Depoe Bay Harbor Commission members on June 25 discussed growing concern about sand and mud accumulation in the bay and on the harbor approach, saying the problem is affecting vessel maneuverability and slip usability.

The commission flagged navigation and safety risks and asked staff to seek a formal letter from the U.S. Coast Guard documenting operational impacts that could speed state or federal action. Chair Rob Robison said the letter should make clear whether Coast Guard operations are being affected so the city can press for faster dredging. The commission discussed asking the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers for help and agreed the harbormaster should meet with Coast Guard personnel to describe recent incidents.

Why it matters: commissioners and harbor staff said silting has increased in recent seasons and can remove slips from practical use, reducing harbor revenues and creating safety concerns for boaters and the Coast Guard. The discussion tied to slip reassignment requests this season: several berth holders said they cannot use assigned slips because boats run aground at lower tides.

Most important facts: commissioners and staff reported that the reservoir behind the check dam and South Eagle Bay Creek are delivering large quantities of sediment to the harbor; dredging is currently on the schedule for 2026 but commissioners said that schedule and frequency (historically roughly every several years) are inadequate for current sediment loads. Sam, the coastal program manager, and Harbormaster Dave said the check dam area is filling faster than in past years and that the check-dam dredging schedule may need review. Commissioners discussed options including increased frequency of dredging in the check-dam area, asking the Coast Guard to provide a statement on operational impacts, and working with the Army Corps of Engineers on mitigation.

Commission direction and next steps: the harbor master will contact Coast Guard staff to request a formal letter describing whether silting is impairing Coast Guard operations; commissioners also asked staff to coordinate with Councilor Anne Stahlberg and the city council contacts who have existing relationships with state and federal agencies. Commissioners agreed they will present documented incidents (photos and recent tows) to agency contacts. They did not adopt a formal motion to fund dredging beyond existing capital allocations.

Background: commissioners said North Creek has more stable banks while South Creek lacks hardening and carries more unconsolidated sediment, which staff believe contributes to faster accumulation behind the check dam. Commissioners said there is repeated “finger-pointing” among landowners and agencies about upstream causes of erosion and sediment delivery; they urged coordinated agency responses rather than unilateral statements.

What remains unresolved: no new funding or schedule change was approved at the meeting. Commissioners said they will seek the Coast Guard letter and report back to the council and to the coastal program manager when they have agency responses.