In all times, but especially in these times when government is constrained and development pressures abound, it is up to citizens to take responsibility for the health of our coastal environment and the natural resources on which we all depend. CoastWatch is a network of dedicated volunteers who will soon have every foot of Oregon's shoreline under observation. Each CoastWatch volunteer adopts a segment of Oregon's coast roughly a mile in length. All but a few miles have been adopted-but that doesn't mean that new volunteers aren't needed. More than 530 individuals, working alone, in couples or in teams, are currently involved in CoastWatch.
Volunteers make their miles a part of their lives.
They visit as frequently as possible, the minimum commitment is four times per year, but most adopters walk their miles more often, and note natural events and human-induced changes. They also turn their eyes inland as far as seems relevant to trace the sources of impacts on the shore. They share their information with friends, neighbors and the community, as well as with OSCC, the parent group. And they raise their voices when threats arise or when decisions are made affecting that portion of the coast. CoastWatch is beginning simply, and will grow in sophistication as volunteers are progressively trained over the years.