Yachats Ridge Project

For over two decades, View the Future (VtF) has been dedicated to protecting Yachats Ridge—an expansive 1,100-acre landscape that forms the scenic backdrop of Yachats. The effort began in 2003 when Boise (formerly Boise-Cascade), a major industrial timber company, announced plans to harvest forested acreage on the ridges and steep slopes south of the Yachats River—land that defines the town’s breathtaking, south-facing views. Concerned community members came together to explore ways to preserve the most visible and ecologically significant portions of this land, leading to the formation of View the Future as a nonprofit corporation. In July 2004 the IRS ruled that View the Future was a tax-exempt corporation that could receive tax-deductible contributions. Over the next eleven years, VtF engaged in extensive negotiations with two successive landowners—Forest Capital Partners and Hancock Timber. Company, however, a sale never materialized due to appraisal discrepancies and high asking prices. The effort gained new momentum when Hancock Timber Company traded 200 acres of Yachats Ridge to Weyerhaeuser Industries, reigniting discussions about a potential purchase. In 2022, Hancock Timber Company sold its holdings, including Yachats Ridge, to Manulife Financial Corporation, a Canadian real estate investment trust (REIT). During these transitions, several acquisition attempts were met with uncertainty as ownership changed hands. Despite these setbacks, VtF strengthened its board, mobilized additional volunteers, and developed a strategic approach to protecting Yachats Ridge. A key milestone was forming a strong partnership with McKenzie River Trust (MRT), and introducing guided property tours that showcased the land’s ecological and scenic value. In 2022, VtF initiated discussions with the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) to explore their interest in acquiring Yachats Ridge for permanent conservation and parkland use. Given the success of past collaborations—such as the Amanda Trail Suspension Bridge—OPRD’s Land Unit engaged in due diligence to assess the feasibility of a purchase. Unfortunately, despite strong interest, the lack of state acquisition funding became the primary barrier to moving forward. VtF remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting Yachats Ridge. We continue to seek funding and forge partnerships to develop restoration plans and secure this invaluable landscape for future generations.