Oregon Coastal Program News Today

Congressional lawmakers are considering a bill to help improve the environmental literacy of Americas students. Dubbed the "No Child Left Inside Act," the bill would authorize about $100 million for grants to help more teachers get their students learning outdoors. Amara Ifeji, director of policy for the Maine Environmental Education Association, said increasing students access to the natural world will help build the movement needed to tackle the most pressing environmental ...

Wildfire season has arrived in Washington state, but prescribed burns during other parts of the year could help reduce the impact of the most catastrophic fires. Sami Schinnell, cooperative fire director for The Nature Conservancy in Washington, said large fires have become worse in recent decades and a greater risk to communities. However, she noted that fire also plays a vital role for the ecosystem. ...

The management plan for a coastal Oregon estuary is getting its first update in four decades. The public can comment on the draft of the Yaquina Bay Estuary Management Plan released this week. Lisa Phipps, Oregon Coastal Program manager with the Ocean/Coastal Services Division of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, said the bay is a natural extension of the community. ...