Newsroom

PORTLAND, Ore. - Sauvie Island is eroding. A recent study by Oregon State University graduate student Season Long found that sections of the island's Columbia River shoreline are eroding as much as 2-5 feet per year.

To discuss these findings and to encourage cooperative management of shoreline erosion, OSU Extension and OSU Sea Grant are sponsoring an educational workshop, "Shoreline Erosion on Sauvie Island" for Sauvie Island residents and neighbors. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Grange Hall on Sauvie Island.

The workshop will focus on the results of Long's survey detailing resident perceptions of shoreline erosion along Sauvie Island.

Long surveyed waterfront landowners on Sauvie Island and found that nearly 25 percent of the respondents reported losing bank along the entire length of their property. Nearly half of the respondents have installed some form of bank protection along their waterfront; however, she found that only 25 percent believe that their revetment strategies are preventing further erosion.

In order to discuss resident concerns and solutions with specialists from various government agencies, the workshop will include the following speakers:

• Kathryn Harris, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

• Jim Robison, West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

• Josh Townsley, Sauvie Island Drainage Improvement Company

A free manual detailing the findings from Long's survey will be available at the workshop.

The Grange Hall on Sauvie Island is located at 14443 NW Charlton Road. Parking is available at the Grange Hall or in the school parking lot next door.