New partnership aims to improve trail systems, secure funding and promote responsible tourism
TILLAMOOK, Ore. 29, MAY 2024 — The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) has formed the Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition, a collaborative partnership that will concentrate on prioritizing trails and recreation projects around and near Tillamook Bay. The newly formed coalition consists of TCVA, City of Rockaway Beach, Port of Garibaldi, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, City of Bay City, Tillamook County Parks Department, Tillamook County Wellness and the Port of Tillamook Bay.
Dan Haag, TCVA’s Director of Trails, Outdoor Recreation, and Accessibility says, “This group believes that creating a wider variety of accessible trails and outdoor spaces will benefit the health and well-being of both visitors and residents, reduce traveler’s carbon footprint, encourage responsible visitation and usage of these areas. and bring people closer to the businesses and organizations in and around these communities.”
The goals of this collaboration are twofold: to partner on funding opportunities to build and enhance trail systems and facilities on and around Tillamook Bay; and to create the Tillamook Bay Discovery Loop. The Discovery Loop will be an online presence that provides information on Tillamook Bay history, culture, commerce, recreation and stewardship. Both goals support the planning and creation of the Salmonberry Trail, a major portion of which runs along Tillamook Bay.
Haag thinks one of the key elements of this collaboration is eliminating some of the competition for funding by allowing the coalition to apply for grants collectively. “Grants are highly competitive, especially for recreation projects,” Haag said. “Working together gives us a better shot at these funds.”
Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition will hold their first meeting in June and use that initial gathering to define their scope of work for the coming year. Haag said there are lots of possibilities for projects to consider, including creating new green spaces, adding informational signage and supporting projects currently in development.
“We’ve spent the last year working with other trail coalitions around the state, learning how this process works,” he said. “We wanted to start small, and we’ve got the right partners at the table, but there will definitely be room for more moving forward.”
For more information about the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association and the Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition, contact Dan Haag at dan@tillamookcoast.com.
About Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (dba Visit Tillamook Coast) is a destination management organization committed to sustainable tourism principles of community, stewardship and economic vitality. We support the Tillamook Coast through initiatives guided by those principles, including outdoor recreation, accessibility, culinary/agritourism, cultural heritage/arts, community development, natural resources and public safety. For more information, visit www.tillamookcoast.com.