Yamhill County is primarily a rural county but is feeling the effects of its proximity to Portland, its attractiveness as a retirement area, the rapid growth of its two  largest cities, McMinnville and Newberg, and the burgeoning wine industry.  

From 1990, Yamhill County’s population increased by over a third to more than 90,000 people. By 2020, the State of Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis projects that Yamhill County’s population will see roughly a 40% increase — approximately 33,000 more people, totaling 120,000 people.  According to United States Census estimates, just over half of the county’s current populace lives in the two cities of McMinnville and Newberg, with the remaining residents living on farms and in smaller towns.

For a general overview of the natural resources of Yamhill County, see the Soil and Water Conservation District's Nature Resource Profile.

Yamhill County has the largest concentration of Oregon White Oak habitat remaining in the Willamette Valley.  Several Federal listed threatened or endangered species are found here including the Kincaid’s Lupine and the Fenders Blue Butterfly.  Other species are listed under the Federal sensitive species list (updated 1/10/2009) . Historically, oak savanna and woodland, upland and wet prairies were the dominate vegetation types.  Now these high priority ecosystems have all but disappeared.  

Diversity and acreage of natural wildlife habitats in Yamhill County was reduced as land was converted from natural forest and grassland to managed forests, cropland, homesteads, and urban areas.  Clearing of lands for urbanization and other developments continues to threaten sensitive plant and animal populations.  Invasion of non-native species, both plant and animal, are also reducing the viability of native species.

Rich soil, good climate, and refined production techniques combine in Yamhill County to produce high quality crops and timber.  Agriculture and lumber production are the leading industries in Yamhill County with agricultural income ranking from 3^rd to 5^th among Oregon counties at over $500 million annually.  About 1/3 of soils in the county are considered “prime agricultural land”.  Soils once thought to be only suited for pasture and timber production now support the thriving vineyard industry occupying many ridge-tops throughout the county.  

Since 1980, there has been a 12% reduction in cropland under production, significant changes in the crops grown, container grown and bare-root nursery plant production have become one of our largest industries, and animal agriculture has undergone major changes.  Working lands are impacted by development, and a generational transfer of lands is underway with a desire to preserve rather than convert lands. 

The local wine industry is a complete vertical industry around the value-added (winemaking and selling) component rather than a primarily a commodity (wine grape) industry.  The wine industry also generates significant tourist and international industry event-related income. There are currently over 225 vine- yards and 89 wineries in Yamhill County. Vineyards are both a threat to these ecosystems as well as a source of conservation ethic and support.

For more detail, see the Yamhill County Soil & Water Conservation District's Master Plan.

Yamhill County has special natural, scenic, cultural, ecological, and historic resources which are highly valued by residents.  The county provides pastoral scenic vistas of farming and nature close to many people.  But there is relatively little actual access to, or assurance of, long-term preservation these assets.

Yamhill County currently owns and maintains 17 parks and open space areas totaling just 126 acres.  Ten of the sites are developed, six are undeveloped, and one is leased.  Most sites maintained by the county need significant improvements, although some progress been made recently.  While representative of natural habitats and historic resources, the small size of these sites makes them marginally beneficial as conservation sites.