Tillamook County agrees to concur with Manzanita request to restrict vehicle access on Ocean Shore

The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to send a letter of concurrence to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department supporting the City of Manzanita’s proposal to restrict vehicle access on a portion of the Ocean Shore, while preserving permitted uses for boat launching and access for people with disabilities.

Commissioners said the city’s proposal and Oregon Parks’ public process included opportunities for comment and that key concerns raised publicly — launching dories, driftwood collection for subsistence uses and access for people with disabilities — have established permit or accommodation pathways. “There was definitely an opportunity for public comment and feedback,” one commissioner said, noting the city and state processes addressed the major concerns.

Commissioner Fournier said the city clarified language to preserve historical boat‑launching activity, and other commissioners noted mobility accommodations such as a tracked beach chair (often called a “beach wheelchair” or “tracked chair”) and Mobi‑mats are available. The board emphasized that Oregon beaches are publicly owned and that the concurrence preserves a balance between public access, safety and environmental protections for nesting snowy plovers.

The board approved a motion to send a letter of support asking the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to concur with the proposed Ocean Shore vehicle access changes in the Manzanita area. The motion passed by voice vote.