Public Engagement  

As we strive to improve clean, safe, public access to the Yamhill Rivers, we are committed to providing opportunities for community input and engagement throughout this process.

During the initial steering committee phase, three public engagement sessions were held in April 2024– one each in Sheridan, McMinnville, and Dayton. Flyers were circulated throughout the community including through the following channels: 

• Municipal websites, social media, and community newsletters;

• Individual Steering Committee members through their personal and professional networks;

• Paid social media campaign funded by Visit McMinnville; 

• Oregon State Marine Board public outreach events. 

Approximately 50 people attended the public engagement sessions, including paddlers, anglers, landowners, farmers, conservation organizations, and elected officials. After introductions, the attendees were presented with an overview of the process to date. The historic, informal, and potential access sites were discussed, and attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions. Two advocates for other river access projects, Jonnie Helfrich of A. Helfrich Outfitters and Mark Fitzsimons of Tualatin Riverkeepers, related their experiences with the intent of helping attendees understand the future efforts and potential benefits of embarking on an access plan. Lastly, the attendees were invited to provide their feedback and recommendations for potential recreation access sites. 

A recording of the Sheridan open house is available to watch below. 

To stay up to date on future opportunities for engagement, please sign up for our community mailing list.