The Coastal Zone Management Program is a national program. It addresses coastal issues in coastal states and Great Lakes states and territories. The program is a voluntary partnership between the federal government and these states or territories. Authorized by the
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, the program provides the basis for protecting, restoring, and responsibly developing our nation's diverse coastal communities and resources.
There are currently 34 coastal states that participate in the program. State partners must follow basic requirements, but the program gives states flexibility to design unique programs that address their individual coastal challenges and respond to local or state regulations. By using both federal and state expertise and resources, the program strengthens the ability of both groups to address coastal issues.
Major components of the national program include
federal consistency, program enhancements, and
nonpoint pollution control.
Oregon Coastal Management Program
The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1977. The OCMP is the state of Oregon's implementation of the national program. The program covers the Oregon coastal zone. This watershed-based coastal zone was first expressed in 1971 by the Oregon Legislature. Within this zone, the OCMP applies to the land and water areas, except on lands owned by the federal government or held in trust under Indian tribal jurisdiction.
Where is the Oregon coastal zone?
Coastal Partners
The Oregon Coastal Management Program follows a networked model that consists of multiple agencies with authority in the coastal zone. The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development serves as the lead administrative agency, and NOAA's Office for Coastal Management provides funding and technical expertise. In addition, several
federal agencies contribute to managing Oregon's coastal resources and an additional 10
state agencies,
33 cities, and 7 counties have enforceable policies that complete the program.
Four coastal tribes manage coastal resource lands and are critical partners in protecting the natural, cultural, and historic heritage of native people on the Oregon coast.
Funding the OCMP
OCMP funding comes from the National Coastal Zone Management Program, administered by the Office for Coastal Management, part of NOAA. The OCMP also regularly competes for additional federal funding from agencies such as NOAA and FEMA, in an effort to bring additional resources to important coastal issues in Oregon.
Section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) provides grants that are matched 1 to 1 by the state of Oregon. In combination, these state and federal funds create the majority of the budget for the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP).
Section 309 of the CZMA provides Coastal Zone Enhancement Grants that do not require a state match. Work under Section 309 follows a 5-year plan. Oregon's current
5-year plan for Section 309 enhancements is available online, and covers the period 2021-2025.
Final §309 Assessment and Strategy (2021-2025)
Oregon §309 Amendment Approval Letter (June 21, 2022)
NOAA-OCM §309 Approval Letter (January 6, 2021)
OCMP Publications
OCMP has created or funded the creation of a set of products that support the management of the coastal zone. Check out the OCMP Publications on the
Data, Tools and Publications page.
OCMP Staff Directory