TPL Acquires, Donates 137 Acres

-"With increasing development along the Oregon coast, it was essential that we ensure its historic beauty remain intact," said Chris Beck, TPL project manager. Before conveying the property to the museum, TPL placed permanent deed restrictions on the site to prevent residential development while still allowing some existing, non-threatening uses such as grazing.

For a thousand years, the Tillamook Indians lived a hearty and peaceful life on Tillamook Bay. Kilchis Point was the location of the largest settlement of Tillamook Indians, and was named after Chief Kilchis, one of the most respected members of the Tillamook Tribe. The first Americans to land on the West Coast (Captain Robert Gray and crew) came ashore near Kilchis Point in 1788.

Now, the property's tidal streams provide abundant habitat for federally listed salmonids and its forests of old growth Sitka spruce are ideal for native bald eagles. With guidance from the Kilchis Point Advisory Committee, the Tillamook Pioneer Museum will manage the property as an educational, cultural and natural resource property.

Last month, TPL protected 147 acres on Tillamook Bay and is working to conserve an additional 200 acres on the historic inlet. Through its Oregon Coast Program, TPL has helped protect 3,323 acres along Oregon's coastline with a fair market value of more than $16 million.