Clatsop County Manager Don Bohn Announces 2027 Retirement (Photo) - 09/18/26

“Hiring Don Bohn in 2019 was the best decision we ever made as a Board of Commissioners.” — Board Chair Mark Kujala

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Manager Don Bohn has announced plans to retire April 2, 2027, concluding seven and a half years as County Manager and 37 years of public service.

Bohn’s retirement is expected to be formally acknowledged by the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners at its September 23 meeting.

During his time with Clatsop County, Bohn has worked alongside County employees, elected officials and community partners to strengthen the organization, build relationships and maintain effective services for the community.

“Hiring Don Bohn in 2019 was the best decision we ever made as a Board of Commissioners,” Board Chair Mark Kujala said. “Don brought three decades of wisdom from Washington County and has guided us with a calm, steady and balanced approach.”

In his retirement letter, Bohn reflected on the people who have shaped his time with the County.

“I am continually inspired by the public employees and elected officials that daily serve our community with humility, passion and grace,” Bohn wrote in his retirement letter shared with the Board and staff. “I am proud of our work together and the innumerable ways we have fortified the organization and culture, enhanced critical partnerships and consistently provided quality, efficient, effective and relevant services to the community.”

Bohn described the County’s accomplishments during his tenure as a collaborative and productive team effort and expressed confidence in the organization’s future.

Kujala also credited Bohn with strengthening relationships throughout the region.

“Throughout his seven-plus years of service, Don’s commitment to collaboration has built deep, lasting relationships with regional community partners,” Kujala said. “He has always been strategic, intentional and unafraid to face challenges head-on — ultimately lifting Clatsop County to new heights.”

Bohn said the people and partnerships that support the County will continue to guide the organization after his retirement.

“I am confident the pillars of political leadership, professional management, quality workforce and community partnerships will continue to support and guide the County going forward,” Bohn wrote. “Until my final day I will do my part in service to the organization and community.”

The County expects to begin the first phase of the recruitment process in November by selecting a professional recruitment team to assist with the search for the next County Manager.

The County Manager position is anticipated to open for applications in 2027, before Bohn’s final day April 2.

“I have been truly blessed to work alongside Don,” Kujala said. “While we will be sad to see him retire, we are grateful to have his leadership through the coming months. He will leave behind a resilient team and a thriving organizational culture. We wish Don and his wife, Stacee, the very best as they enjoy this well-deserved next phase of life together.”

Additional information about the recruitment and transition process will be shared as it becomes available.

###

4-H & Extension Service District Budget Committee Vacancies (Photo) - 09/16/26

CLATSOP COUNTY, OR — Clatsop County is accepting applications for two vacancies on the 4-H & Extension Service District Budget Committee. 

Members of the committee review the proposed overall 4-H Extension Service District budget, make recommendations and approve the proposed 4-H Extension Service District budget for adoption by the county commissioners.

The Committee meets in May to review the proposed budget. The vacancies are for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029. 

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026. 

Application forms are available on the Clatsop County website and at the County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange Street, Suite 410, Astoria.  

Applicants must review and submit the Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire and the Acknowledgement of Roles and Responsibilities statement with application.  

The Board of Commissioners will make the appointment at a future Board of Commissioners meeting.

###

OSU Rowing Special Event Temporarily Closes Cullaby Lake Boat Ramp And Waters (Photo) - 09/09/26

Boat ramp and lake waters temporarily closed: Friday, Sept. 18, 3–5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.–noon.

ASTORIA, OR — The Oregon State University Rowing Team will host a special event at Cullaby Lake County Park on September 18–19, 2026.

The boat ramp and the waters of Cullaby Lake will be closed for the event Friday from 3–5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.–noon.

The event is free for the public to view from the park, which will remain open for picnicking and other activities. A $5 day-use parking fee applies for County Park entry.

Members of the public interested in learning to row can participate Saturday morning.

For more information, visit clatsopcounty.gov.

###

Annual CORA 'Battle At The Sea' Back At Cullaby Lake (Photo) - 09/03/26

Boat ramp and water temporarily closed Saturday, September 12 and Sunday September 13 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

CLATSOP COUNTY, OR — The Columbia Outboard Racing Association will host the Annual ‘Battle at the Sea’ at Cullaby Lake County Park on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The boat ramp and racecourse on Cullaby Lake will be closed to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The races are free for the public to view from the park, which will also be open for picnicking and other activities. A $5 day-use parking fee applies for County Park entry.

For more information, visit Clatsop County Parks.

Clatsop County Partners With USDA Wildlife Services To Address Wildlife Conflicts (Photo) - 09/02/26

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to provide local assistance when cougars, coyotes, bears, beavers, and other wildlife create problems for residents, property owners and agricultural operations.

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners approved a cooperative services agreement with USDA Wildlife Services in August. The program is designed to reduce wildlife-related damage and address human health and safety concerns.

Under the agreement, Clatsop County will contribute up to $40,000 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Federal and state funding will provide an additional $13,776.59, bringing the total value of the Clatsop County program to $53,776.59.

Clatsop County's resources will be combined with funding from Columbia County and federal resources to support a Wildlife Services Specialist serving both counties.

How Wildlife Services Can Help

USDA Wildlife Services provides technical assistance and, when needed, direct wildlife management to address conflicts involving cougars, bears, coyotes, beavers, and other wildlife.

Assistance may include advice, training, and recommendations for property owners. When those steps are not enough, Wildlife Services may take direct action focused on specific problem animals or localized groups.

Methods are selected based on factors including safety, humaneness, effectiveness, and legality.

All activities must comply with applicable state and federal laws, and work on private property requires an agreement with the landowner, lessee, or property administrator.

Residents who need assistance with a wildlife conflict can call 971-495-1482.

More information about the USDA Wildlife Services program is available at the national Wildlife Services website: www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-services.

###