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Environmental groups urge voters to reject Cannon Beach dune initiative; backers push back
Summary
Speakers at the Cannon Beach work session clashed in public comment over a citizen dune initiative: environmental groups said it would be an unfunded mandate reversing the city’s dune-management plan; initiative supporters said critics are misreading the ballot language and urged reliance on the written text.
During public comment, Diana Turner read a joint statement from Friends of the Dunes, the Oregon Coast Alliance and the Surfrider Foundation, saying the proposed "Cannon Beach dune initiative" is an unfunded mandate that would require the city to lower and reshape dunes without a dedicated funding source. "Don't be fooled. The proposed Cannon Beach dune initiative is an unfunded mandate," Turner read, and she said firefighters, police and lifeguards confirmed there have been no dune‑related incidents that would justify the measure’s stated safety rationale.
Supporters who spoke earlier in the public‑comment period urged residents and councilors to read the initiative text and not rely on speculation about motives. Jen Rene, a speaker supporting a citizen initiative (self‑identified earlier in the session), said the initiative process centers on the legal text and that some criticisms are "reading between the lines." At the same time, Rene acknowledged some claims circulate in public debate — for example, opponents say the measure would mandate replacing European beach grass and alter the city’s 2024 dune management plan.
Speakers on both sides warned voters and officials to look at the ballot language as it moves through review; one commenter noted a judge had revised the ballot language for clarity. Council did not act on the initiative during the session; public comment was received for the council packet and record.
