You are here:
TILLAMOOK BAY NATIONAL ESTUARY PROJECT: "RESTORING THE BALANCE", COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TILLAMOOK BAY, OREGON
Citation:
TILLAMOOK BAY NATIONAL ESTUARY PROJECT: "RESTORING THE BALANCE", COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR TILLAMOOK BAY, OREGON. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 1999.
Description:
In April 1992, Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts nominated Tillamook Bay to the National Estuary Program (NEP). In her nomination, the Governor characterized Tillamook Bay as representative of the bays along the Pacific Northwest coast because it provided a vital resource to the local and regional economies, and supported diverse aquatic resources including anadromous fish, shellfish, and waterfowl. In supporting the nomination, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Administrator Fred Hanson underscored three environmental problems facing Tillamook Bay: / Bacterial contamination that causes periodic closure of Tillamook Bay shellfish harvest; / Excessive sedimentation that has reduced the volume of the Bay, adversely affected fish and wildlife habitat, and decreased the available area for recreational and commercial boating; and / Declining salmon and trout runs due to degradation of spawning and rearing habitat. Like Governor Roberts, Mr. Hanson also noted the very concerned and active community of Tillamook Bay, and recognized a "history of working together to take action to address its problems." Governor Roberts and Mr. Hanson promised that if selected for the National Estuary Program, a "...Management Conference will develop a plan for the Bay that will maintain and improve water quality and living resources, while ensuring compatibility with Tillamook County's economically important industries." Tillamook Bay's nomination was approved, and seven years later, this Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) fulfills the commitments made in 1992. It represents the collaborative work of the many citizens, managers, scientists, educators, and political leaders who supported the project over these years. The CCMP sets forth a l0-year action plan to coordinate resources, strengthen commitments, and rededicate our resolve to protect and enhance Tillamook Bay's natural resources.