Many have written in asking why the City of Manzanita is not getting involved with the challenges related to Doris Davis Trail. The simple answer is -- They can't. The reason for this is two fold.
First, Doris Davis Trail is not within their jurisdiction. The trail exists squarely in Neakahnie...and unincorporated community in Tillamook County. As a result they have absolutely no influence. Second, the lawsuit that is being filed is officially between two private parties. Once again, the city council has no influence in a legal challenge between two private parties. No matter how much they would like to support TAC. The good news is that we have support from those living on Beach street. They have expressed the importance of The Doris Davis Trail to TAC (Trail Access Campaign) regarding tsunami escape exits and they are very concerned about the fencing that has been erected.
It is for this reason that TAC's efforts related to Doris Davis Trail is with Tillamook County. It can be challenging to be heard way out here in Manzanita but our voice is being recognized thanks to our outreach efforts. This recent post in the Tillamook County Pioneer has picked up our story people as far south as Tillamook are now aware of a community being robbed of their beach access through reckless property management.
That said, the Manzanita's city councils responsibility lies solely with Cherry trail. They have influence related to the usage of the established right of way; They have the authority to allow or disallow construction on the Dune; they have the ability to expedite or slow efforts toward finding a resolve. We have done our best to report their progress with Cherry trail but if you feel they need to do more make sure to let them know. Its voting season, and there is no better way to make your voices heard than to vote!
Make sure to let them know how you feel...
MAYOR: Mike Scott: mscott@ci.manzanita.or.us
COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Linda Kozlowski: lkozlowski@ci.manzanita.or.us CITY COUNCILORS: Hans Tonjes: htonjes@ci.manzanita.or.us Steve Nuttall: snuttall@ci.manzanita.or.us Thomas Aschenbrener: taschenbrener@ci.manzanita.or.us
I have left three messages of concern for the template promised over two months back for folks to express their experience with using the DD trail over decades. NO RESPONSE. Quite frankly, I am about to give up on your efforts. Several folks, some with over thirty years of consistent trail use, feel likewise. Why express concern and interest in what you want to achieve when you fail to offer the promised access to a formatted response?