into the raffle.
Community members, partners, and coastal advocates are invited to gather at Sunset Beach for the unveiling of a new Marine Debris Display, a collaborative effort between marine debris artist Elizabeth Roberts, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Lewis and Clark National Park Association, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, Chinook Indian Nation, and Oregon Shores.
The display serves as both an educational and reflective installation, drawing attention to the impacts of marine debris on coastal ecosystems while honoring the cultural and ecological significance of salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. The display will not only tell the story of our salmon and the impacts of marine debris, but will honor the past and present stewards of the place, the Chinook Indian Nation. The Chinook Indian Nation is made up of the five western-most Chinookan-speaking tribes at the mouth of the Columbia River. The Chinook Indian Nation’s nearly 75-year-old constitution identifies their five constituent tribes – the Clatsop and Cathlamet (Kathlamet) of present-day Oregon and the Lower Chinook, Wahkiakum (Waukikum), and Willapa (Weelappa) of what is now Washington State.
The project emphasizes the importance of protecting ocean health for current and future generations. “While there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to marine debris, awareness and education are the foundation of identifying future solutions,” said Andrew Mason, Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator for the NOAA Marine Debris Program. “Outreach and education efforts like this are key to raising awareness and engaging more people to prevent marine debris together.”
The unveiling ceremony will feature brief remarks from partner organizations, opportunities to engage with the display, and time for community connection. Together, we will have the opportunity to tour the history of an ever-changing coastline, get hands-on experience conducting a marine debris survey, and learn from marine debris artists. Join us in protecting the ocean and shoreline by taking home practical actions you can do to reduce marine debris and support healthier shorelines.
Fees
This event is free to attend.
Location
The event will take place at the Sunset Beach State Park at the Fort to Sea Trailhead Parking Lot. Due to limited parking guests should expect to park at the Sunset Beach entrance and walk up to the Trailhead.
Latitude and Longitude 46.100004, -123.937572
Schedule
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Formal program with a welcome begins at 2 PM. 2:30 to 4:30 is a relaxed social hour.