Implementing the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy

Managing Oregon's rocky coastline is a shared responsibility. In the fall of 2018, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) gathered decision makers across the state to begin an amendment to the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy (Part Three) of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP). The plan acts as a coordinated vision for marine resources in Oregon and guides the actions of state and federal agencies that are responsible for managing coastal and ocean resources in the public trust. 

Five years later, on April 20, 2023, the Land Conservation and Development Commission unanimously adopted an amendment to Part Three. The decision completed a process that added eight new management areas that reflect the needs of the communities that proposed them. Rocky Habitat Management Areas focus on balancing use and conservation through the enhancement of visitor experiences with education and interpretation to limit wildlife disturbance and habitat degradation.

The designations completed a multiple year effort led by the Ocean Policy Advisory Council to revise the Management Strategy and was focused on site management designations along areas of Oregon’s iconic rocky shoreline. The effort included extensive input from agencies, organizations, governments, and general rocky coast users on revisions to the Plan. 

Rocky Habitat Management Plan
Development Process

Newly Designated Rocky Habitat Sites (listed from north to south):

1. Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area
2. Chapman Point Marine Garden
3. Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area
4. Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area
5. Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area
6. Coquille Point Marine Garden
7. Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area
8. Cape Blanco Marine Research Area 

The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) hosted a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to develop rocky habitat site management plans for the eight newly designated rocky habitat protected areas. These public meetings were an opportunity to listen to professionals and volunteers whose work involves rocky intertidal habitats to share feedback with program staff. 

Public Comment Opportunity on the Site Management Plans: 

Read the Draft Plans:

• Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
• Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
• Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan

Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:

• Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
• Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table

Comments are due February 2, 2026

When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.

Email comments to: "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." with the title of the plan in the subject line.

Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.

Please reach out to Andy Lanier, the Marine Affairs Coordinator with any questions, comments, or to request more information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..