Meeting called to order: 7:40pm

Markus Mead

Rob Williams

Garron Watkins

Dave Spencer

Haley Brown

Katie Breene

Bob Reuter

Chris Bessmer

Greg Misslin

Jas Carpenter

Tina Torri

1. Introductions
2. Lobby Day Review

The ‘lobby day’ event was put on by the Oregon Conservation Network and Garron and Rob attended. The Govenor spoke, and it was well received information. Each attendee was able to speak with their individual senators. Garron made sure that each of our represatives were aware of the lack of water quality testing along our coast. (For most of them this was new information.) Thank you Garron and Rob!!

3. Road Clean Up – 19 April 2003

The Portland Organizing Committee is responsible for helping out at this road clean up. Meet at the Moolack Beach (off of Hwy 101) parking lot at 4pm. Bring gloves. There will be a post clean up BBQ at Hangglider Greg’s house afterwards, check the website for more details. For more info go to the website or contact Markus at Portlandsurfrider@hotmail.com.

4. PNW Surfrider Conference – 1-2 June 2003

This annual event will be held in Westport, WA this year. Topics in the past have been marine protected areas and public speaking. This year will also involve outreach techniques. The conference will begin early on Saturday and end mid-day on Sunday, it will be held at the Islander hotel. There is no cost for the conference. It is suggested that you arrive Friday evening as the conference will begin early on Saturday. Lodging options are listed on the website. For more information contact Markus at Portlandsurfrider@hotmail.com.

 

5. OMSI – Coral Reef Adventure movie (3 Mar –Sept 2003)

The Oregon Chapter has partnered with OMSI to help promote the new Omnimax film, Coral Reef Adventure. We would like to set up a booth or display to educate movie-watechers on how they use information learned in the movie to help protect areas of the Oregon coast.

Volunteer opportunities: 1) Help develop SF educational booth/display.

2) Sign up to work at the display/booth once it is up.

6. Mother Ocean Day Beach Clean Up, Sandcastle Contest, Raffle, and Paddle out

1. Join the beach clean up
2. Gather friends and family and enter the sand castle contest
3. Gather raffle prizes from local businesses
4. Bring your wetsuit and board and join our line up during the short rally
5. Paddle out for Clean Water

For more info on these educational events contact Tina at Tiamotina@cs.com.

1. BWTF committee update

We are targeting federal representatives to get the authority of water testing moved from the department of human services (DHS) to the department of enviromental quality (DEQ.) Because of the way the funding for water quality is alocated it can not be given to Surfrider for testing, but it can be given to schools to have students do the testing and posting on the internet. Our plan is to have a letter we have written signed by a number of environmental groups like ourselves. This will then be given to legislators. If you know of anyone who would be good for us to contact – Mayors of coastal or non-coastal towns, enviromental groups etc, please let us know. For more information on BWTF contact Chris at cbessmer@hotmail.com or Rob at Rideoutas@hotmail.com.

2. Land Use committee update

• Salem Watch – There is currently a House Bill proposing the elimination of OPAC (Ocean Policy Advisory Council.) We oppose this Bill. A letter is being prepared which all members will have access to, to send to Oregon legislators. The letter will be posted to our website for downloading, personalization, and sending by concerned members. It will also give enough information to make phone calls if you prefer.

1. Media Contacts

We have a dire need for media contacts and media exposure (print, radio, and television.) We have a number of PSA’s to go out regarding our Mother Ocean Day event, Blue Water Task Force, etc. If you know of any contacts who can help us out, or if you are interested in forging ahead and finding contacts, please let us know - contact Markus at Portlandsurfrider@hotmail.com.

2. Opens

• Cory Davis will be at Gorge performance this Thursday April 17th, 7pm. There will be surf flicks and cool folks so head on over and learn something new.
• Banf Mountain Film Festival. These are Mountain/Outdoor film winners. Tickets are at REI, $10. Films are shown at the Alladin Theater.
• Website – Our website committee has been kicking booty. They have a draft prepared. It looks awesome and is very accessable and easy to use. Hopefully it will go online soon. We’ll keep you posted. If you have any comments about what you would like to see please contact Markus at Portlandsurfrider@hotmail.com.
• Mondays are a popular night here at The Lab. Hearing everyone at our recent meetings has been difficult. It was been suggested to find a new night or to speak with the owner regarding shutting the door or reserving the alcove space for our selved on Monday nights. Our next meeting will be held on a new night, Tuesday May 6^th, and a new time, 7pm.