Tillamook County will be one of the most healthy and scenic areas of the Oregon Coast. With vast accessible beaches, four major bays, and numerous rivers flowing from the forested coastal mountains, there are opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The county’s natural environment and resources will support a broad array of industries.

Vision of our Natural Environment

County rivers and estuaries will support magnificent runs of wild salmon, as well as abundant fish and shellfish populations. The valley floors interlaced with healthy river and wetland communities will be covered with lush pasture, supporting Tillamook’s famed dairy herds. 
Foothills and mountains will be noted for healthy, productive forests that provide high quality habitat for a full array of thriving native plant and animal populations. These highly functioning habitats will promote excellent water quality, increase water quantity, reduce flooding and improve air quality.

Residents and visitors will enjoy the fruits of well-established cooperation and partnerships between heritage-rich, natural resource based industries such as dairy farming, forestry and fishing. The valuable impact of interdependent relationships among these industries on a healthy, functional and sustainable environment will be well understood and accepted throughout Tillamook County.

In addition, ongoing assessments of the environment will establish a blueprint for continued restoration of the estuaries and watersheds, promoting resilient, stable habitat for a variety of aquatic life. Active participation in natural resource management will become institutionalized in the educational systems.

A sustainable balance between responsible use and protection of natural resources will be possible through education and good stewardship practices on public and private land.

Natural Environment Goals

Goal 3.1 Provide high quality wildlife habitat

Strategy 3.1.1
Support educational programs that encourage a balance between the use and management of natural resources.

Strategy 3.1.2
Encourage timber, agricultural and fishing industries to form partnerships with local communities to improve natural resource conditions (e.g., fish and wildlife habitat).

Strategy 3.1.3
Encourage public agencies to work together to conserve natural resources.

Strategy 3.1.4
Support and encourage volunteer cleanup programs such as Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism (SOLV) and beach clean-ups.

Strategy 3.1.5
Minimize impacts to recreational areas by increasing regulating use through appropriate restrictions (e.g., fees, permits and active enforcement of existing regulations).

Strategy 3.1.6
Support actions that reduce sources of fecal coliform bacteria and erosion from rural and urban non-point sources (e.g., urban storm water runoff).

Strategy 3.1.7
Support efforts to conserve key habitat features essential to wildlife species at risk.

Strategy 3.1.8
Promote erosion control on roads in forested areas.

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Goal 3.2 Promote high quality waterways

Strategy 3.2.1
Support efforts to improve and maintain water quality and quantity.

Strategy 3.2.2
Encourage and support local groups (e.g., Tillamook Estuaries Partnership and watershed councils) in improving fish habitat and monitoring of stream and riparian zone quality.

Strategy 3.2.3
Support efforts to protect riparian zones from damage due to livestock, timber extraction, recreational use, and urban development.

Goal 3.3 Encourage the recycling of waste products

Strategy 3.3.1 
Develop and maintain county waste management sites to serve existing and projected waste disposal needs.

Strategy 3.3.2 
Support educational programs that help students and the public understand the need for reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling.

Strategy 3.3.3 
Increase recycling opportunities throughout the county.

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