Oregon’s beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Key to the management is Goal 18 of the Statewide Planning Goals & Guidelines.

Goal 18 focuses on conserving and protecting Oregon's beach and dunes. In a little more than four pages, Goal 18 outlines rules for development, armoring shores, access, dune grading, off-road vehicles, and dune stabilization.

The entire reference to dune stabilization - the very reason European Beachgrass was and continues to be planted on the coast - reads:

“Dune stabilization programs should be allowed only when in conformance with the comprehensive plan, and only after assessment of their potential impact.”

That's it. No mention of European Beachgrass in Goal 18. But, Goal 18 does mention the that the impacts of stabilization must be assessed. The impacts of planting European Beachgrass were assessed - after the damage was done. And still the state has not banned its planting! 

Read the full text of Goal 18 -     https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OP/Documents/goal18.pdf

References to two studies that document the damage caused by European Beachgrass. 

·       Special Paper 49, Oregon Dept. of Geology & Mineral Industries - https://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/sp/p-SP-49.htm

·       Ammophila Invasion Ecology and Dune Restoration on the West Coast of North America - https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/12/629/pdf