During the long days of August, Oregon’s north coast is often drenched in sun. There is a certain fragrance in the air that comes from the constant ocean wind blowing through pine, fir, blackberry brambles, mounds of tall sea grass and wood smoke from makeshift fires dotting the beach.
On the trail in Oswald State Park, you see people of all ages forming a single ambling line, where only one person at a time can pass through the trail. Those in line sometimes include four generations at once, from people old enough to be great grandparents to the youngest toddlers. Everyone wends around the mountain, old-growth forests, jagged rock formations and down into windswept beaches that are meant for long walks to watch the setting sun.
Matt Kramer’s work as an investigative reporter is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating how integrity in journalism has a profound and lasting impact on the world.
But things could have been much different if it weren’t for a journalist by the name of Matt Kramer.
Oregon is one of the few states barring private ownership of beach rights. On the ocean front, there are luxury homes, but there are no gated communities, fences or sentries blocking access to the beach. The beach is there for all to enjoy.
Journalist Matt Kramer was a veteran Associated Press reporter covering the Capitol beat and the 1967 session of the Oregon Legislature. His astute and timely coverage of the “Beach Bill” that was reported in newspapers around
Matt Kramer:
Truth in Journalism Will Set You Free
How one journalist’s article has left an indelible impression on the entire Oregon coast.
By Patricia Vaccarino
Photos of Oswald State Park by Patricia Vaccarino