Touted as the "first scientifically credible, comprehensive assessment of Oregon’s environment," the Oregon State of the Environment Report 2000 (SOER) was initiated by the Oregon Progress Board in 1998 to assess the status and health of Oregon’s environment.
A science panel chaired by Paul G. Risser, president of Oregon State University, developed the report using the best information available.
The panel was assisted by numerous experts and met regularly with an advisory committee representing interest groups, citizens and agencies.
Dr. Risser presented the report to Governor John Kitzhaber in September, 2000.
The SOER consists of two documents—a full-color Statewide Summary report and the "full report" in a three-ring binder. Key sections include resource-specific chapters, ecoregion summaries and conclusions. Resources are grouped by:
Aquatic-based systems—water resources; marine ecosystems; estuarine ecosystems; freshwater wetlands; riparian areas; and freshwater fish communities
Land-based systems—forests; rangelands; agriculture; urban areas
Resource issues—biodiversity; invasive exotic species; toxic emissions, energy use and CO2; data management
Three of the Aquatic Ecosystems chapters–Marine ecosystems, freshwater wetlands and estuarine ecosystems—from the full report are provided.
Chapter 3.2 Marine Ecosystems