The Coastal States Organization represents the nation’s Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resource issues.

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Source: California Coastal Commission

Read CSO’s comment here. Read Secretary Crowfoot’s comment here.

NOAA will now review the public comments before issuing final findings on California’s coastal management program. The evaluation could ultimately result in suspension of federal funding or withdrawal of the state program’s federal approval. NOAA has not indicated a timeline for completing its evaluation.

Today, NOAA announced plans to fund the reconstruction of a new laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina. This new lab will replace the former building that was permanently closed in 2024 due to significant hurricane-related structural damage. The project will be funded using $64 million from the 2025 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Design and preconstruction work is expected to begin in early 2027. Established in 1899, the NOAA Beaufort Laboratory is the nation’s second-oldest federal marine science laboratory, predating NOAA by more than 70 years. Following a routine inspection, NOAA determined the laboratory sustained foundational damage that made building occupancy unsafe. The new facility will be built above the floodplain and designed to withstand storm and flooding events. “For more than a century, the dedicated experts at NOAA’s Beaufort Laboratory have produced world-class science that supports our economy, advances national priorities, and enhances coastal resilience,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D, NOAA administrator. Read more here.

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve to Host Research and Stewardship Symposium

In celebration of National Estuaries Week (Sept. 19 to 27), the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) will hold a two-day Research and Stewardship Symposium at the St. Jones and Blackbird Creek Reserves on Sept. 22 and 23. The symposium will showcase the Reserve’s mission of engaging people, applying science and protecting places. “For those interested in learning about current research or habitat management projects, both symposium days will provide ample opportunities to view both and to engage with reserve staff,” said Lynne Pusey, DNERR training and engagement coordinator for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy. The symposium will feature presentations, a poster exhibition, demonstrations, site tours and hands-on experiences. Learn more here.

Every January, thousands of Christmas trees end up in the trash after the holiday season. In New Orleans, officials have found a remarkable way to give them a second life. Instead of sending the trees to landfills, the discarded firs are collected, tied together into large bundles and dropped by helicopters over coastal marshes. The goal is to help slow the decades-long loss of land threatening Louisiana’s coastline. The Mississippi River also no longer carries as much sediment into the wetlands as it once did, reducing the natural process that helped rebuild the coast. As a result, marshes are disappearing rapidly, weakening their ability to absorb storm surges and protect nearby communities from flooding. The Christmas tree recycling program is designed to help restore some of those damaged wetlands by creating natural barriers that trap sediment and encourage new land growth. Read more here.

Texas GLO and USACE Sign Construction Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Coastal Texas Project Efforts

On August 20th, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have signed a Construction Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate activities that support early implementation of the Coastal Texas Project (CTX). This agreement reflects the State of Texas’s ongoing commitment to advancing the nation’s largest coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration initiative. The GLO served as the non-federal sponsor for the Coastal Texas Feasibility Study and is the sponsor for components of the authorized project, including the coastwide ecosystem restoration measures and the Coastal Storm Risk Management project at South Padre Island. These efforts are central to protecting communities and ecological resources along the Texas coast. The newly-signed MOU enables the GLO and USACE to coordinate construction‑related activities prior to the execution of the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA). Importantly, the MOU allows the GLO to continue advancing aligned project efforts with the opportunity for this work to count as in‑kind credit toward its future federal cost‑share once the PPA is finalized. This ensures that State-funded, GLO-led activities can contribute directly to the progress of the federal project while formal partnership documents are completed. Read more here.

The Illinois Coastal Management Program (CMP) recently partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ ENTICE program to deliver a workshop at Illinois Beach State Park. Illinois ENTICE offers trainings to Illinois educators on topics like native wildlife, ecology, and climate change to bring nature into Illinois classrooms. CMP staff led demonstrations of our wave bin to teach about coastal processes like erosion, as well as led educators on walks through the park to complete invasive species bingo. Learn more about ENTICE and sign up for a workshop.

New York Department of State Announces Availability of $4.5 Million for Climate Resilience Planning and Projects

In recognition of August as National Resilience Month, New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley announced the availability of $4.5 million in funding through three Department of State programs aimed at developing plans and projects to make New York communities more resilient to the effects of a changing climate. The three funding opportunities include: Countywide Resilience Implementation Strategy Program; Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency Implementation Design Grant; and the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Grant Program. The funding emphasizes natural solutions to resilience, such as living shorelines, green infrastructure and blue-green infrastructure. “A resilient community is a more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable community,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “With the increasing threats to life, property and our collective economies from severe weather events, the Department of State is stepping up its efforts with three programs that provide both planning and implementation support as New York State continues to set communities on the road to more resilient and safer preservation practices.” The Department of State defines climate resilience as a community’s ability to withstand extreme weather events, recover quickly back to normal functions and adapt to rapidly changing climate and environmental conditions. Read more here.

California Coastal Cleanup Day returns this September for its 42nd year. The state’s largest volunteer event is expected to draw more than 50,000 people at hundreds of locations across the state. Volunteers will be especially important this year as a potentially historic El Niño takes aim at the state. The increased rainfall expected from El Niño can wash plastic pollution from creeks and streams into the ocean. Coastal Cleanup Day provides an opportunity to prevent even greater harm to the coast and the wildlife that calls it home. The California Coastal Commission organizes the annual cleanup, which traditionally takes place on the third Saturday of each September. The cleanup, which also includes inland waterways as well as the coast, has grown to encompass all 58 California counties, reminding Californians that everyone is connected to the coast no matter where they may live in the state. “As we celebrate the 50th year of the Coastal Act, Coastal Cleanup Day serves as an important reminder that we all need to show up to protect our coast,” said Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge. “Year after year, Californians demonstrate their commitment to a clean and healthy coast and ocean, proving that Californians will take action to save our state’s iconic shoreline.” Read more here.

Oregon – State Releases New Guidance to Support Vertical Evacuation Structures

Ground shaking during a major Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake may last three minutes or longer. In as little as ten minutes after the earthquake shaking begins, a tsunami will begin to inundate coastal communities across Oregon, Washington, Northern California and British Columbia. For some communities, even evacuating toward natural high ground as soon as the shaking stops may not be enough—the distance is simply too great. Strategically placed vertical evacuation structures can shorten the distance to high ground, saving hundreds and potentially even thousands of lives. These engineered facilities—towers, berms, specially designed buildings, or other elevated platforms—provide refuge above anticipated tsunami flooding and can offer critical protection when seconds matter. The newly released guidance integrates hazard science, evacuation modeling, planning and design considerations, community engagement strategies, funding opportunities, and regulatory requirements to support informed local decision-making. Read more here.

BCDC’s inaugural photography contest is now open! Share your best photographs of the plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people that make San Francisco Bay and Suisun Marsh extraordinary! The contest is free and open to photographers of all experience levels. Submit up to five photos by October 14. Learn more about the contest categories and submit here.

[NEW] Great Lakes Photo Contest

The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) invites submissions to their annual Great Lakes photo contest. As we close out summer, GLOS would love to see what’s happening around the basin. Get your gear, get out to the water, and send in your best photo from a day out somewhere in the Great Lakes watershed. Learn more here.

WEDG Professionals Course – No/Reduced Cost Training Interest Form

With generous support from the Walton Family Foundation, Waterfront Alliance is sharing access to its popular WEDG Professionals Course. Individuals working on environmental, flooding, or water-related issues in states along the Mississippi River are eligible for the free training. Individuals working at for-profit firms based in or working on environmental, flooding, or water-related projects in states along the Mississippi River. For-profit firms may take the course at a discounted rate of $300. The interest form can be found here.

2026 National Estuaries Week Photo Contest

NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is hosting a photo contest to celebrate National Estuaries Week from September 19 to 27, 2026. Send them your best photos from the National Estuarine Research Reserves that display the beauty of the reserves, critters that live there, and the people who work and play there. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be featured in their social media campaign during National Estuaries Week. Details for how to enter are located on the contest webpage.

California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest

California is in many ways defined by its coast and ocean. This contest pays tribute to these special places, honors the diversity of wildlife they support, and celebrates access for all. Pictures can feature any of the following subjects: the scenic coast and Pacific Ocean off California, the people of the California Coast, and California ocean and coastal wildlife. Contest entry is free and open to all amateur photographers. Submissions are due by 5pm, September 30, 2026. For more information or questions about entries, contact Lauren.Dung@coastal.ca.gov. Learn more here.

202-800-0580 | cso@coastalstates.org | www.coastalstates.org