Scenarios
The following is a summary of the some of the key concepts in this chapter, followed by possible situations with which local officials, planning commissioners and others may be asked to deal.
What would you do? Imagine yourself in a real-life circumstance in which you are a part of the land use process. Once you have thought about what you would do, you can click on the "Response" section to see a possible response. Although the response should be accurate and help to reinforce chapter content it may not be the only appropriate response that could be provided.
Please refer to the full chapter for reference information and should you have any questions. Click here for a list of field representatives and Department of Land Conservation and Development staff.
Key Concepts
- Estuaries are areas where the ocean and rivers mix, creating a dynamic, diverse and biologically rich environment.
- Oregon estuaries are divided into three categories: natural, conservation and development.
- Uses and activities within estuaries are regulated according to their estuary classification.
- Each estuary is organized into “management units” that govern development.
- Projects that alter the estuary are first subject to impact assessments. The assessment may require "dredge, fill and other alterations" tests to ensure estuary health.
- Projects that adversely impact the estuarine ecosystem may require mitigation.
A citizen has told you he heard that an action proposed in an estuary in your community requires a "resource capability" test and asks you what that means. How would you describe this in non-planner terms?
A potential applicant asks you to tell her where a "natural" management unit in an estuary is appropriate.
You hear about a proposal to protect a use in your community that existed before October 7, 1977. What are some issues that must be considered?