Tillamook County

WaterTrail Summer Newsletter 2012

Produced by Tillamook Estuaries Partnership

www.tbnep.orgPO Box 493, Garibaldi, OR 97118

503-322-2222

The Tillamook Estuaries Partnership as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization,

is dedicated to the conservation and restorationof Tillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds

in their entirety.The TCWT is included in TEP’s Education Program

Friday, July 13, 10am - 2pmKayak Fishing WorkshopCloverdale to Pacific City

NRT Designation continued

Estuaries Day Tours of the Miami Wetlands set for September

Bounty on the Bay and other Highlights

National Trail Designation Award Dedication: Friday, August 17, 11am

Tillamook County Water Trail receives National Recreation TrailDesignation!The National Recreation Trails (NRT) program recognizes exemplary trails of local and regional significance. Its goal is to promote the use and care of existing trails and stimulate the development of new trails to create a national network of trails . NRT recognition comes with an array of benefits, including promotion, technical assistance, networking and access to funding. This year, 54 new trails received a NRT designation, and Tillamook County Water Trail (TWCT) is thrilled to be included in this group. Facilitated by the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP), the TCWT consists of 250 miles of navigable waters for non-motorized enthusiasts, including five estuaries. (continued inside...)

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Two of these estuary systems, Nehalem and Tillamook Bay are already featured in full-color guidebooks. The third guidebook, which includes the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers, Sand Lake Estuary and the Neskowin Creek watershed, is near the final review stage and publication will occur later this year. Efforts then shift to the concluding guidebook in the series, which encompasses Netarts Bay. TEP is honored to have the Tillamook County Water Trail receive this national designation. For more information visit our website at: www.tbnep.org

Upcoming Activities:

WHAT: Kayak Fishing Workshop with Groundswell Kayaking Guide, Ron SauberWHERE: Cloverdale Boat Launch to Pacific CityWHEN: Friday, July 13, 10am - 2pmMORE: Enjoy a day on the Nestucca River with experienced kayak fisherman Ron Sauber. Get prepared for the fall fishing season now (no need for a fishing license as we won’t be actively fishing). We will spend the day floating down the river while going over the basics and how they can be applied to the many coastal rivers up and down the Oregon coast. Topics will include: outfitting your kayak for salmon fishing, gear/lure selection and basic fishing techniques. Bring your own kayak and accessories. Space is limited please call to register: 503-322-2222

TCWT

Designation continued

Above: July 2010 Miami Wetland Restoration work.Right: April 2012 Post- work monitoring.

WHAT: Estuaries Days Tours of the Miami Wetlands WHERE: Miami Wetlands, Garibaldi, OregonWHEN: September - TBAMORE: See it now, it looks like an estuary! Join the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership & partners to take a tour of the newly restored Miami Wetlands. Hear highlights of the project and how post-monitoring is progressing.

Open House at the Miami Wetlands

Then...

...Now

Bounty on the Bay 2012

Highlights

The morning started out damp and even a little grey, but as the day progressed the outlook seemed brighter for the 9th Annual Bounty on the Bay fishing tournament. TEP’s top fund raiser, this year’s event was once again filled with Spring Chinook, on-the-water fun, laughs and fabulous food. The TEP Board of Directors holds this annual two-day event to raise awareness and capacity to support their Local Grant Program. Every year monies are dispersed to local partners working on habitat, water quality or education projects. Last year’s event put over $13k back into the community on such projects.

Lunch at Kilchis Point

Alex Paul Above: Jeff Thatcher and Dave Jidase

Board Director, Shawn Reiersgaard finally gets into a kayak

The event owes a big part of its success to its supporters. Key individuals include the fishing and kayak guides donating their time and boats, the food sponsors contributing their scrumptious fare, artists and business providing items for the auctions and all the participants and volunteers spending the weekend with TEP. In addition to the fishing, a kayak tour of the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum’s Kilchis Point property was offered guided by Kayak Tillamook, LLC. Gary Albright, Museum Director, gave a stirring narration of the rich history of this important area.

Festivities culminated with an inspiring presentation by Representative Jules Bailey highlighting the connection between restoration and economics. Lucky tournament winners were: Big Fish award AND First Place, Tim Leatherman, founder of Leatherman Tools, Second place, Alex Paul, Third Place, Jim Thatcher. Guide David Johnson received the Boat Captain prize for overall fish caught.

Bounty on the Bay draws many people from outside the Tillamook County area to recreate and enjoy our magnificent watershed. Whether a resident or visitor, each participant learns how they can actively

support the important restoration work that TEP undertakes in fulfillment of its mission.

Bounty on the Bay’s success is due to the fact we have very generous sponsors. Please see the entire list on our website: www.tbnep.org

Major “Thank Yous” to all of them.

THANK YOU to our volunteers and partners.

Follow us on Facebook: Tillamook County Water Trail

Tillamook Estuaries PartnershipPO Box 493, Garibaldi, OR 97118

503-322-2222www.tbnep.org

Comments about the online draft of the Nestucca, Neskowin, Sand Lake Water Trail Guidebook are welcome. Please contact Julie Chick at: julie@tbnep.org or call: 503-322-2222

highlights:

TEP’s 11th Children’s Clean Water Festival includes all 4th graders of Tillamook County- 2012

The TEP recently hosted an EPA team for an update on our National Estuary Program goals. Discussion included TEP’s successes and identified specific challenges to some implementation objectives. The reviewers met with TEP staff, Board and partners and were led on a full-day field trip to review on-the-ground projects. Overall the visit was beneficial for everyone. Information shared in the review will be incorporated into TEP’s current strategic planning efforts.

All photos are property of the TEP.

Celebrate!The Tillamook County Water Trail has been designated a

National Recreation Trail!Join the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership and it’s Partners on

Friday, August 17, 2012

11amPacific City County Boat Launch

(next to Bob Straub State Park)

We will have a short dedication, cake, and a kayak paddle (at noon). Bring your own boat or use one of ours.

RSVP: 503-322-2222 or julie@tbnep.org