Are you a kayaker, canoer, or do you simply love being on the water? If so, you might want to consider getting involved with the Tillamook County Water Trail. The Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP) is excited to announce that plans are underway for the next phase of the Tillamook County Water Trail project – The Tillamook Bay watershed. Join the Water Trail committee Thursday, February 21st, from 11:30 AM – 1:00PM, in the Hatfield room at the Tillamook Library for the official “kick-off” of Phase II of the Water Trail project.

The Tillamook Bay phase of the Water Trail project will feature the production of two Water Trail guidebooks, one for flat-water paddlers and the other for whitewater enthusiasts. This first meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about the project and to consider joining the committee. Committee’s responsibilities will include overall guidance of the design and production of the guidebooks, on-the-water inventory/photo collection, and the opportunity to share exciting information about the Water Trail with the public at outreach events.

Julie Chick of the TEP is the official Coordinator for the community-driven Tillamook County Water Trail project. If you have a favorite paddle trip somewhere in the Tillamook Bay watershed, if you are interested in on-the-water/in-the-kayak inventory collection, or if you have photographs you would like to contribute to the project you can contact Julie Chick by emailing julie@tbnep.org or calling TEP at 503-322-2222. Photographs can include people in non-motorized crafts (kayaks, canoes, skiffs, rafts, sailboats, etc.), sunsets/sunrises, wildlife, plant life, or simple beauty on or near the water in the Tillamook Bay watershed. Photos should be high resolution (300 dpi). Digital copies are preferred but prints are also welcomed. When submitting photos, please contact Julie in advance, and with your submission include the name of the photographer and location where the photo was taken.

If you would like to attend the Tillamook Bay Water Trail meeting on February 21, please RSVP by calling Julie at TEP, at 503-322-2222. “The Water Trail Committee hopes to welcome many new community members at this gathering – everyone is welcome,” says Chick.

Waterproof copies of the Phase I Nehalem Water Trail Guidebook/Map are available at various locations (Chambers of Commerce, library branches, businesses, etc) throughout the county. If you would like to request a copy, contact TEP at info@tbnep.org or download the online version on TEP’s website at www.tbnep.org.