Governor's Natural Resources Office

The Governor’s Natural Resources Office (GNRO) provides policy analysis and advice to Governor Kulongoski. We work with more than a dozen state natural resource agencies to implement the Governor’s natural resource and environmental agenda. The GNRO serves as a liaison between the Governor and federal natural resource and environmental protection agencies. We provide leadership in issues where multiple agencies are involved and coordination of policies, interests and authorities is essential. Not least, GNRO serves as a front-line point of contact for Oregon’s citizens and local governments who want to express concerns or opinions about natural resource and environmental issues.

Fellowship Topic

Ocean and Coastal Policy
Four key issues face Oregon’s ocean:
- Our economy and way of life depend on careful stewardship and thoughtful action.
- That stewardship will depend on working with our West Coast neighbors to develop a regional conservation strategy.
- We require greater information to understand how the ocean environment is changing.
- As new uses of marine resources including alternative energy generation emerge, we must channel economic development in ways that preserve our ocean systems.

Project Scope

1) West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health (WCGA):
- Inspire, coordinate, and track state agency and community efforts to meet goals of the WCGA plan in Oregon (ex: coastal climate change, estuary health, coastal economic development, coastal pollution and land based debris).
- Staff a WCGA working group comprised of representatives from three states, federal agencies, and various stakeholders and organizations.
2) Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC): Assist with Oregon’s participation in the PCC. Additional information here.
3) Oregon Marine Reserves: Assist the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as needed with implementation of marine reserves.
4) Territorial Sea Plan amendments: Track state progress in updating the Territorial Sea Plan to reflect wave energy development.
5) Be tasked to work on other coastal and marine projects as they arise, as well as topics related to watershed health and salmon recovery.
6) Set up a tracking system for the Governor’s actions on natural resources and develop a regular communications network with individuals and organizations interested in receiving updates on GNRO initiatives and providing feedback on topics.

1) Learn about coastal opportunities and challenges facing Oregon and the west coast and develop expertise in specific topics.
2) Learn state and federal governance structure and how policies and decisions are made.
3) Develop project management and meeting facilitation skills.
4) Assist with developing policy recommendations.
5) Research complex natural resource topics and draft letters and memos to Governor’s staff.
6) Establish working relationships with a variety of state and federal staff and stakeholders that have diverse expertise in ocean, coastal, and watershed health issues.