Kelp wanted

Photo by Eric Urdahl

Kelp forests provide critical habitat for marine life, sequester carbon and are deeply connected to Oregon’s coastal communities, especially those relying on tourism. Economic opportunities abound for outdoor recreation, urchin ranching, ecotours and culinary creativity on the Oregon Coast. To bring this subject to life, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association is hosting Dr. Sara Hamilton at its annual People’s Coast Summit, held at the Overleaf Lodge Event Center in Yachats on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 11 and 12.

Big-picture topics, like “Kelp forests and eco-based tourism opportunities,” will provide inspiration to coastal tourism stakeholders at this annual gathering.

The Oregon Kelp Alliance represents diverse interests in kelp forest ecosystems, and includes commercial urchin divers, researchers, managers, conservationists, tribal members, tour guides, sport divers, chefs and other community members in support of healthy kelp forests.

Saturday’s keynote speaker, Zachary Stocks, will present “Uncovering seldom-told stories with Oregon Black Pioneers.” Stocks is the executive director of the Salem based non-profit that works to “research, recognize, and commemorate the history and heritage of African Americans in Oregon.”

The conference also provides helpful workshops like harnessing your social media, increasing beach mobility and workforce resilience efforts, delicious local meals and ample time for networking.

For more information and registration, go to coast-summit-2022.heysummit.com.