On Thursday, August 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Mary by the Sea Catholic Church Parish Hall (275 S. Pacific St.; Rockaway Beach, OR 97136), North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection (NCCWP) will host natural resource economist Ernie Niemi. Educated at the University of Oregon and Harvard, Mr. Niemi is President of Natural Resource Economics, Inc. where he specializes in economic-impact analysis to understand the economic importance of natural resources. He has been active on numerous advisory boards, including the Citizen’s Task Force for Developing a Strategic Plan for the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Technical Advisory Committee on Land Use and Economic Development for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development.

Mr. Niemi’s presentation will broadly explore the economic consequences of the climate crisis before examining the economic importance of maintaining our forested ecosystem. Audience participation is encouraged by Niemi. All are invited to attend and learn about how interconnected the health of our environment and our economy really are. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for mingling and snacks before the speaker event begins.

While it is not required, we encourage you to RSVP here or at www.healthywatershed.org.