Pacific City Sun, February 24, 2023

SUN Pacific City

Buckets of Snow

Nestucca Fire eyeing operating bond renewal

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, which passed an operations levy back in 2019, has started the initial process of reviewing that levy, which pays the salary of three fulltime emergency personnel.

Speaking at the Feb. 18

Pacific City residents and visitors were met with 7-plus inches of snow the morning of Feb. 23

DISTRICT Chief James Oeder has begun the process of renewing the district’s operating levy.

Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee meeting at the Kiawanda Community Center, Nestucca Fire Chief James Oeder explained the process and what the district is planning for.

“We’re working on what (the operating levy is) going to look like,” he told the CAC membership. “Our goal will be (to have it on the ballot) in November so that when July 2024 (the expiration date of current levy) comes in, the levy will renew.”

Another goal, said Oeder, is to keep it at the same rate that voters approved in 2019, a $4.007 million levy. It was approved by a vote of 668-611.

“That’s going to maintain services for what we have, which is a three-person crew, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” he said. “Our minimum is two so we can allow one person off. On top of that, that includes the three staff members that we have, and one of us is on duty all the time.”

Once the dollars are fine-tuned, Oeder said the district plans to present at a series of local meetings in its effort to educate the public ahead of the November election.

For more information about the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, visit nrfpd.com.

PCJWSA in planning stages for Rueppell Avenue water line replacement

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority has reached the 90 percent design level in its plans to replace the water line along Rueppell Avenue.

The project, which will replace an aging, 2-inch main that serves more than 40 existing homes on Rueppell, is being designed by Parametrix and is slated for construction this summer. The majority of the four- to five-month project is expected to be completed during July and August.

The current 1,656 linear feet of pipe will be replaced with 6-inch C900 piping.

PCJWSA Manager John Wesely said that central to the need of the long-planned upgrade is the fact that the current water main requires frequent repairs and doesn’t offer sufficient flow for fire suppression.

“It’s one of the highest maintenance pipelines in town,” Wesely told the Sun. “(When) water leaks happen, a disproportionate amount of them are on Rueppell. It’s an indication the pipeline is old and in need of replacement.”

It addition to installing a new, higher

capacity water main, plans include adding two new fire hydrants. As well, there are plans to “stub out” water services for all undeveloped lots on the street.

PCJWSA is planning on hosting a town hall-style meeting in the next month or two to allow interested property owners to ask questions or express their concerns.

With the design of the project 90 percent complete, permitting is scheduled to begin March 16, and Wesely expects it go out for bid within the next four to six weeks. He told the Board of Directors on Feb. 14 that Parametrix is anticipating a project cost

between $850,000 and $1.1 million.

“I can say that engineer’s cost estimates are usually a little inflated because they’d rather overestimate than underestimate,” he explained. “There’s a lot of volatility in the market right now. Therefore, they’ve included a lot of contingency. I’m optimistic that when the bids actually come in, they’ll come in on the low side of the estimate, not the high side.”

For more information about Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority and its upcoming meetings and projects, visit pcjwsa.com.

NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Connecting ‘Trees, Water and Family’

Got a hunger to learn about the connection between water, trees and fish? Craving one of Pelican’s award-winning craft brews? You can check both off your list at a Science Pub event on March 7.

Hosted by Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council (NNSLWC), Pelican Brewing Company, and Hebo Stewardship Group, the event will feature a presentation by Dave Wells, who will speak on “Trees, Water and Family,” presented by Dave Wells. Wells works at Oregon Natural Forestry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Washington. After graduation, he moved to Tillamook County in 1978 and began his work for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Currently, he is teaching credit and community education classes at Tillamook Bay Community College and is helping non-industrial private forest landowners through his business, Oregon Natural Forestry.

During the Science Pub event, Wells will answer the question, what does the family have to do with the connection between water, trees, and fish? He will explain how the power of the story can help residents explore those connections and how they can be observed through

the changes to the Oregon Forest Practices Act as a result of the Private Forest Accord. He will also show attendees how the water, tree, and fish connection is going to be changing as a result of the cooperative work of the forest family community.

The event is free and open to the public. Beverages and food will be available for purchase at Pelican Brewing Company.

Commissioners approve contract for ESA to do design work to replace Reneke Creek culvert with new bridge

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Tillamook County Commissioners unanimously approved a $88,017 contract for Environmental Science Associates to function as the prime consultant for the preliminary design and engineering work needed to replace a culvert on Reneke Creek and Sand Lake Road with a bridge.

Tillamook County Public Works Director Chris Laity told commissioners ESA was chosen because they also are working on the Sitka Sedge State Natural Area Tidal Wetland restoration project, and Tillamook County Public Works desired to maintain consistency with the projects as Reneke Creek does flow into the waterways of Sitka Sedge. Keeping the project under $100,000 allowed the County to employ ESA without opening it up for bids with other entities.

“We want the same design team involved,” he said.

He said the design project will look at what type of bridge, what size and where it will be located.

He also added the need to replace the culvert is real, noting it regularly floods.

“Reneke Creek floods pretty much every year,” he explained. “If you’re going from Pacific City to Tillamook, you’re going to

drive through this. We shut down the road (when it floods).”

Laity also noted that, historically, the creek was served by a bridge.

“Reneke Creek used to have a bridge. There was a 14-foot bridge that (existed) back in the day. That was replaced with a 36-inch culvert. That culvert no longer has the ability to drain out to the marsh. The water was redirected and put down the county roadside ditch where the current Reneke Creek is at. That water drains through an 18-inch concrete pipe. The concrete pipe will not carry what a (flow under a) bridge would carry back in the day.”

Laity also said that a bridge will likely necessitate a realignment.

“Preliminary estimates are that we would raise the road about 3-4 feet,” he said. “The alignment could be a little different. It could require potentially relocating or realigning Reneke Creek upstream and downstream. It depends on what happens with the dike.”

Prior to the unanimous vote, all three commissioners voiced their support, including Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. “I’m glad we’re doing the work,” she said. “It’s interesting, as the work progresses in that area, to see it tie in. It’s good to see it come together as a whole.”

TPUD seeks applicants for its Lineworker Program Scholarship

The Tillamook PUD Electrical Lineworker Program Scholarship is now open for interested senior students to apply.

The Tillamook PUD Lineworker Program Scholarship was initially developed in 2021 to support local youth interested in pursuing a career in linework and to help highlight the diverse professional opportunities within the electric utility industry.

This year, Tillamook PUD is offering two $10,000 scholarship opportunities to local high school senior students residing

in Tillamook County. Students interested in applying must submit their completed Lineworker Program Scholarship application to Tillamook PUD by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. Scholarship applications and information are available at the Tillamook PUD main office, at local high schools, or online at tpud.org/newscommunity/electrical-line-worker-programscholarship/.

For more information, contact Shane Stuart, human resources manager, at 503842-2535 or sstuart@tpud.org.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

DAVE WELLS will speak on “Trees, Water and Family” during a science pub on March 7 at Pelican Pub in Pacific City.

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North Coast Food Trail Launches 6th Year of Success – and Inspiration for Long-Range Plans

By Nan Devlin, Executive Director, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association

In 2017, after many months of discussions with food businesses – farmers, fishers, harvesters, chefs, restaurant owners, brewers, wineries, and food product developers – Visit Tillamook Coast hosted a Culinary/Agritourism Workshop, facilitated by Travel Oregon. Over the two days, 70 community members took part in activities and discussions about how to best support the food industry. At the end of the second day, a community decision was made: let’s create a food trail. So we got busy.

Throughout 2017, we held planning meetings with food businesses, created branding, researched and determined criteria for members, developed a public relations campaign, designed a brochure and website, filmed a video, and set up social media channels. Sixty food and beverage businesses, as well as tour guides, farms and farmers markets joined that first year. We launched in April 2018 with a Beer + Cheese event, a fundraiser for Food Roots.

The second year, Sunset Magazine editors named the North Coast Food Trail the best in the west. What an honor! We are now entering the 6th year of the trail, which now extends from Astoria to Neskowin. And we have 80-plus members, including several in south Tillamook County: Pelican Brewing, Meridian Restaurant and Bar, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Twist Wine, Grateful Bread Bakery and Restaurant, Sportsman’s Pub and Grub, Riverside Nestucca, Pacific City Dory Charters, Hawk Creek Café, Neskowin Farmers Market, and the newest member, West Fish Company.

The “other conversations” inspired another

plan

During that two-day workshop in 2017, what we found most interesting were the conversations between producers and buyers of food products. Here’s what we heard:

 Lack of food delivery service for local farmers and fishers

 Lack of business support for small food businesses, such as access to capital and mentorship

 Lack of infrastructure: cold storage, shared commercial kitchens, seafood processing and canning equipment, dry storage, freezer space, even online ordering systems for local produce, meats, and fish

PCJWSA identifies major water leak

By TIM HIRSCH for the Sun

After a protracted search, the Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority has solved a big mystery. For months, Authority staff have been searching for a significant water leak, a search that finally produced results.

It was Jan. 19 when the leak was finally discovered by a staff member who was accompanying a contractor the Authority had hired to search for the leak.

“The contractor and staff member were walking along the guard rail on the river side (of Brooten Road) because that’s where our pipeline is,”Authority Manager John Wesely told the Sun. “As they were walking along, my staff member could see water coming out of the dike on the other side of the guardrail. We had walked that water line a couple of months prior, but we expect that leak was there but had gotten much worse.”

The discovery of the leak dates back to Thanksgiving weekend when Wesely said his staff noticed a big increase in unaccounted for water. It’s believed that it was at that point that this leak worsened.

At PCJWSA’s Feb. 14 board meeting, Authority Manager John Wesely said the leak proved difficult to find due in part to the fact that it surfaced on the river side of a water line and “dumped straight into the river.”

“The leak was on a 4-inch AC water line between Nestucca Manor and Nestucca Keys,” he elaborated. “That’s the primary reason this one was so difficult to find.”

He added that “there was no question (the leak) was the culprit” behind PCJWSA’s unaccounted for water numbers in recent months.

How to help? We applied for and were awarded a Business Oregon Rural Opportunity Initiative grant. Partnering with Food Roots, we conducted several surveys, focus groups, and one-oninterviews with food businesses to get specific information and data about what was of most urgent need.

Food Roots also conducted a logistics study about how food orders were being delivered. We learned that many farmers and fishers were delivering orders to the same locations on the same days – time that was equivalent to four full-time employees. This was a problem looking for an efficiency solution, and Food Roots stepped up. Through Covid grants, Food Roots was able to purchase a refrigerated delivery truck to help get crops and fish from Tillamook County to regional and local markets.

Over the next two years, we were awarded two more Business Oregon ROI grants to develop plans for needed infrastructure. By June of 2023, we’ll have shovel ready plans for an agriculture innovation center at the Port of Tillamook Bay, and a seafood processing and canning center at Port of Garibaldi. Cold storage is the first priority, and thanks to a grant from Columbia Pacific Economic Development District, we’ll know what infrastructure support is needed to get them into operation as quickly as possible.

Both ports, along with Food Roots, Oregon Food Bank, farmers and fishers, will be with us as we officially unveil the Partners for Rural Food Systems for Tillamook County in a few months. Thanks to the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association board members for supporting us in this important project.

To learn more, go to https:// ruralfoodsystems.org.

Sponsored Content

“I think (the leak) contributed to our unaccounted for water numbers for quite a few months,” he told PCJWSA’s Board of Directors. “I think it was a leak that had been with us for awhile. We were having trouble identifying and finding it, and I think the

leak got bigger as demonstrated by our water production numbers over the last couple of months.”

He also noted that the Authority’s unaccounted for water in December was at 65 percent range, but that in February it was a totally different story.

“This last month we were down to be 17.6 percent, so (it was) a drastic improvement.” he said.

He told the Sun that number was arrived at after the leak was discovered and the loss in January (to that point) factored in.

“We’ve also found and corrected a couple of smaller leaks since then so I’m expecting this number to continue to improve, and we are just very happy and very relieved that we have solved the largest part of this mystery. Going forward, we should be in much better shape. We anticipate that this one water leak alone accounted for about 4 million gallons a month so this was a huge leak.”

He said the cost of the leak was not currently known, but that he would research the cost. That said, he noted that was a complicated task as it was a question not of revenue lost but of the price of production.

“There’s no doubt that this leak hurt us, but I think it boils down to more how much did it cost to produce (that lost water),” he explained to the Board. “If the leak wasn’t there, we would have just produced that much less.”

Wesely told the Sun that though the 17.6 percent unaccounted for water number is a vast improvement, he always strives for zero. That said, he noted the industry standard is 15 percent.

“You’re always going to have some water lost, but if you’re at 15 percent or below, you’re generally considered to be in the norm. There’s no regualtion that says, we need to achieve (a certain percentage) each month.”

For more information about the work of the Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority, visit pcjwsa.com.

Trails Advisory Committee to evaluate grant applications

Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee will meet March 8 and 9 to evaluate grant applications from around the state for projects to develop, improve or expand recreational trails.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department administers this federally funded grant program. The meeting is open to the public, but there is no time allocated for public comments during this meeting. The committee will evaluate 24 applications.

The meeting will be held in person with an option to attend via Zoom. To view the agenda and a list of project proposals, visit https:// www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Documents/RTPGrant-Meeting-March-2023.pdf.

The RTP Advisory Committee will submit recommendations to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for review and approval at their April meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the Federal Highway Administration for final

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority is recruiting to fill a vacancy on the Budget Committee. The function of the Budget Committee is to hold one or more public meetings, to receive the budget message and budget documents of the Authority, hear public comments on the budget and approve the budget.

Candidate must be a qualified voter of the Authority, a resident of the Authority and be able to attend the budget meeting(s).

Applications are available at the Authority Office located at 34005 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, Oregon and on the web at www.pcjwsa.com. Additional information and applications can be provided by calling the office at 503-965-6636. Applications are due by no later than March 30 at 4 PM.

approval.

The RTP Advisory Committee consists of 10 volunteer members who represent various user groups and land managers. Eligible RTP applicants include state agencies, federal land management agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, cities, counties and park and recreation districts.

RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized trail uses, including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, allterrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

For more information contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at 503-8566316 or Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov.

Information gathering producer/buyer events were organized by Food Roots and sponsored by Visit Tillamook Coast.

Courtesy photo

Tides

Buckets of snow blanket Pacific City

By VICKY HIRSCH of the Sun

Residents of Pacific City and the rest of South Tillamook County awoke the morning of Thursday, Feb. 23 to a veritable winter wonderland. Snow started falling late the night of Wednesday, Feb. 22 and continued well into late morning of the 23rd, covering everything with 7 inches, or more in some places, of fresh fallen, powdery snow.

While the sun did make an appearance during the day, it was not warm enough to melt the majority of the snow and forecasted freezing temperatures overnight were expected to create icy roads for the morning of Friday, Feb. 24.

Tillamook PUD reported numerous power outages in the South Tillamook County area. Those included the NeskowinSlab Creek area and Little Nestucca River Road.

PUD told the Sun morning of Friday, Feb. 24 that its crews worked nonstop throughout the night and made a lot of progress restoring power to as many customers as possible.

PUD said its crews will continue working Friday, and are hoping to have a majority of the outages repaired by Friday evening. As of 7:15 a.m. on Feb. 24, approximately 500 customers, primarily in South Tillamook County remained without power.

Area roads were closed or down to one lane in some places due to either the wintery mess or fallen trees. Highway 101 south of Neskowin over Cascade Head was closed the majority of the day due to several fallen trees that made plowing difficult. The Nestucca Valley School District closed all school buildings Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24, with the Lady Cats basketball team’s state playoff game and the school’s wrestling team’s State Wrestling Championship tournament both being cancelled. Check the school district’s FB page for updated information on both state tournaments.

NATALIE MOUNT, 6, of Pacific City, proudly shows the snow people she built in front of her home in Pacific City. The town received several inches of snow starting late the night of Wednesday, Feb. 22 and continuing into late morning on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

GLENN GILLAS, president of the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, and his family, above, enjoy the snow falling on Thursday, Feb. 23 during a walk over the Beachy Bridge in Pacific City. Below, postmaster LeEtte Duncan oversees shoveling of the sidewalk in front of the Pacific City Post Office.

HAYSTACK ROCK as seen from Reddekopp

above, and the view overlooking Pacific Sunset subdivision looking north, below.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

OPRD seeks members for Local Government Grant Program

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications to fill four positions on the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee.

The 11-member committee allocates funding to public park and recreation projects throughout the state. OPRD is seeking one representative from a parks and recreation district or port district, a representative of cities with a population under 15,000 people, a representative of people with disabilities and a representative of the public who represents an historically under-represented community. Public-atlarge positions may be held by a recreation professional or any citizen with an interest or background in outdoor recreation.

The main function of the committee is to read, assess and score grant applications submitted to the LGGP and attend a three-day grant application presentation meeting typically held in Salem each June. However, recent meetings have been held via Zoom and will likely continue to be until further notice.

Expectations and responsibilities are listed at oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/ GRA-lggp.aspx. Interested applicants should submit a Committee Interest

Form by March 15.

Committee members serve up to two consecutive four-year terms. Members represent each of nine categories: counties east and west of the Cascade Range; cities under 15,000 people; cities over 15,000 people; park and recreation districts, metropolitan service districts or port districts; bicycle and pedestrian interests; people with disabilities; and three members of the public including at least one person who represents an historically under-represented community. If and when travel is involved, OPRD will reimburse all travel, meals and lodging expenses associated with committee meetings.

The LGGP is funded by the Oregon Lottery and historically awards about $6 million annually to outdoor park and recreation projects throughout the state. Eligible applicants to the program are cities, counties, parks and recreation districts, port districts and metropolitan service districts.

OPRD is committed to ensuring that all committees represent the age, ethnic and gender diversity of the state. New committee members will ultimately be appointed by the OPRD Director.

Short-term rental recommendations march forward towards June completion date

Tillamook County’s efforts to craft a fair and balanced proposal for short-term rentals is continuing with the committee meeting monthly. But the end is in sight said Tillamook County Community Development Director Sarah Absher during a presentation at Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee’s Feb. 18 meeting.

She said that the goal is for the committee to wrap up its feedback by the end of May so that the Board of Commissioners can host two public meetings in June. That timeline is tied to the July 1 expiration of Commissioner’s “pause” of short-term rentals, which number 1,226 in unincorporated Tillamook County.

“(The) pause went into effect because we (had) seen (an increase) in the number of properties within unincorporated (areas) being converted or used as short-term rentals,” Absher explained. “That increase of permits (for) short-term rental applications was largely due to both Clatsop County and Lincoln County closing their short-term rental permitting programs. We (were) hearing from several community members that they were experiencing livability concerns. Many communities felt that (their neighborhoods) were being overrun

by short-term rentals.”

She said that the march towards final recommendations from the Short Term Rental Advisory Committee is making great progress as strides made at its Feb. 14 meeting attest to.

“We got a lot of really good work done,” Absher said. “The committee’s doing an excellent job.”

For the latest on the work of the Short Term Rental Advisory Committee, as well as links to all related documents, visit co.tillamook.or.us/commdev/page/shortterm-rental-advisory-committee.

Tillamook Co. Commissioners sign ADU ordinance

Commissioners officially adopted a resolution enacting an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in unincorporated Tillamook County at its Feb. 22 meeting. Commissioners previously voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance on Jan. 30, following a public hearing on the matter.

The new ordinance allows homeowners to develop an ADU on their property — either by integrating it into the primary dwelling or by construction a separate, freestanding unit. According to the new ordinance’s standards, only one ADU may be constructed on a given property. Whether freestanding or integrated into the main residence, the size of an ADU cannot be more than 75 percent of the living space of the main residence or 800 square feet, whichever is less. As well, ADUs are prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

At the Feb. 22 meeting, all three commissioners voiced their support for the new housing option.

“It’s really exciting with the work that (Community Development Director) Sarah (Absher) did starting with (a) housing summit (several years ago) to ask the community: ‘How are you feeling about ADUs?’” said Commissioner Erin Skaar, who also said Community Development did a good job continuing through the process and working with CACs in each unincorporated

community, as well as with the Housing Commission, to talk about the housing need and how ADUs can be an affordable solution for more housing.

“The communities came out in support of it, rather than against it,” Skaar added. “Within the ordinance, there is a requirement that it not be a short-term rental, which was one of the concerns that we heard from the community many times. So, it’s a one-page set of standards, which I love. It’s simple. It calls back to things that are already required in the community so it’s not overstepping standards that communities are comfortable with, but it just allows that second housing unit on that same piece of property. I’m very excited to have this go forward. I also look forward to seeing community members take advantage of it and begin to build some much needed housing.”

And for her part, Commissioner Mary Faith Bell said it was an exciting new option for housing.

“I’ve heard from a number of people in the community who were thrilled that we passed it,” she said. “It’s not yet available throughout unincorporated Tillamook County. It’s just available in organized communities. So, I look forward to the next step, which is when it will also be available in rural residential lots. This is an excellent first step on the path.”

TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director Sarah Absher outlined the current state of the effort to fine-tune short-term rental regulations at the Feb. 18 Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committe meeting.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

USFWS to hold public meeting on draft EA for Lower Drift

Creek Tidal Marsh Restoration

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on a draft Environmental Assessment of a proposal to restore important estuarine habitat in the Drift Creek Unit of the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The draft Environmental Assessment is available for download at fws.gov/refuge/ siletz-bay. Printed copies can be obtained by sending an email request to oregoncoast@fws. gov or calling 541-867-4550. The comment period for the draft EA will run for 30 days and ends March 23.

The Service’s preferred action proposes to restore 74 acres of tidal wetlands on three tracts of land along a portion of Drift Creek that is part of Siletz Bay NWR. The project would improve habitat for anadromous fish including threatened coho salmon, migratory birds, and a diverse array of other native fish and wildlife. Actions under this proposal include dike removal; realignment of drainage ditches and initiation of primary, secondary, and tertiary tidal channels; placement of wood habitat structures; removal of channel obstructions; creation of topographic diversity; control of invasive plant species; and planting and seeding to restore native vegetation. The proposed restoration would only occur on refuge lands.

The Service has scheduled a public informational meeting with a virtual option for participation on March 9. During the meeting, refuge staff will provide a brief presentation and overview of the restoration project, followed by a question-and-answer session. After the meeting there will be a refuge open house for in-person attendees. The in-person meeting will be from 5:306:30 p.m. at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy 101, Lincoln City. The open house will follow from 6:30-7 p.m. Those participating virtually can join using a web browser (audio only). All virtual attendees must join 15 minutes before the start of the meeting to obtain information on navigating the online platform. Visit fws. gov/refuge/siletz-bay, for information on joining virtually or via phone.

Drift Creek is a tributary to the Siletz River basin. It provides important spawning and rearing habitat for native salmonids and has populations of chinook and coho salmon, winter steelhead and cutthroat trout. Populations of these and other species have been significantly reduced

over the past 60 years, because of levee construction, ditching, timber harvest, road construction and other activities. These land practices have impacted floodplain connectivity, resulting in barriers to fish rearing habitat as well as hydrologic constrictions which impact flooding.

Since 2019, the Service and its partners including the MidCoast Watersheds Council and Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council, Wolf Water Resources, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have worked with private landowners and other stakeholders to identify habitat restoration projects within the Lower Drift Creek area. They gathered public input, collected biological data, and utilized an engineering analysis to evaluate alternatives for improving estuarine habitat to benefit anadromous fish and migratory birds while reducing the impacts of flooding on adjacent public infrastructure and private residences. Using this information, the Service has prepared the draft EA to evaluate effects and alternatives for this proposed project and seeks public comment.

The draft EA is available for download at fws.gov/refuge/siletz-bay. Printed copies can be obtained by sending an email request to oregoncoast@fws.gov or calling 541867-4550. Comments on the draft EA can be mailed by March 23 to: Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 S.E. Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 or E-mail: oregoncoast@fws.gov.

The Service will evaluate and respond to the comments received and inform the public of its decision. A proposed action is often iterative and may evolve during the process as the Service refines its proposed action and gathers feedback from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the final proposed action may include changes from the original.

USFWS is seeking public review on a draft Environmental Assessment of a proposal to restore habitat in the Drift Creek Unit of Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Courtesyy

Calendar Events of

CAPES MARATHON RELAY

Feb. 25, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Begins at Cape Meares and ends at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City. Solo, 2-person team or a 5-person team. For more info visit threecapesrelay. oregoncoastalflowers.com.

PAINT & SIP

Feb. 24, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine

Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create your own masterpiece with Tayler Blackman. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

THREE CAPES MARATHON RELAY

Feb. 25, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Begins at Cape Meares and ends at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City. Solo, two-person team or a five-person team. For more information and to register, visit threecapesrelay. oregoncoastalflowers.com.

NESTUCCA SENIOR SAFE BUNCO FUN-

DRAISER

Feb. 25, 3-6 p.m. Pelican Brewery, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Fundraiser for NHS Senior Safe Party - $20. Prizes and raffles. Limited tickets - call 503-348-9413 or 503-812-8922.

SHEA BUTTER SOAP MAKING

Feb. 25, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn to create shea butter based soaps with Bare Moon Farm. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

‘INDUSTRIAL CASSETTE’

Feb. 25, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. One-act play about climate change performed by string quartet and three vocalists. Tickets $10 and up. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

BINGO NIGHT

Feb. 25, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Free Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY PARKS

VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY

Feb. 25. Track River Campground, 25455 Trask River Rd., Tillamook. Earn a 2023

TCPD Annual Day Use Access Pass by

NESKOWIN CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

Feb. 26, 3 p.m. Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma, 5195 Winema Rd., north of Pacific City. Quartetto di Cremona. Single event tickets $30 for adults. Visit neskowinchambermusic.com.

helping rake and clean up storm debris. Only 10 spots available - to register, email park@co.tillamook.or.us or call 503-322-3522.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

Feb. 26, 10 a.m. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

NESKOWIN CHAMBER

MUSIC CONCERT

Feb. 26, 3 p.m. Chapel at Camp Wi-NeMa, 5195 Winema Rd., north of Pacific City. Cremona String Quartet. Single event tickets $30 for adults, $20 for adults 18-29, and $10 for 17 and under. For more information, visit neskowinchambermusic.com.

SMUDGE STICKS

Feb. 26, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create and decorate your own smudge stick. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION TALK

Feb. 27, 10-11:30 p.m. Port of Tillamook Bay, 4000 Blimp Blvd., Tillamook. Industry expert to discuss mass timber as a possible housing solution on the Oregon Coast.

TILLAMOOK CO. WALKING GROUP

Feb. 27 & March 1 & 3, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walkinggroups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).

ROCKAWAY UKULELE ORCHESTRA

Mondays, Feb. 27, March 3 & 10, 11

SCIENCE PUB: TREES, WATER & FAMILY

March 7, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing - Pacific City, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Presented by Dave Wells. For more information, email nnwc2@nestuccawaters.org or call 503-965-2200.

a.m.-1 p.m. Rockaway Beach City Hall, 276 Hwy. 101., Rockaway Beach. New intermediate ukulele group - come and jam together. For more information, email RockawayUkuleleOrchestra@ gmail.com.

NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING

Feb. 28, 4 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. For more information, email nestuccavalleylions@ gmail.com.

BEACHCOMBING

EXPLORIENCE

Feb. 28, noon. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 1, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-2543149, Conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit co.tillamook. or.us/bocc.

SITKA CENTER ONLINE RESIDENT TALK

March 2, 4 a.m. Via Zoom. Speakers include author Zeyn Joukhadar, storyteller Maddi Bacon, biomorphics explorer Francisca Brunet, visual artist and scientist Peggy Randon and textile artist Orquidia Violetta. RSVP at sitkacenter.org/events to receive a link.

‘HEISENBERG’

March 3, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Sherron Watson and Pete Theodore perform this Simon Stephens play. Adult/senior tickets $25; students $15. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org

or call 541-994-9994.

BINGO NIGHT

March 4, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Free Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF TILLAMOOK 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

March 4, 4-6 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Kiwanis celebration at 3 p.m. Community celebration at 4 p.m. For more information, email TillamookKiwanis@ gmail.com.

‘HEISENBERG’

March 4, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Sherron Watson and Pete Theodore perform this Simon Stephens play. Adult/senior tickets $25; students $15. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

NO TREATIES FOR THE NORTH COAST

March 4, 3:30 p.m. North Coast Recreation District, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Presentation addressing the issues of coerced removal of the Clatsop and Tillamook peoples in the 1800’s. $10 admission at the door. For more information, visit ncrd.org.

‘HEISENBERG’

March 5, 2 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Sherron Watson and Pete Theodore perform this Simon Stephens play. Adult/senior tickets $25; students $15. For more information, visit lincolncity-cultural center.org or call 541-994-9994

SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY

WALKING GROUP

March 6, 8 & 10, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@

THREE

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Photo courtesy of Nikolaj Lund

hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).

PACIFIC CITY-NESTUCCA VALLEY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

March 7, noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Local community and business matters.

SCIENCE PUB: TREES, WATER & FAMILY

March 7, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing - Pacific City, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Dave Wells will explain how the water, tree and fish connection will be changing as a result of the cooperative work from the forest family community. For more information, email nnwc2@ nestuccawaters.org or call 503-965-2200.

PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER SANITARY

AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING

March 7, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, call 503-9656636.

SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

March 7, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.

TILLAMOOK CO. LIBRARY VIRTUAL

STRATEGIC PLAN LISTENING SESSION

March 8, 7 p.m. Join Library Director John Allgeier to share your ideas and vision for the future of the library system in Tillamook County. Call 503-842-4792 to register for a session - only 14 spots available.

NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr./Sr. High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 8, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, Conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit co.tillamook.or.us/bocc.

NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Feb. 8, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S. Hebo. Call 503-392-3313 for more information.

‘GREASE - THE MUSICAL’

March 9, 6:30 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Presented by the youth cast of Lincoln City Playhouse. Admission by donation at the door. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

‘GREASE - THE MUSICAL’

March 10, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Presented by the youth cast of Lincoln City Playhouse. Admission by donation at the door. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

STORYTELLER

BRIAN ROHR

March 11, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Wisdom of the Mythic through storytelling. For more

information, visit tillabook.org or call 503842-4792.

BIRDING AT ALDER CREEK FARM

March 11, 10 a.m. Meet at 35955 Underhill Ln., Nehalem. Moderately strenuous 1-mile hike. Space is limited - visit nehalemtrust.org to register.

NESTUCCA ALUMNI GAME

March 11. Nestucca K-8 School, 36925 Hwy. S., Cloverdale. 10 a.m. check-in, 10:30 a.m. batting practice, noon first pitch. To register, email johns@nestucca.k12.or.us or call 541-200-9345.

GARDENING & SIP

March 11, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create a garden world inside repurposed planters or lampshades. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

BIRD WALK: SPRING LAKE

OPEN SPACE

March 11, 9-11 a.m. From Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City, turn east on NE 14th and drive four blocks to Port Ave. Parking on the right. Guided bird walk free and open to the public. For more information, visit LincolnCityAudubon.org. or call 541-9942131.

TRIVIA NIGHT

March 11, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Test your trivia knowledge. Sign-up at PC-Pour. com.

NORTH COAST OREGON SYMPHONY

March 11, 3 p.m. St. Catherine Episcopal Church, 36335 Hwy. 101 N., Nehalem. Featuring “Peter and the Wolf.” Adult tickets $10, students $5, and children 12 and under with an adult receive free admission. For more information, email info@ northoregoncoastsymphony.org or call 503-368-4899.

‘GREASE - THE MUSICAL’

March 11, 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101. Presented by the youth cast of Lincoln City Playhouse. Admission by donation at the door. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.

GARIBALDI CRAB RACES

March 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & March 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Mill Event Center, 210 3rd St., Garibaldi. Adults $5, children ages 6-12, $2.

PAINT & SIP

March 12, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create your own masterpiece with Tayler Blackman. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

March 12, 9 a.m. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-9961274.