View The Future

Vision continued:
Some people decide this is where they want to live. They may be able to move here right away, or it may be a deferred dream--they buy property and plan to move here when they retire. Everybody has a story, their own version of how they found paradise on the Oregon coast. Many They find even more than they might have expected from such a small town, and they discover how rewarding it is to participate in the life of an active, involved community.

Of course, Yachats has changed over time. There are more people, more houses, more visitors every summer. But the essential beauty of the place seems to be permanent--the ocean with its changing moods, the wild storms and blissful sunshine, the backdrop of ridges covered with tall Douglas fir, spruce, and cedar. Every day brings appreciation for this natural beauty.

We need to be aware, though, that what seems permanent may change dramatically. Specifically, industrial timber harvest could turn the Yachats viewshed--the wooded ridges that surround the town--into an ugly bare brown scar. We could end up with acres and acres of steep clearcut slopes, severe landslides which could destroy homes and damage the health of the Yachats River . The serenity of this coastal village would be disrupted for months by the whine of chainsaws, the roar of equipment pulling the downed trees up to the landings. From first light of dawn and continuing through the day, huge log trucks will lumber down the highway--which happens to be our Main Street --at the rate of twelve or more a day. Habitat for elk, bear, cougar, deer, eagles, owls, murrelets and other birds would be destroyed. Siltation of the river would inhibit spawning salmon from migrating upstream and young fish from returning to the ocean. Slash burning and herbicide spraying would pollute the air and create dangerous health situations for many residents and visitors.

This is not what the people of Yachats want. A survey of Yachats property owners in December, 2003, indicated strong support for preserving the viewshed and preventing the many negative impacts of clearcutting on steep slopes so close to residences, motels and other businesses, and the river. Over 200 people attended a public meeting in March, 2004 to voice their concerns. When they saw a visual simulation of the impact of clearcutting, everyone in the room gasped with horror.

Many people feel a personal responsibility to insure that future generations will enjoy what we are able to enjoy every day. This means preserving the natural setting of Yachats--for your children, and their children, their grandchildren and their grandchildren's grandchildren. This is what it means to 'steward' the landscape--being conscious that we must preserve and protect what is of value to us--to the Seventh Generation and beyond.

City of Yachats Vision Statement and Strategic Plan
Relevant sections of the City of Yachats plannign documents are available here: