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138-713: The city of Coos Bay is located on the peninsula formed by the inside of the loop of the bay. Charleston is located near the entrance to South Slough. Many of the commercial fishing and recreational fishing boats that call Coos Bay home are docked in Charleston. North Bend , located at the apex of the peninsula, is home to the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport . The estuary has been altered over 150 years of modern anthropogenic use. Dredging , deepening, river diversion and spoil disposal has led to physical, biological, and chemical changes to

276-504: A city manager to oversee the day-to-day administrative functions of the city. Coos Bay operates its own library, fire department, public works and police department. The fire department has two fire stations that are staffed 24 hours a day. There is a third station that is used to house additional apparatus. The federally recognized Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are headquartered in Coos Bay. Coos Bay

414-494: A phenotypic group , together with the other sulfur-reducing bacteria , for identification purposes. They are found in several different phylogenetic lines. As of 2009, 60 genera containing 220 species of sulfate-reducing bacteria are known. Among the Thermodesulfobacteriota the orders of sulfate-reducing bacteria include Desulfobacterales , Desulfovibrionales , and Syntrophobacterales . This accounts for

552-430: A superfund site. Southeast of Coos Bay is one of the state's largest coal fields with an area of 250 sq miles. Groundwater seepage from this coal field historically has also been a source of pollution. Plant life in Coos Bay supports biodiverse ecosystems contained within this watershed, ranging from forests in the uplands to eelgrass meadows in the bay. The forested regions of Coos Bay have been logged at least once in

690-490: A commercial wave park in North America at Coos Bay. The planned size of this park was up to 100 megawatts, and if built it would have been the largest wave energy project in the world. Ocean Power Technologies surrendered the project's permit in 2014, citing high costs and "a difficult regulatory process". Coos Bay is located along U.S. Highway 101 . The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (ICAO: KOTH, IATA: OTH)

828-405: A drainage area of about 7,932 ha. As of 1975, the Coos Bay has experienced a greater influx of sediment than output. Such sediment includes silt from drainage basin erosion , and various sands (marine sand, dune sand, South Slough cliff sand) due to erosion in the surrounding areas. Sediments are formed and moved via streams, littoral drift , or transport of sediments along a coastline parallel to

966-596: A dual admissions programs in partnership with Oregon public universities. Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (or OIMB) is the marine station of the University of Oregon . It is in Charleston, at the mouth of Coos Bay. This 100-acre (0.40 km2) marine station was first deeded to the University of Oregon in 1931. Coos Bay has the largest concentration of health care facilities on the Oregon Coast and serves as

1104-584: A minimum of 1,560,000 ac-ft, based on extrapolations of fresh water inflow measured at the West Fork of the Millicoma River mouth in 1974. According to a US Department of Commerce survey from 1954 to 1970, freshwater inflow enters the estuary at a rate of 90 cubic feet per second (cfs) in the summer and 5500 cfs in the winter with an average of 2200 cfs. The drainage basin consists of forest, cropland, and rangelands. The South Slough watershed alone has

1242-400: A peak in 2015. Additionally, boats and ships have accidentally introduced terrestrial plant species such as gorse , English ivy , reed canary grass , and Spartina spp . The South Slough Research Reserve is aware of these species and, according to its 2017-2022 Management Plan, is "motivated to minimize their damaging effects early." Douglas fir trees may experience swiss needle cast as

1380-467: A port for many commercial vessels that fish off of Oregon's coast. Similar to other ports in Oregon, these fisheries include Dungeness crab , Pink shrimp, Pacific whiting , Chinook salmon , Albacore tuna , and Pacific halibut . The prominence of these industries promotes good water quality maintenance. The Port of Coos Bay is one of the largest and deepest ports between San Francisco, California and

1518-506: A possible way to deal with acid mine waters that are produced by other microorganisms. In engineering, sulfate-reducing microorganisms can create problems when metal structures are exposed to sulfate-containing water: Interaction of water and metal creates a layer of molecular hydrogen on the metal surface; sulfate-reducing microorganisms then oxidize the hydrogen while creating hydrogen sulfide, which contributes to corrosion . Hydrogen sulfide from sulfate-reducing microorganisms also plays

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1656-457: A potential proxy for earthquakes , including two dating 1,700 and 2,300 years ago when sea level rose by at least half a meter. This same study also found evidence of a large earthquake 300 years ago along the great plate boundary. In addition, sea level rise 20,000 years ago drowned the prior river mouth , creating Coos Bay estuary as we know today. Tidal flats are areas where sediments that are deposited from rivers and tides accumulate. Coos Bay

1794-461: A regional hub for the Central and Southern Coasts, as well as inland areas. Bay Area Hospital, the largest hospital on the coast has 129 beds. Other facilities in the city include North Bend Medical Center, Oregon Coast Spine Institute, Bay Clinic, South Coast Center for Cosmetic Surgery, South Coast Orthopedic Associates and Southwest Physical Therapy. In 2012, Ocean Power Technologies proposed

1932-433: A result of contracting the fungal infection Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii . This results in stunted growth. Port Orford cedars and sometimes Pacific yews contract root rot from Phytophthora lateralis . This rot moves up the tree and kills the inner bark, thereby leading to the death of the tree. Furthermore, wildfire risk continues to increase as global climate change leads to hotter and drier conditions. The estuary

2070-440: A result of this, modeling reveals, the estuary has overall become more stratified and accumulates more sediment than it did historically. Further deepening of the navigation channel from 11 to 14 m and widening by about 45 m has already been proposed for the western reach. The navigational channel of Coos Estuary is regularly dredged to this day to allow for commercial shipping. Currently, the greater Coos County ––which encompasses

2208-406: A role in the biogenic sulfide corrosion of concrete . It also occurs in sour crude oil . Some sulfate-reducing microorganisms play a role in the anaerobic oxidation of methane : An important fraction of the methane formed by methanogens below the seabed is oxidized by sulfate-reducing microorganisms in the transition zone separating the methanogenesis from the sulfate reduction activity in

2346-486: A structural failure of the roof in an auto parts store. The accidental blaze paralyzed the city for several hours, with fire departments from several neighboring towns assisting in the effort to stop the blaze. Captain Randy Carpenter, Firefighter/Engineer Robert "Chuck" Hanners and Firefighter/Engineer Jeff Common, all from Coos Bay, died when an explosion caused the roof of the building to cave in; they were inside

2484-400: A variety of timescales from daily (tidal) to yearly. These values [ambiguous] and pH are also monitored at various locations throughout South Slough. In the wet winter season (December - February), the bottom water measured in the tidal waters of South Slough at Valino Island tends to be relatively cold, with temperatures ranging from 5° to 11 °C and highly variable salinity (0-20 psu). In

2622-660: Is a city located in Coos County, Oregon , United States , where the Coos River enters Coos Bay on the Pacific Ocean . The city borders the city of North Bend , and together they are often referred to as one entity called either Coos Bay-North Bend or Oregon's Bay Area. Coos Bay's population as of the 2020 census was 15,985 residents, making it the most populous city on the Oregon Coast . Oregon's Bay Area

2760-562: Is a public airport located in adjacent North Bend and is the 5th busiest airport in Oregon, as well as the largest airport on the Oregon Coast. Currently (2014) the airport hosts general aviation and charter services, as well as offering daily commercial flights to/from San Francisco and seasonal flights to Denver International Airport in Colorado. Porter Stage Lines provides bus service from Coos Bay with several stops, including Eugene , which has connections with Amtrak rail services and

2898-472: Is a residential neighborhood developed in the mid-20th century, located at the crest of a hill overlooking the bay, north of Mingus Park and the Marshfield District. The majority of the Coos Bay area's medical facilities are located in this district. The Eastside district of Coos Bay was originally called East Marshfield for its situation on the east side of the bay. East Marshfield post office

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3036-417: Is a significant input of fresh water and sediments. Fluvial geomorphology is the study of the way rivers move through and affect their surrounding landscape. For an estuary, this involves the tributaries and their flow rates, bottom topography, water discharge and the drainage basin , and sedimentation and deposition. Thirty tributaries enter the bay, including 13 freshwater sources, the Coos River being

3174-418: Is also found in more extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents, acid mine drainage sites, oil fields, and the deep subsurface, including the world's oldest isolated ground water. Sulfate-reducing microorganisms are common in anaerobic environments where they aid in the degradation of organic materials. In these anaerobic environments, fermenting bacteria extract energy from large organic molecules;

3312-597: Is composed of low and high marshes which are likely to have diffuse tidal drainage and channels up to four feet high, respectively. Commonly found plants include Carex lynghyei, Triglochin , Deschampsia caespitosa , and Hordeum nodosum . The immature high marsh is easily identified as it is flat and sits a few feet above the surrounding mudflats. The immature high marsh also has deep channels that drain it. Commonly found plants include Carex, Deschampsia, Hordeum, Juncus lesccurii, Potentilla pacifica , Distichlis , Artiplex natula, and Agrostis alba . The mature high marsh

3450-475: Is dependent on upwelling and tidal mixing and varies along the salinity gradient. These physical processes influence estuarine chlorophyll by either directly transporting chlorophyll associated with plants from coastal waters into the estuary or by transporting recently upwelled, nutrient rich water, into the estuary which triggers primary production. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels vary according to wind forcing, river discharge and tides, with

3588-528: Is estimated to be home to 32,308 (Coos Bay Census County Division). Prior to Europeans first visiting the Oregon coast, Native American tribes claimed the Coos Bay region as their homeland for thousands of years. Members of the Coos , Lower Umpqua , Siuslaw and Coquille tribes lived, fished, hunted and gathered along Coos Bay and its estuaries, along rivers, and in meadows and forests. Approximately 400 years ago, British and Spanish explorers first approached

3726-514: Is in the forest on the north side of the park. A skatepark and tennis courts are in the southeast portion. In addition, there are playgrounds for children in the southwest, and a softball field in the east. John Topits Park, more commonly known as Empire Lakes, in the northwestern section of Coos Bay, is a 120-acre (49 ha) natural area encompassing the Empire Lakes and protected coastal dune and forest land. No motor boats are permitted on

3864-578: Is land of the Coos and the Coquille ––specifically the Miluk people––who have lived in the area for approximately 6,000 years. The flora and fauna of the watershed provided significant amounts of food and material for hunting and shelter. Villages generally homed around 100 people. Shortly after European settlers arrived in the 1850s, the Natives were forcibly removed and forbidden to return to their land. In

4002-462: Is mainly composed of sedimentary rock created by marine sediments that were deposited offshore before being pushed onshore over millions of years. This process results in the oldest rock being furthest east. East of the bay, and in the Coos River watershed, the bedrock is the oldest, formed during the Eocene . The center of Coos Bay, where the towns of North Bend and Coos Bay sit, was formed during

4140-512: Is more dense in areas with higher salinity and lower temperature; gradients which vary within the estuary depending on location. Over the course of the study, which includes the transition from El Niño to La Niña , leading to warmer winters and cooler summers, eelgrass density, biomass, and flowering all increased. Japanese eelgrass ( Zostera japonica ) is an invasive species, likely introduced during commercial oyster cultivation in 1970 or earlier. The distribution of Z. japonica has spread from

4278-416: Is more varied across the channel than it is longitudinally. It is deepest near the mouth of the estuary, where the bottom is uniform, and the slope leading to this decline is gentle. This topography, coupled with high tidal range and low runoff, allows for lateral and vertical mixing. Annually, Coos Bay is estimated to discharge 2.2 million acre-feet of fresh water, with a yearly maximum of 3,044,000 ac-ft and

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4416-486: Is not a "natural" type of marsh. Instead, it is formed when saltwater is cut off from entering the former marsh. Most marshes found in Coos Bay were likely high or immature high marshes, before they were diked and used for pasture land. Saltwater plants, over time, will be replaced by freshwater plants. One saltwater plant that may remain is Juncus lescurii . The replacement plants, however, include grasses, shrubs, buttercups , herbs, alders , and other trees. The surge plain

4554-413: Is primarily made up of mud and sand flats that form in areas of low tidal activity. The estuary covers 10,973 acres at mean high water and 5,810 acres at mean low water, and about 48% of the watershed is tideland. Tidal effects can extend up the tributaries 27 miles from the ocean. Of the tidal flats in Coos Bay estuary, organic content is highest in the mudflats (8-18% of dry weight, 19.77 ppt) compared to

4692-620: Is represented in the United States House by Val Hoyle (D-Eugene) and in the Oregon Legislature by State Senator Dick Anderson (Oregon politician) (R-Lincoln City) and State Representative Boomer Wright (R-Florence). Coos Bay K–12 public education is served by the Coos Bay School District . Southwestern Oregon Community College (or SWOCC) offers certificates and associate degrees, and has

4830-614: Is the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and approximately 25 miles (40 km) east in the Coast Range is Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area . The City of Coos Bay operates under a council–manager form of government. The Coos Bay City Council is composed of a mayor and six councilors who are elected citywide to serve four-year terms. The council is responsible for setting policy decisions and they in turn hire

4968-569: Is the result of overflowing streams that were dammed, therefore also has broad variability. The South Slough, a sub-basin of the Coos watershed, is particularly well studied. The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve , spanning 4,771 acres, was the first estuary protected by the National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1974. Since then, the estuary and surrounding watershed have been constantly monitored by

5106-620: Is the terminal electron acceptor reduced to water (H 2 O) in aerobic respiration . Most sulfate-reducing microorganisms can also reduce some other oxidized inorganic sulfur compounds , such as sulfite ( SO 3 ), dithionite ( S 2 O 4 ), thiosulfate ( S 2 O 3 ), trithionate ( S 3 O 6 ), tetrathionate ( S 4 O 6 ), elemental sulfur (S 8 ), and polysulfides ( S n ). Other than sulfate reduction, some sulfate-reducing microorganisms are also capable of other reactions like disproportionation of sulfur compounds. Depending on

5244-504: Is turned into ADP using another molecule of ATP. The overall process, thus, involves an investment of two molecules of the energy carrier ATP, which must to be regained from the reduction. The enzyme dissimilatory (bi)sulfite reductase, dsrAB (EC 1.8.99.5), that catalyzes the last step of dissimilatory sulfate reduction, is the functional gene most used as a molecular marker to detect the presence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms. The sulfate-reducing microorganisms have been treated as

5382-466: Is typically higher than the immature high marsh and it contains underground drainage channels. Commonly found plants include Remex occidentalis , Grindelia stricta , Trifolium wormskjoldii , Vicia gigantea, and Lathyrus japonicus . The bulrush-sedge marsh is typically found on the banks of a river or slough, particularly one with freshwater. Commonly plants include Scirpus validus and Carex lyngbyei . The diked marsh has broad variability as this

5520-532: The Captain Lincoln shipwreck established Camp Castaway until they and their cargo could be fully rescued. There has been a permanent settlement on Coos Bay since 1853, when the town of Marshfield was founded there and named after the Massachusetts hometown of its founder, J. C. Tolman. The first Methodist church in the area was established in 1857. By 1866 the inhabitants, who were reliant on

5658-636: The Columbia River . The majority of cargo is offloaded in the southeast corner of Coos Bay, which is near the head of the inlet, opposite the Coos River entrance. Currently, 2 million tons of cargo move through the port. There are plans to widen the channel from 300 ft to 450 ft and to deepen it from 37 ft to 45 ft, allowing the shipping operations to scale up. Coupled with the Coos Bay Rail Line , which threads through

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5796-528: The Greyhound bus network. Porter Stage Lines then extends to Bend and ends at Ontario in eastern Oregon, and then reverses the trip. Coos Transit, also known as CCAT provides daily loop service to 54 stops around Coos Bay and North Bend. The Port of Coos Bay provides freight shipping services. The Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad operated the Coos Bay Rail Link linking the port to

5934-500: The National Estuarine Research Reserve System work together to assess the resilience of tidal marshes around the country and provide recommendations for their management and conservation. Coos Bay is composed of several types of tidal marshes, according to reports from 1974, 1979, and 2021: The low sand marsh is mainly sandy , but may have silt and mud . This marsh type gently slopes at

6072-537: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Oregon Department of State Lands . Monitoring includes both water quality, ecosystem surveys, and measurements of resilience. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System rated South Slough as more vulnerable than the national average because its tidal range is small and most of

6210-628: The Oregon Coast Range to Eugene , the port could see increased usage in coming years. Jordan Cove, located across the inlet from the airport, was the proposed site of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal by Jordan Cove Energy Project . The terminal would have exported liquefied natural gas from an underground pipeline that would have met with existing pipelines near Malin . The terminal and pipeline projects were cancelled in 2021. Oregon Governor Kulongoski expressed various environmental concerns. Coos Bay, Oregon Coos Bay

6348-698: The Oregon coast , with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) which means mild weather usually in the lower 40s to upper 60s Fahrenheit . According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Coos Bay has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate , abbreviated Csb on climate maps, but that borders on an oceanic climate , due to the cool year-round temperatures and sheer volume of annual rainfall, nearly 65 inches (1,651.0 mm) annually. Severe coastal storms (or gales ) with hurricane-force winds occur frequently during

6486-593: The South Slough follows the syncline (an inward curve in the ground). The sediment accumulation rate is approximately 2.3–9 mm/yr in a 0.9-m deep flat in South Slough over a 300-year timescale. This is greater than the sea level is expected to rise locally, 1.10 ± 0.73 mm/yr. Coos Bay is considered a drowned river valley estuary , meaning it was a river valley that was flooded as sea levels rose. The shallow and narrow V-shaped topography of Coos Bay

6624-678: The Thermodesulfobacteriota and Thermodesulfobium . There are also three known genera of sulfate-reducing archaea: Archaeoglobus , Thermocladium and Caldivirga . They are found in hydrothermal vents, oil deposits, and hot springs. In July 2019, a scientific study of Kidd Mine in Canada discovered sulfate-reducing microorganisms living 7,900 feet (2,400 m) below the surface. The sulfate reducers discovered in Kidd Mine are lithotrophs, obtaining their energy by oxidizing minerals such as pyrite rather than organic compounds. Kidd Mine

6762-443: The sulfur cycle soon after life emerged on Earth. Many organisms reduce small amounts of sulfates in order to synthesize sulfur -containing cell components; this is known as assimilatory sulfate reduction . By contrast, the sulfate-reducing microorganisms considered here reduce sulfate in large amounts to obtain energy and expel the resulting sulfide as waste; this is known as dissimilatory sulfate reduction . They use sulfate as

6900-572: The 1870s, "eligible" Natives were allotted a plot of land on which they could rebuild homes. This program was deeply ingrained within colonization, and therefore promoted assimilation in the Euro-American culture. Today, the Coos peoples are a part of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians . The estuary has a long history of dredging, deepening, and spoil disposal, dating back to early development in

7038-528: The 20th century, beginning in 1906. In May 1962 and November 1962, voters in Coos County rejected propositions that would have merged the cities of Coos Bay, North Bend, Empire, and Eastside into a single city. The second vote had been defeated in North Bend by a margin of 98 votes, while the other four cities had approved. The consolidation had been proposed to provide an equal share of services across

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7176-598: The Bay Area and retain more tax revenue from major employers in the county. Empire voted to merge with Coos Bay in December 1964 and was approved by the city council the following month. Eastside's merger was approved in November 1983 and took effect on December 29, 1983. The worst loss of life for a fire department in modern Oregon history occurred in Coos Bay on November 25, 2002, when three firefighters were killed by

7314-735: The Greater Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Area; a 27.71 square mile community located on the Coos Bay Peninsula in Southwest Oregon. Oregon's Bay Area (also called the Coos Bay Micropolitan Statistical Area) has a total urban population of 31,995 (2017), and a MSA population of 64,709 (2012). As of the census of 2010 , there were 15,967 people, 6,950 households, and 3,991 families residing in

7452-633: The South Coast. In 1579, Sir Francis Drake was purported to have sought shelter for his ship, the Golden Hinde , around Cape Arago . Trader and explorer Jedediah Smith was in the region seeking furs, and the Hudson's Bay Company sent Alexander Roderick McLeod to search for an inland passage. The earliest settlement of European Americans in the area was in January 1852 when survivors of

7590-608: The U.S. Government to build minesweepers and rescue tugs for World War II defense purposes. Large national lumber companies set up operations and expanded significantly for the next two decades. Jetty improvements, commercial fishing, and crabbing shaped the development of Charleston . The completion of the North Bend Bridge (now McCullough Memorial Bridge ) in 1936 and the Roosevelt Highway significantly improved modern transportation connections and provided

7728-416: The age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.6% were non-families. The percentage of male householders with no wife present was 5.1%. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27, and the average family size

7866-544: The airport to the ocean entrance, and is marine dominated (meaning there is little freshwater influence). Some popular, easily accessible clamming spots are along Cape Arago highway , where recreational clammers can dig for gaper and butter clams , in the extensive mud flats during low tide. Gaper , Cockle , Butter , Littleneck , Razor and Softshell Clams have all been found in the bay. Various species of clams were commercially harvested up to 1985. Dungeness crab are also frequently caught by recreational fishermen inside

8004-567: The annexations of Empire and Eastside during the 20th century. The Marshfield District contains many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Carnegie Library, Chandler Hotel, Egyptian Theatre and Tioga Hotel. The waterfront area of the Marshfield District has a boardwalk with a city dock, bicycling trail and pavilions featuring historical and interpretive displays. The Milner Crest district

8142-547: The aquatic regions, eelgrass ( Zostera marina and Zostera japonica ) covers about 1,400 acres of Coos Bay. Eelgrass beds are a vital habitat to many species of invertebrates. Additionally, the eelgrass affects the flow of water through the area, stabilizes the sediment, exchanges nutrients between the water column and sediments, and is a source of food for consumers. The beds provide cover for predators and prey alike, including ecologically or economically important fish (see Fish section below). Eelgrasses are clearly important to

8280-434: The bay, perch , sculpin , and rockfish are found. Surveys in the South Slough, the most commonly studied portion of Coos Bay, have shown that Shiner perch are the most abundant fish in the estuary. Shiner perch comprise 76% of fish caught by seine, and typically have a strong association with the eelgrass beds. Staghorn sculpin are another dominant species. Many of the residential species, Shiner perch included, move into

8418-401: The bay, and notably there is a shift in species from marine to brackish water plants here. Kelp beds, specifically those of bull kelp ( Nereocystis leutkeana ), are found in the bay as well. Coos Bay provides habitat for both residential and anadromous fish . The South Slough is an essential nursery environment for many marine fish in their larval and juvenile life stages. Near the mouth of

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8556-453: The bay. Ghost and mud shrimp are also found in the tidal flats and are harvested by both recreational and commercial fishermen for use as bait. In the South Slough, Polychaetes (e.g. annelid worms) comprise 38% of the genera found, making them the most diverse in the ecosystem. In contrast, Decapods (e.g. crabs) comprise only 16%, and Bivalves (e.g. clams) only 13%. Generally, species composition decreases with increasing distance from

8694-412: The captain was told that the weather was too severe for the ship to enter port, he anchored his ship close by. The crew put out only one anchor, and it appears that this was probably on too short a chain to be effective. The subsequent US Coast Guard investigation found several other aspects of the ship's company's handling of the situation to have been poor, leading to the conclusion that human error caused

8832-618: The central navigation channel, where more sediment is accumulating. Tidal flat sediment retention has also increased. Seasonal winds cause tides and upwelling that influence nutrients and the biogeochemistry of Coos Bay estuary. One third of macrophyte production in the estuary is attributed to upwelling. In the summer, wind primarily comes from the North along the Oregon coast, bringing up nutrient-rich deep water and boosting primary production . Strong tides then move these upwelled nutrients further upstream, which stimulates primary production in

8970-422: The city limits include Upper Pony Creek Reservoir, Lake Merritt, Empire Lakes and numerous streams. The City of Coos Bay comprises four districts, two of which (Eastside and Empire) were formerly independent cities. The Marshfield District of Coos Bay is the historic central downtown and business district of the city. Old Marshfield and its surrounding neighborhoods were what comprised the original Coos Bay before

9108-533: The city was $ 21,481. 18.1% of the population and 11.6% of families were below the poverty line . Out of the total population, 21.6% of those under the age of 18 and 7.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. As of the census of 2000, there were 15,374 people, 6,497 households, and 4,028 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,451.9 inhabitants per square mile (560.6/km ). There were 7,094 housing units at an average density of 669.9 per square mile (258.6/km ). The racial makeup of

9246-517: The city was 90.75% White, 0.37% African American, 2.27% Native American, 1.44% Asian, 0.31% Pacific Islander, 1.35% from other races, and 3.51% from two or more races. 4.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 6,497 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. The percentage of male householders with no wife present

9384-502: The city. The population density was 1,451.9 inhabitants per square mile (560.6/km ). There were 7,542 housing units at an average density of 669.9 per square mile (258.6/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 87.1% White , 0.6% African American , 2.6% Native American , 1.4% Asian , 0.3% Pacific Islander , 2.8% from other races , and 5.2% from two or more races. 4.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 6,950 households, of which 25.9% had children under

9522-446: The context, "sulfate-reducing microorganisms" can be used in a broader sense (including all species that can reduce any of these sulfur compounds) or in a narrower sense (including only species that reduce sulfate, and excluding strict thiosulfate and sulfur reducers , for example). Sulfate-reducing microorganisms can be traced back to 3.5 billion years ago and are considered to be among the oldest forms of microbes, having contributed to

9660-479: The deep open channels. Threats to the biodiversity of Coos Bay watershed include invasive species , forest pathogens, and wildfire . Green crabs , a species native to Europe, are invasive in Coos Bay. One of the species of eelgrass, Zostera japonica , is also invasive. Through 2015, seagrass saw an increase in abundance, but Oregon State researchers have suggested that there has been a recent precipitous decline in seagrass mean density in parts of South Slough after

9798-612: The dominant force in oceanic ecosystems, producing copious amounts of hydrogen sulfide. Sulfate-reducing bacteria also generate neurotoxic methylmercury as a byproduct of their metabolism, through methylation of inorganic mercury present in their surroundings. They are known to be the dominant source of this bioaccumulative form of mercury in aquatic systems. Some sulfate-reducing microorganisms can reduce hydrocarbons , and they have been used to clean up contaminated soils. Their use has also been proposed for other kinds of contaminations. Sulfate-reducing microorganisms are considered

9936-431: The ecosystem, but they are also vulnerable to disruption. During a study in 1996, the density of eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) plants decreased by 59.4% over a period of 75 days on plots undergoing mariculture of Pacific oysters compared to only a 28.8% reduction in the control plots. The Z. marina also decreased in spatial cover under treatment conditions, by 70.7% in high elevations and 36.7% in lower intertidal regions of

10074-544: The edges into the surrounding area. Commonly found plants include Pickleweed , Seaside arrowgrass , Desert saltgrass , Three-Square rush , Jaumea , Dwarf hairgrass , Sea plantain , Paintbrush orthocarpus , Glaux maritima , Carex lyngbyei , and Tufted hairgrass . The low silt marsh is generally silty and muddy and is lacking in channels for tidal drainage. Commonly found plants include Triglochin maritirh, Scirpus robustus , Carex, Jaumea, Spergularia , Juncus lescurii, and Cotula coronopifolia . The sedge marsh

10212-436: The erosion of the nearby cliffs. The higher organic content of mudflats is composed of plant and animal tissues and wastes, diatoms, bacteria, and flocculants , chemicals that pull suspended particles out of the water to form into sediment. The environment a few centimeters below the sediment doesn't have enough oxygen, so sulfate-reducing bacteria live there, breaking down organic matter and producing hydrogen sulfide , giving

10350-595: The established dissolved oxygen content of the estuary throughout the year. South Slough did not exhibit any distinct seasonal pattern in pH at any of the monitoring sites, instead remaining within 7.5 and 8.2 year round at Valino Island. pH tends to be lower in the more riverine locations, between 6.5 and 7.8. However, there were strong daily fluctuations in pH following the tides and daylight at all monitoring sites, as shown by strong correlation with conductivity and salinity. Generally, levels of nutrients, salinity, specific conductivity and chlorophyll are at healthy levels in

10488-470: The estuary has a 33% greater mean tidal amplitude and 18% more salinity intrusion length. Nitrogen inputs vary seasonally and along the salinity gradient. Increased precipitation during the wet season is a major input of land-based nitrogen, as is the watershed associated with agricultural nitrogen runoff and red alder nitrogen fixation . Oregon Coast Range streams typically contain higher amounts of nitrate compared to other Pacific Northwest streams due to

10626-399: The estuary's volume. Estuary mixing and stratification is dependent on the tidal flux and river flux. Circulation patterns are also tidally-influenced. In the summer, the estuary is well-mixed, but in the winter it is highly stratified. Furthermore, in the summer months saltwater influence is greater as freshwater flow into the estuary is minimal. Following anthropogenic deepening and widening,

10764-410: The estuary, although location within the estuary will alter dynamics and values. Seasonal variations of dissolved oxygen include relative highs in the fall and winter (Dec - Jan; >8 mg L) with fluctuations across the estuary and lows in the spring and summer during the upwelling season (Apr - Sep; close to 5 mg L), with some variation. Lowest dissolved oxygen levels are found in the mouth in

10902-528: The estuary, as are water temperature, oxygen, and pH. Historically, Coos Bay has been subject to a range of pollutants from different sources from logging mills, boat manufacturing, and runoff. The area is also particularly vulnerable to any oil or chemical spills at the International Port of Coos Bay , due to its strong tidal currents. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began collecting samples of pollutions and contaminants in

11040-689: The estuary, on the ocean end or riverine end. Roughly half of the total organic matter within the Coos Bay estuary is stored organic carbon within sediments. Clay and silt particles typically have the highest concentrations of organic matter associated with them. Photosynthesis by primary producers draws down atmospheric carbon dioxide and eventual burial of primary producers such as eelgrass and algae lead to long term burial of carbon in estuarine sediments. Estuaries can provide an important sink for increasing global carbon dioxide concentrations as estuary sediments can store carbon rapidly depending on tidal fluxes. Similar to nitrogen and phosphorus, chlorophyll

11178-428: The estuary. The fresh and tidal marshes are home to American beavers . Roosevelt elk live in the uplands. Tidal marshes are marshes that are found along the coast and experience regular tidal flooding and draining. They are important because they provide protection against storm surges , reduce erosion , improve water quality, support a biodiverse ecosystem, and provide opportunities for recreation, which boosts

11316-434: The estuary. Oregon experiences mixed semi-diurnal tides, meaning there are two high and two low tides per day which differ in height. In 2000, the difference in semi-diurnal high and low tides was on average 0.3-0.5 m, and the average tidal amplitude between Mean Higher High Water and Mean Lower Low Water was about 2.1 m. The tidal prism , or the amount of water between mean high tide and mean low tide, accounts for 30% of

11454-458: The final link in opening the Coos region to the outside world. The formerly remote district known as the Coos Bay country had come of age. What now makes up the central district of Coos Bay was called Marshfield until November 10, 1944. The name change, long advocated by residents, had been voted for and became effective on November 11, thus matching the name of the Bay itself. The City of Marshfield

11592-459: The flats. In this way, the flats act as a barrier that slows the water passing through, reduces how much water can flow through, and encourages the deposition, re-suspension, and transport of particles with the tides as the flats are constantly experiencing deposition and erosion. The mudflats are primarily made of a mix of medium and fine-grained sands, silts, and clays, while the sandflats are primarily made of medium-sized sand grains derived from

11730-401: The generation of hydrogen sulfide , ultimately resulting in minimizing potential production loss. Before sulfate can be used as an electron acceptor, it must be activated. This is done by the enzyme ATP-sulfurylase , which uses ATP and sulfate to create adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS). APS is subsequently reduced to sulfite and AMP . Sulfite is then further reduced to sulfide, while AMP

11868-590: The grounding. 70,000 US gallons (260 m3) of #6 crude oil were spilled by the vessel, with a further 165,000 to 255,000 gallons (625 to 965 m3) set alight via explosives & liquid napalm, by the Army Corp of Engineers, over the course of weeks. The explosives, the heat from the burning oil and the beating of the Pacific Ocean on the Ship is what eventually caused the "New Carissa" to break in two. The stern of

12006-457: The hands of parties unknown while resisting arrest for a felony, and that no crime was committed thereby." Despite this claim that those in the mob were unknown, the participation of multiple people, including the husband of the alleged rape victim, was noted in local newspapers. One newspaper at that time reported the mob was "quiet and orderly" and another paper wrote, "'Well done' is the consensus of public opinion." Alonzo Tucker's cause of death

12144-405: The healthy population of red alder trees capable of fixing nitrogen. During the dry season, the major input of nitrogen comes from the ocean following upwelling events bringing nutrients like nitrogen into the estuary. In the late summer and fall, nitrate concentrations measured at low tide are varied, with highest concentrations in the tidal regions of the estuary, and lowest at the riverine ends. In

12282-412: The juveniles of these species that have migrated upriver to spawn. Historically, White sturgeon , Green sturgeon , and Chum Salmon could also be found in Coos Bay. Some of Oregon's most productive shellfishing is in Coos Bay. Coos Bay is Oregon's largest bay, and the lower part of the bay offers many shellfishing opportunities such as crabbing and clamming. The lower bay is the area that extends from

12420-596: The lakes. However, there is a launch for canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats. There are 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of pedestrian and cycling trails. The Empire Lakes is home to a variety of fish (bass, bluegill, perch, catfish), waterfowl and birds. The greater Coos Bay area has a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , which brings approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The ocean beaches near Coos Bay are devoid of

12558-595: The largest freshwater source. About 1 m/s of freshwater is released by the Coos River into the estuary in the summer and >300 m/s in the winter. These waters travel through areas of heavy logging and limited agriculture, originating from the Coastal Range. The main channel of the estuary follows the north–south trending anticline (an arch-like fold in the ground), ending in the Isthmus Slough, Catching Slough, Haynes Inlet , and Coos River; while southward,

12696-549: The largest group of sulfate-reducing bacteria, about 23 genera. The second largest group of sulfate-reducing bacteria is found among the Bacillota , including the genera Desulfotomaculum , Desulfosporomusa , and Desulfosporosinus . In the Nitrospirota phylum we find sulfate-reducing Thermodesulfovibrio species. Two more groups that include thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria are given their own phyla,

12834-431: The late Pliocene or early Pleistocene . The North Spit, the most western area bordering the ocean, is composed of sand dunes . These formed much more recently as sand was deposited along the coast after eroding from other areas. By studying the transition from peaty to muddy intertidal sediment and the associated microfossils in the estuary, researchers were able to determine 10 instances of sudden rises in sea level as

12972-580: The late 1990s, and found that one of the largest sources of pollution into the Coos Bay estuary had been from tributyltin (TBT) sourced from two active shipyards within the estuary. TBT became an environmental concern in the late 1980s after commercial oyster farmers began noticing shell deformities. After sample results showed toxic levels of TBT, the two shipyards worked with the DEQ to clean up contaminated sediments and implement more environmentally conscience practices, which allowed Coos Bay to avoid being listed as

13110-551: The level of development seen on other areas of the Oregon Coast, due to much of the coastline being designated state and county parks. Across the entrance bar to Coos Bay from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area lie the rugged cliffs and pocket beaches of Bastendorf Beach County Park, Yoakam Point State Park, Sunset Bay State Park , Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park . Approximately 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Coos Bay

13248-496: The local economy. The resilience of a tidal marsh depends on the vegetation types and their location in the tidal frame, exposure to stressors, surrounding land use, and if there is enough space for migration. The soils of tidal marshes tend to be salty and hypoxic , with vegetation adapted for regular precipitation and tidal flooding. These areas are especially vulnerable to changes in these systems, especially rising sea levels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and

13386-559: The mid-1800's. In 1976, the Coos Bay was dredged as part of the Deep-Draft Navigation Project, a campaign by the US Army Corps of Engineers to increase channel depth and width for vessel usage. In its natural state, the estuary's entrance was approximately 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep; this project altered the entrance to measure 700 feet wide and 45 feet deep. Total estuary volume has increased 21% while

13524-724: The mudflats the classic "rotten egg" smell. The mild marine climate of Coos Bay is classified as Csb or a Temperate Mediterranean Climate zone and is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean and precipitation from the Coast Range. Regional weather consists of a cool, wet season in the winter (October through April) with an average annual rainfall of 56 inches, and a mild, dry season in the summer (May through September) with an average rainfall of less than 4 inches. Runoff follows this same pattern, with approximately one month of lag. Air temperatures range from 40° to 75 °F. Winter storms lead to accumulation of winter precipitation and which

13662-592: The national rail network. The line is now operated by Coos Bay Rail Link. Sulfate-reducing microorganism Sulfate-reducing microorganisms ( SRM ) or sulfate-reducing prokaryotes ( SRP ) are a group composed of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfate-reducing archaea (SRA), both of which can perform anaerobic respiration utilizing sulfate ( SO 4 ) as terminal electron acceptor , reducing it to hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). Therefore, these sulfidogenic microorganisms "breathe" sulfate rather than molecular oxygen (O 2 ), which

13800-405: The ocean, and numbers tended to decrease further into the bay. Neritic (swimming) species were found in the lower parts of the estuary. In a typical year, there is a small bloom of diatoms in the late winter and early spring before heavy grazing pressure by the zooplankton limits overall abundance. Lack of sunlight limits diatom growth in the fall and winter. Most algae are found at the mouth of

13938-464: The ocean. Mallard Ducks , Pintail Ducks , Widgeon , Marbled murrelet , and Coot all live in the estuaries. The more migratory species of Canvasback ducks , Pintail ducks, and Black Brant winter in the estuaries. Many of the seabirds typically found along Oregon's coast such as pelicans and gulls can also be seen in the bay. Seals and sea lions can typically be seen in the marine dominated zones. River otters can be found further up in

14076-613: The past century, and some of these areas were replanted solely with Douglas fir trees. Sitka spruce , western hemlock , and Port Orford cedar trees can also be found in Coos Bay watershed, ranging from 15- to 75-years of age. Key upland area plant life also include evergreen huckleberry , Pacific sword fern , salal and salmonberry . Fresh and tidal marsh plants include baltic rush , fleshy jaumea , Lyngby's sedge , Pacific silverweed , pickleweed , salt grass , seaside arrowgrass , skunk cabbage , Slough sedge , salt-marsh bird's beak , western bog lily , and tufted hairgrass . In

14214-416: The resulting smaller compounds such as organic acids and alcohols are further oxidized by acetogens and methanogens and the competing sulfate-reducing microorganisms. The toxic hydrogen sulfide is a waste product of sulfate-reducing microorganisms; its rotten egg odor is often a marker for the presence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in nature. Sulfate-reducing microorganisms are responsible for

14352-526: The route of Oregon Route 42 roughly follows the original right of way. 1870 saw Coos Bay set up its first, and the state's 48th, chartered Masonic Lodge . Named Blanco Lodge, this brotherhood was set up by several of the town's founding fathers. With this development, the incorporation of Marshfield came in 1874. One of the nation's oldest still-operating machine shops, the Nelson Machine Works-Coos Bay Iron Works,

14490-408: The sandflats (1-2% of dry weight, <0.1 ppt). These areas tend to lack visible vegetation, but do support benthic diatoms , mats of green and yellow green algae, and eelgrass beds ( Zostera marina and Z. japonica ). Tidal flats in the estuary have a network of shallow channels that allow water to drain when the flats are above water, and when submerged, allow water and sediment to pass through

14628-600: The sea for their income, had built the Cape Arago Light . The setting up of a post office in 1871 and the arrival of the Coos Bay Wagon Road in the town a year later connected Coos County with the Umpqua River valley in neighboring Douglas County, on the other side of the Coast Range of mountains. This wagon road, although long gone in its original form, is still partially in existence since

14766-407: The sediments. This process is also considered a major sink for sulfate in marine sediments. In hydraulic fracturing , fluids are used to frack shale formations to recover methane ( shale gas ) and hydrocarbons . Biocide compounds are often added to water to inhibit the microbial activity of sulfate-reducing microorganisms, in order to but not limited to, avoid anaerobic methane oxidation and

14904-411: The ship remained on the beach; the bow was towed out to sea and sunk after multiple attempts, they had to get special tow lines shipped in from overseas & had multiple tug boats pulling out. Then (I believe) a submarine sank it out at sea. In 2008, the stern of the "New Carissa" was cut into pieces and removed from the beach. Several votes to consolidate or merge cities around Coos Bay were held in

15042-424: The shore, processes due to wind activity, and erosion. Sediment grains increase in size with depth and decrease in size when moving further into the estuary, likely because tidal currents are less strong further in and can no longer carry larger particles. To keep the estuary fit as a navigation channel, an average of 1.65 million square yards of material was removed annually by the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to

15180-447: The spring (March–May), temperatures increase to 13° to 23 °C and salinity becomes more stabilized (27 ± 4 psu) due to is less freshwater input. During the dry summer season (June - August), bottom temperatures increase to around 15 °C and salinity increases with less variability (31 ± 3 psu). In the fall (September - November) temperatures drop and salinity becomes more variable (30 ± 5 psu). Similar patterns are expected throughout

15318-428: The spring and at the riverine end in late summer and early fall. While upwelling does bring oxygen-poor water to the surface, upwelling strength alone is not a good predictor of low dissolved oxygen levels; the influence of other physical and biological factors are also needed to explain patterns of oxygen concentration. Overall, there is minimal likelihood of hypoxia due to rapid tidal exchange and shallow waters, based on

15456-425: The start of the Deep-Draft Navigation Project. Sediments input averages 72,000 tons annually. Modeling of Coos Bay sediment movement compared to historical patterns reveals that suspended-sediment concentrations and sediment retention has increased in the estuary over time as dredging, river diversion, construction and spoils disposal continues. As a result of this development, sediment transport has been diverted into

15594-499: The structure when the roof collapsed, killing the three firefighters. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 15.90 square miles (41.18 km ), of which, 10.60 square miles (27.45 km ) is land and 5.30 square miles (13.73 km ) is water. The city is quite hilly, with elevations ranging from between sea level to over 500 feet (150 m). Bodies of water within

15732-479: The study. Following removal of these mariculture practices, Z. marina beds struggled to recover, and recovery depended most on how many Z. marina plants there were at the start of recovery, rather than on new growth. However, transplanted Z. marina did recover better than plots left to recover on their own. Aside from anthropogenic influences, eelgrass is also affected by other factors. A study on Z. marina meadows in Coos Bay from 1998 to 2001 found that Z. marina

15870-496: The sulfurous odors of salt marshes and mud flats. Much of the hydrogen sulfide will react with metal ions in the water to produce metal sulfides . These metal sulfides, such as ferrous sulfide (FeS), are insoluble and often black or brown, leading to the dark color of sludge. During the Permian–Triassic extinction event (250 million years ago) a severe anoxic event seems to have occurred where these forms of bacteria became

16008-738: The system over time. The bedrock of the greater Coos Bay region was formed from the Mesozoic through the Pliocene eras out of volcanic rock , sedimentary rock , and igneous rock intrusions. The area's geologic history is highlighted by tectonic interaction between oceanic and continental plates. Subduction and abduction of the oceanic plate with the North American Plate has led to a thicker crust in Southwestern Oregon. The Empire Formation , on which Coos Bay lies,

16146-1388: The terminal electron acceptor of their electron transport chain . Most of them are anaerobes ; however, there are examples of sulfate-reducing microorganisms that are tolerant of oxygen, and some of them can even perform aerobic respiration. No growth is observed when oxygen is used as the electron acceptor. In addition, there are sulfate-reducing microorganisms that can also reduce other electron acceptors, such as fumarate , nitrate ( NO 3 ), nitrite ( NO 2 ), ferric iron (Fe ), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In terms of electron donor , this group contains both organotrophs and lithotrophs . The organotrophs oxidize organic compounds , such as carbohydrates , organic acids (such as formate , lactate , acetate , propionate , and butyrate ), alcohols ( methanol and ethanol ), aliphatic hydrocarbons (including methane ), and aromatic hydrocarbons ( benzene , toluene , ethylbenzene , and xylene ). The lithotrophs oxidize molecular hydrogen (H 2 ), for which they compete with methanogens and acetogens in anaerobic conditions. Some sulfate-reducing microorganisms can directly use metallic iron (Fe , also known as zerovalent iron , or ZVI) as an electron donor, oxidizing it to ferrous iron (Fe ). Sulfate occurs widely in seawater, sediment, and water rich in decaying organic material. Sulfate

16284-401: The tidal flats during flood tides. Overall, the fish biomass abundance decreases with increasing distance from the ocean. Coho salmon , Chinook salmon , Steelhead , Coastal cutthroat trout , Striped bass , Pacific lampreys , Western brook lampreys and American shad all migrate through Coos Bay during different times of the year. The Coos Bay estuary provides critical habitat for many of

16422-407: The total estuary areas has decreased by 12%. In contrast, 25 km of the estuary in South Slough has been managed by the National Estuarine Research Reserve and left unaltered by development. A harbor and bridge were constructed in the entrance of South Slough, and the entry point of Coos River into the estuary has been redirected to the west, partially separating it from the east-estuary flats. As

16560-414: The total population, 21.0% of those under the age of 18 and 9.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Mingus Park, near downtown Coos Bay, features a 1-mile (1.6 km) walking path that encircles a large pond with a resident population of duck and geese. An outdoor swimming pool is available during the summer months, as well as an outdoor amphitheater. An 18-hole disc golf course

16698-458: The upper reaches of South Slough in the 1970s into the middle region of the estuary by 1987. By the early 1980s it is everywhere in the estuary, most commonly in the mid intertidal zone. Z. japonica converts unvegetated mudflats into eelgrass beds, leading to significant changes in the species composition and abundance of invertebrate communities of the area. Overall, species richness was significantly higher in Z. japonica dominated areas than it

16836-583: The vegetation is below the mean tide. Additionally, most of the edges of the marsh are un-vegetated. However, South Slough was rated higher than average for adaptive capacity because there is a lot of space for marsh migration as sea levels rise; recommendations for management include protecting these surrounding areas. The diverse ecosystems that encompass the South Slough Reserve include salt marshes, eelgrass beds, sand, mud, and tidal flats, freshwater ponds and marshes, and even benthic habitats in

16974-550: The watershed––is home to over 63,000 people. A 2014 community report ranked the area poorly in climate adaptation, greenhouse gas mitigation, and resource efficiency, along with a few social and community aspects. Coos Bay hosts several oyster aquaculture operations. Clausen's Oysters is located in Haynes Inlet at the north end of the estuary. Qualman Oyster Farms is located near the entrance to South Slough. Additionally, clams are harvested recreationally. Charleston acts as

17112-492: The winter months, while summers can be foggy. Snowfall is uncommon, with just around an inch (2.54 cm) of snow annually. Air temperatures typically range from 40 °F (4 °C) to 75 °F (24 °C) all year. The record high temperature of 102 °F (38.9 °C) was recorded on September 22, 2009, and the record low of 12 °F (−11.1 °C) was recorded on December 21, 1990. The wettest "rain year" at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in nearby North Bend

17250-512: The winter, during peak freshwater inputs, nitrate concentrations are high and fairly uniform throughout the estuary. This indicates that in the dry season, nutrient sources come from the Ocean, while in the wet season, nutrients are coming in with the freshwater. During summer months when dry conditions persist and upwelling is occurring, the primary source of phosphorus is from the ocean. Thus, phosphorus concentrations also vary depending on location in

17388-415: Was 2.82. In the city, the age distribution was 20.3% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 15 to 19, 19.2% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.6 years. The median income for a household in the city was $ 37,985, and the median income for a family was $ 47,998. Males had a median income of $ 41,069 versus $ 26,648 for females. The per capita income for

17526-423: Was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 31,212, and the median income for a family was $ 38,721. Males had a median income of $ 32,324 versus $ 22,192 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,158. 16.5% of the population and 12.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of

17664-506: Was an easier two-day trip compared to traveling inland over rugged terrain. In 1916 a rail line was completed that linked the region to other interior settlements and towns, which increased commercial trade and tourism Significant urban growth occurred in the 1920s, and during the 1930s to 1950s large-scale growth occurred. Per the Oregon Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, during the 1930s to 1950s: Shipyards contracted with

17802-563: Was asphyxiation. According to the coroner's report, cause of death was blood loss from the gunshot wound in Tucker's right thigh, in which case he died before being hanged on the Marshfield bridge. Prior to around 1915, the Coos region was largely isolated from the rest of Oregon due to difficulties in crossing the Coast Range and fording rivers, and the Pacific Ocean was used to link people to other areas, including San Francisco , which

17940-470: Was before the invasion. A variety of algae can be found in Coos Bay. Micro-algae or Phytoplankton , such as diatoms , are abundant. Coos Bay has some of the highest primary productivity within west coast estuaries. In the lower part of the bay, species such as Chaetoceros , Skeletonema , and Thalassiosira are found. In the upper part of the bay, species such as Melosira and Skeletonema are found. As of 1973, zooplankton were most abundant near

18078-493: Was established in 1891 and it operated intermittently until 1908, when the name was changed to Eastside . The community of Eastside merged with the city of Coos Bay in 1983. Eastside is primarily a residential neighborhood and is home to Eastside Elementary, Millicoma Middle School, walking trails at Millicoma Marsh and a public boat launch. A trail established by Coquille people ran from the original site of Randolph to Empire. The Empire district ( Coos language : Hanisich ) )

18216-494: Was founded as Empire City in 1853 by members of the Coos Bay Company from Jacksonville, Oregon , and at the time it was assumed that the area would be center of the region. The company was formed after the discovery of gold in northern California and southwestern Oregon. For a time Empire City was the county seat of Coos County. The first post office in the location was called Elkhorn, which ran from 1853 until 1854. It

18354-448: Was founded in 1888. On September 18, 1902, the only lynching ever to be documented in Oregon occurred in Coos Bay, of Alonzo Tucker , an African-American man. He was accused of raping a white woman and escaping from jail. However, there is no record of his escape from jail. According to newspaper accounts, Tucker was discovered by two young boys who began shooting him with airguns. After a brief pursuit, local miners apprehended Tucker who

18492-531: Was from July 1994 to June 1995 with 89.13 inches (2,263.9 mm) and the driest from July 1976 to June 1977 with 30.87 inches (784.1 mm); the greatest monthly rainfall was 22.69 inches (576.3 mm) in November 1973, and the highest 24-hour rainfall 6.67 inches (169.4 mm) on November 18, 1996. The Coos Bay—North Bend area is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9A, with a frost-free growing season around nine months long. The term Oregon's Bay Area refers to

18630-409: Was hiding inside a store. The mob considering hanging him inside the store but decided to return him to the site of the alleged rape at a nearby bridge. Tucker was shot twice and then hanged from the 7th Street bridge, which spanned present-day Golden Field, where high school soccer games are now held. No charges were ever brought against the mob as officials determined "the deceased came to his death at

18768-630: Was named after the Massachusetts hometown of the Cityʼs founder, J.C. Tolman, and incorporated in 1874. On February 4, 1999, a Japanese ship named the New Carissa ran aground on a beach 2.75 miles (4.3 km) north of the entrance to Coos Bay, drawing international attention to the area. The New Carissa was empty of cargo at the time, heading for the Port of Coos Bay to pick up wood chips. When

18906-464: Was the first post office in what is now Coos County, though at the time it was part of Umpqua County . Empire City post office was established in 1858 and ran until 1894, when it was renamed Empire . In 1965, the city of Empire voted to consolidate with Coos Bay. Today, Empire is the location of Madison Elementary School, Sunset Intermediate School and a business district along Cape Arago Highway. This region experiences cool-to-warm summers typical of

19044-399: Was unknown. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29, and the average family size was 2.83. In the city, the age distribution was 22.6% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

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