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Lincoln County, Oregon
First responders brace for spring break rescues JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
The Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) UAS Team responded to provide drone assistance in locating 1-3 persons believed to have fallen over the north face of God’s Thumb, March 14. Through collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Northwest, North Lincoln Fire Rescue, and the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team (consisting of members from the Newport, North Lincoln, Toledo, Nestucca, Siletz, and Yachats Fire Departments), one teen was extracted via helicopter from approximately halfway down the cliff-face. Two other teens were located peering over the edge, not on any established trail, and were directed back to a safe area. “We urge hikers to use caution by staying on established trails, maintaining safe distance from edges, and to never trust trees, bushes, or loose rocks for support,” LCPD stated in a release. Each spring break along the
A helicopter crew carefully lifts one teen to safety during a rescue operation March 14 at the north side of God’s Thumb. (Courtesy photo from the Lincoln City Police Department)
Members of the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team in the air during a training mission along the coast cliffs in 2025. (Courtesy photo)
Central Oregon Coast, first responders and members of the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team are called into action during emergencies, such as cliff and water rescues.
drownings and fatal falls. Parker said one specific location of the most frequently conduct rescues is Yaquina Head. “In one case at Yaquina Head,
Team member Andy Parker, also a member of the Newport Fire department, said with the increasing visitors to the coast during spring break, often the calls can turn deadly with
a child who was surfing was washed into the rocks. Family members and bystanders attempted to help, which is a See RESCUES, page A7
Local culture, arts to Oregon Coast Travelability honored receive a share of $7M JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
The latest funding from the Arts and Culture Rebuilding Fund includes 277 grants that total $7,048,300 to support community-based nonprofits and larger “anchor” organizations across Oregon. (Metro Creative Connection) STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader
Nearly two years into a major investment in arts and culture nonprofits across the state, Oregon Community Foundation has distributed a second wave of grants in all 36 counties to organizations vital to Oregon’s economy and identity. The latest funding from the Arts and Culture Rebuilding Fund includes 277 grants that total $7,048,300 to support community-based nonprofits and larger “anchor” organizations across Oregon, including those along the Central and north Oregon Coast. The three-year commitment is rooted in the understanding that arts and culture are essential civic and economic infrastructure in Oregon. Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation, said the collective effort to support this sector is a celebration of Oregon’s creative spirit and a call to keep building and investing more boldly together. “We have learned a lot from Oregon arts organizations over the past two years. Their creativity and determination continue to inspire us,”
Tischleder said. “But we cannot declare ‘mission accomplished.’ There is still work to do, and cultural institutions remain crucial to Oregon’s economy and our way of life.” On March 20, 2024, Oregon Community Foundation joined with partners in philanthropy and state government to make a major investment in arts and culture. Oregon Community Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and the state of Oregon pledged a combined $52 million to support Oregon’s arts and culture sector over three years. OCF’s original commitment of $20 million has grown to more than $23 million because of support from OCF donors and new strategic grants. These include new support for the Portland Opera and Portland Center Stage along with dozens of arts and culture nonprofits across the state. The “love letter” to the arts was a response to pandemic-related losses and aimed to restore vitality to a sector central to Oregon communities. Attendance levels at exhibitions, performances and other live events have shifted significantly in recent years, creating challenges for organizations that drive economic activity in towns and cities across the state. The new investment advances ongoing efforts to help arts organizations adapt and thrive. Strengthening Institutions and Oregon’s Economy See ARTS, page A7
The Oregon Coast’s collaborative accessibility initiative, Oregon Coast Travelability, has been honored with the Governor’s Award from Travel Oregon—one of the highest recognitions in the state’s tourism industry. The Governor’s Award, presented by Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, recognizes individuals or organizations that have significantly enhanced Oregon’s visitor experience while strengthening the tourism industry as a whole. This year’s award celebrates a coastwide collaboration that has been transforming the way people experience the Oregon Coast. The Lincoln County Leader reached out to Explore Lincoln City Director Kim Coopoer Findling for insight into this
significant award.
Lincoln County Leader: What is the significance of this project in gaining visibility and revenue for our communities?
Kim Cooper Findling: We at Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation are so grateful to have been a part of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association’s Travelability Group, and to participate in receiving the penultimate Governor’s award from Travel Oregon on March 9. Including accessibility amenities into our communities is good for everyone. Improved infrastructure and assets that are designed to be more welcoming to all contribute to better livability for visitors and locals alike. As Lincoln City has increasingly been recognized as an
accessibility leader in Oregon, visitors increasingly seek out our community, bringing with them the economic benefits of direct spending, overnight stays and visits to our restaurants and shops. Furthermore, this work is a great example of the power of partnerships. The Oregon Coast Visitor Association provided leadership for the Travelability group, which included dozens of organizations up and down the coast, including Explore Lincoln City, Lincoln City Parks and Recreation District, and the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce. Lincoln County Leader: How have the grants secured through this effort helped out communities? Cooper Findling: To date,
See TRAVELABILITY, page A8
Ocean salmon season alternatives released for public review The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has developed three alternatives for ocean salmon seasons along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. PFMC is hosting a hybrid public meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. March 24 in Newport to receive input on the proposed salmon management alternatives. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff will provide a review of PFMC’s alternatives which are available online. The meeting is scheduled to be conducted at the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building Auditorium, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport. The final salmon season recommendations will be determined at the next PFMC meeting from April 8-12 in Portland. The final PFMC adopted fishing season recommendations will be sent to the U.S. Department of Commerce for approval by May 15. PFMC’s Salmon Advisory Subpanel with support from the Salmon Technical Team considered and analyzed numerous fishing scenarios for summer and fall 2026 ocean salmon seasons, according to the PGMC. The spring recreational fishing season (prior to May 16) was developed
last year and began March 15 from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border. Forecasts for fall Chinook returning to the Sacramento and Klamath rivers this year are higher than last year allowing for improved season structures. Management constraints for Klamath River fall Chinook were still a factor in the season setting process. Coho abundance forecasts are generally similar to last year, resulting in a range of coho seasons comparable to 2025, according to a release from the PFMC. “After several very challenging years, it was nice to be able to consider some improved recreational opportunity, but Klamath River fall Chinook limited our flexibility when framing commercial troll fisheries,” Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Deputy Fish Division Administrator for Marine and Columbia River Programs John North said. South of Cape Falcon The PFMC’s three alternatives for south of Cape Falcon recreational summer and fall salmon seasons vary by number of open fishing days and area and would allow good coho opportunity
beginning in June and extending into September. Improved Chinook fishing opportunities are expected this year along the Oregon coast, with all three alternatives including Chinook retention through October. North of Cape Falcon A different mix of salmon stocks are present north of Cape Falcon, so recreational season alternatives are different in this region, according to the PFMC. Current options include Chinook and coho fishing opportunities beginning in late June and extending into September, or until quotas are achieved. Commercial troll Commercial troll opportunity from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/ California border in all three PFMC’s alternatives are similar to or slightly improved from last year. With open periods ranging from May through October and coho retention allowed in September., the release notes. Anglers, commercial fishers, and industry participants are encouraged to comment during the April PFMC meeting. Going through the PFMC e-portal is the best way to comment, according to the release.