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Stewarding the Landscape It is the landscape that sets the context for Yachats and provides much of the basis for the community's existence. The natural riches provided to the area in terms of scenic views, forested hillsides, picturesque streamways, clean air and water, a diversity of wildlife and many other less dramatic, but equally important resources, not only creates economic benefits but provides the spiritual environment that gives meaning and purpose to so many of the community's residents and visitors. The value of the land as a resource to be preserved, rather than just used, is recognized throughout the community. Stewardship is seen as a responsibility to nurture the land, not to posse's it. Protecting the landscape has taken on a variety of forms. One of the initial efforts that provided great benefit later was the creation of a comprehensive inventory of the entire ecology. Included within that work was identification of wetland areas, streamways, watersheds, fish habitat and resources, viewscapes (in all directions) and other significant resources. While the inventory was not complete initially, it was added-to regularly as part of an on-going commitment to the community. The available data served as an effective information, base or at least an early warning system for potential problems that would need to be resolved. Tree ordinances, cut-and-fill regulations, identification of important ecology sites and greenways (including gateways), interpretive signs and a variety of educational programs to encourage selective logging, protection of fish resources, and the community landscape all serve to protect local resources. The establishment of a metropolitan planning area allows the community to address resources that go beyond the limits of the city's incorporated boundary. Yachats Strategic Plan 3.13 Identify, protect and designate viewscapes; in all directions, not just towards the sea # 5 STEWARDING THE LANDSCAPE - INTEGRATED TREE PROTECTION 5A The protection of trees is important to the preservation of Yachats' character and is of primary concern to those interested in maintaining a Yachats sense of place. Inside the City a Tree Ordinance should be adopted protecting significant trees from cutting except for safety reasons. All development on new lots will be expected to demonstrate why any tree not in the building envelope area should be cut. This ordinance should be in place by December, 1997. To assist in administration a Tree Committee composed of persons knowledgeable about trees (e.g., landscape architects, arborists, silviculturists, nursery persons) should be created. One of the initial tasks of the committee would be a guidebook on tree planting and preservation. 5B Outside the City the Tree Committee will work with Lincoln County to identify important treed vistas to be protected under the state's Land Use Goals. It should not be expected that this will stop all tree cutting, but cuts will be modified. Program adopted by January, 1999.
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