A win for coastal wetlands

last updated October 2, 2025

Rebeka, Kelly, and Weina on Cannon Beach at 2023 Crag Staff Retreat

Victory! A Rockaway Beach, Oregon development that threatened protected wetlands has been denied! Photo of pigeon guillemots by Heather Roskelley.

Development in Protected Coastal Wetlands Denied

Crag is celebrating a major victory for Oregon’s coast. Thanks to our partnership with Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and a large organizing effort of concerned neighbors led by North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection, a Rockaway Beach development protected wetlands have been denied.

Protecting Rockaway Beach’s Wetlands

Since May 2024, Crag has been working to stop this subdivision, which was slated for use primarily as short-term rentals. The development threatened to destroy critical habitat, increase flooding and water pollution risks, and put nearby residents in danger during a tsunami evacuation.

A juvenile Pacific lamprey stranded in the mud in Winchester Reservoir. (Bob Hoehne, courtesy of Native Fish Society)

Crag attorneys Eric Wriston and Alexandria Dolezal before the Rockaway Beach City Council hearing on November 20, 2024.

“The wetlands and creek that were at risk of harm here are part of a vital ecosystem that supports an array of fish and wildlife. This victory is important not only for the wetlands on the proposed development’s site, but for all of the sensitive wetlands in Rockaway Beach. Future development will now need to follow the precedent set here—meaning no new construction in designated wetlands!”

– Eric Wriston, Crag Associate Attorney

From Legal Appeal to Victory

The development was relying on a decades-old approval, despite the City code’s protections that clearly prohibit residential construction in this wetland zone. Last year, after the Rockaway Beach City Council allowed the project to move forward, we represented Oregon Shores in appealing the decision to the Land Use Board of Appeals. 

In July 2025, LUBA agreed with our arguments and sent the case back to the City. In September, the City reconsidered the project and denied the development, setting an important precedent that will help prevent future development projects in protected wetlands.

Alexandria Dolezal files the appeal to LUBA challenging the 30-unit housing development in Rockaway Beach. Jan 2, 2024

Crag attorney Alexandria Dolezal files the appeal to LUBA challenging the subdivision in Rockaway Beach. Jan 2, 2025.

Photo- Nedonna Marsh, near the Nedonna Beach area threatened by development

Nedonna Marsh, near the Nedonna Beach neighborhood that is threatened by development.

Why it matters

The site sits within the Nedonna Marsh, a special wetland area that provides essential ecosystem services, from flood protection, clean water, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. As Oregon Shores shared, “There is only one evacuation route from Nedonna Beach, already too limited for the existing population – [so] adding more people… would be highly unsafe.’’

The City had previously ignored the property’s wetland designation, but LUBA made clear that the protections must be applied. This ruling strengthens the safeguards for all wetlands in Rockaway Beach and helps ensure future development cannot sidestep environmental protections.

A juvenile Pacific lamprey stranded in the mud in Winchester Reservoir. (Bob Hoehne, courtesy of Native Fish Society)

Aerial view of houses in the City of Rockaway Beach. Photo by DLCD.

Image of starfish surrounded by sea kelp, with a mother and daughter holding hands standing farther away from the starfish.

Together, we can fight to protect our iconic coastal ecosystems for everyone! Photo courtesy of Oregon Shores.

Our Clients

We are proud to represent Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon’s leading voice when it comes to protecting the beaches, headlands, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Oregon’s coast so spectacular and loved.

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