SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Cycle Oregon will host a meeting 11 a.m. July 29 to discuss the proposed designation of the Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway, a 60-mile route that connects Highways 126 (McKenzie River) and 58 (Oakridge).
The meeting is open to the public. The agenda and link for the meeting is posted on the Scenic Bikeways website.
Meeting registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h0UZ0HFUSN-ODLTTf0Y3WQ#/registration
The Scenic Bikeways program was established in 2009 by Cycle Oregon, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Travel Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation. It now includes the state’s best 17 designated mostly-roadway bicycle routes to showcase Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures and western hospitality.
The program is currently managed under a partnership agreement between Cycle Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The Scenic Bikeways is overseen by the Scenic Bikeway’s committee, an advisory group for the management and designation of routes nominated by the public for state scenic bikeways designation. Its members include citizen representatives, tourism organization, local governments and state agencies involved in bicycle recreation or transportation.
For more information, contact Steve Schulz, Executive Director of Cycle Oregon at 503-381-4614 or steve@cycleoregon.com.
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state.
Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.
“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.
Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages.
OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:
- Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
- Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
- Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions
For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx.
For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.
DEPOE BAY, Oregon— A virtual public hearing will be held 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14 to take public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3051 to build a riprap revetment west of SeaRidge Condominiums in Depoe Bay.
The permit application requests to construct an approximately 600-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of the condominiums at 4175 N. Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) regulates ocean shore activities including reviewing alteration permits.
The hearing includes an introduction by staff, and then the applicant will be provided an opportunity to clearly identify how the application substantially and factually includes information that demonstrates the proposal meets the review standard set forth in OAR 736-020-0003 through 736-020-0030.
The public will then be provided an opportunity to present testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register, each registered individual will be provided up to 3 minutes to testify. Within 45-days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public notice and this hearing.
Following OPRD’s initial evaluation of this application, it is not clear whether the proposal meets the applicable review standards. The Department must “determine if the granting of such permit would in any way be detrimental to the interests and safety of the public and to the preservation of the natural resource, scenic, recreational and economic values of the ocean shore” (OAR 736-020-0003(7)).
This hearing is an opportunity for the department to further develop a factual basis for a permit decision based on the review standards, including whether the application demonstrates:
- There are no reasonable alternatives to the proposed design or construction methods that would better protect the ocean shore, including recreation, scenic, and natural resources.
- The proposed project was designed to avoid and minimize damage to, and retain the scenic attraction of, the known ancient forest remnants.
- The project avoids impact to properties not owned by the applicant, unless agreed to by the landowner.
The submitted materials for application 3051, can be viewed under the heading of “Pending Applications” at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/per-ocean-shore.aspx.
Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2l_2kNRdR-C0ml4eTYSaaA#/registration to attend the Zoom meeting or call Allison Mangini, 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by noon Aug. 13 to be added to the attendee list.
Following the hearing, registered attendees may provide written testimony until 5 p.m. Aug. 19. Submit by sending to:
- OceanShores.Permits@oprd.oregon.gov, or
- Tyler Blanchette
OREGON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 2139
Waldport, OR 97394
Contact Ocean Shore Permit Coordinator, Tyler Blanchette 503-510-6741, Tyler.Blanchette@oprd.oregon.gov, for questions about permit application process.
The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. Aug. 8.
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // July 16, 2024
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission to meet July 30 online
SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene online at 3 p.m. on July 30, 2024 for a business meeting.
The draft agenda includes requests to:
- Approve the 2025-2029 Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for submission to the National Park Service. The plan, updated every five years, is required to maintain Oregon’s eligibility for certain federal grants.
- Approve the agency requested budget for 2025-27 prior to its submission to the Governor.
- Open rulemaking to take public comments on restricting camping on the ocean shore in the city limits of Brookings in Curry County. The change is being requested by local residents and will be brought back to the commission with a recommendation after a public comment period. The public comment period will start with a separate announcement.
- Approve state park construction contracts.
The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page before the meeting.
People who wish to attend may watch the meeting live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams, or come to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department office at 725 Summer St NE, Salem OR 97301 to observe the video livestream. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. July 26 to chris.havel@oprd.oregon.gov. Public comments will not be accepted live during this special meeting, but comments will be accepted as usual at the regularly scheduled meeting in September.
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules, and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.
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Media Contact
Chris Havel
503-931-2590
chris.havel@oprd.oregon.gov
SALEM, Oregon— Pack a picnic and bring your friends to a summer season of vintage blockbusters and other favorite films under the stars at some of Oregon’s most beautiful locations.
Summer Movies at Oregon State Parks returns this year with a lineup of family friendly films at parks around the Willamette Valley including Milo McIver State Park Saturday, July 13, with a showing of “ParaNorman.”
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the movies on large, outdoor screens starting at dusk. The movies are free to the public, no ticket required, and day-use parking is free after 7 p.m. The movies are presented by Oregon State Parks, Hollywood Theatre and Oregon Film.
Upcoming showings include:
- July 13: “ParaNorman” at Milo McIver State Park
- July 20: “The Witches” at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
- Aug. 3: “The Dark Crystal” at Champoeg State Heritage Area
Please follow all posted park signs and rules while visiting and remember to pack out everything you packed in to keep the parks clean and ready to use for the next visitors.
SALEM, Oregon— The Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold public meetings to review grant applications from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 22-25 via Zoom.
Applicants to the Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating outdoor recreation facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.
A schedule listing applicants and their specific presentation times is posted on the Local Government Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx#2 . A link to register for the Zoom meeting is also posted at the site: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SdcrlnlBSSmLGtLPLvuTlw
The LGGP Advisory Committee consists of eleven members who represent cities, counties, park and recreation districts, port districts, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state.
The LGGP was established in 1999 to direct a portion of state lottery revenue to award grants to eligible applicants for outdoor park and recreation projects. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
For more information about the LGGP, visit oprdgrants.org.
SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet July21-22 in Coos Bay and online. The agenda includes a report from the University of Oregon Institute for Policy Research and Engagement project team on the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study, a summary and discussion of a report on addressing harmful content in collections, an application for the Heritage Tradition designation, and recommendations for the Commission’s FY25 Oregon Cultural Trust Partner Funds Grant.
This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment in person and online. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda and/or to register for the virtual meeting option visit here.
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 or Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.
There are three governor appointed positions currently vacant on the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Heritage Commission is especially seeking members with knowledge and experience related to community institutions, heritage tourism, or education/higher education and who have experience working with diverse cultural groups. The Commission seeks applications from those that live in the Southern, Willamette Valley, and Central Oregon area.
The Heritage Commission’s nine members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary celebrations.
The group meets four-six times per year in changing locations around the state and will offer virtual options to attend meetings. Commissioners are also asked to occasionally participate in meetings or events in their regions and work on other projects outside of meeting time. Appointed Commissioners are reimbursed for their travel and related expenses while conducting official commission business.
More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov.
To request appointment, go to Governor Kotek’s Boards and Commissions webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 18 grants totaling $299,999 for historic properties and archaeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the Diamonds in the Rough category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of the property. The other 12 grants were in the Preserving Oregon category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and for archaeology projects.
Funded projects:
- Façade restoration grants in Baker City, Independence, Lebanon, The Dalles, Union, and Malheur County.
- One archaeology project:
- Southern Oregon University Lab for study of the Maxville site in Wallowa County.
- Preservation of 11 historic properties:
- Elks Lodge building, Medford
- Butler Perozzi Fountain, Ashland
- Giesy Store, Aurora
- Masonic Lodge building, Baker City
- Antelope School building, Antelope
- Eltrym Theater, baker City
- Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, Linn County
- Gordon House, Silverton
- Rock Creek Cemetery, Clackamas County
- Hanley Farm, Jackson County
- Old Post Office building, Weston
These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archaeology and other related disciplines.
For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in La Grande at the Cook Memorial Library, 2006 4th Street in La Grande, and via online meeting on July 18 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of historic cemetery records, a presentation on the 2023 historic cemeteries grant projects. At 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. will be a presentation about grant funding and resources available to support heritage work including preservation and sharing of historic cemeteries, properties, and downtowns and for museums, public history, and more. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.
OCHC commissioner, Sarah Silbernagel, will host a visit to the Hilgard Cemetery on July 19 at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Cook Memorial Library parking lot to caravan to the cemetery, about a 15-minute drive. Hilgard Cemetery, established in 1885, is a private cemetery rural cemetery. It began as a family cemetery and then became the community cemetery for Hilgard. Hilgard was an early logging town established by Henry Villard in 1880 to house railroad construction crews and their families. Villard is also known for connections to Portland and the University of Oregon.
State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
Coos Bay has been designated by the Oregon Heritage Commission as an “Oregon Heritage All-Star Community.” The commission created the All-Star program to recognize the strong efforts by communities to broadly preserve and develop heritage resources.
An All-Star designation requires that communities meet at least 15 of 24 criteria related to local heritage. These include heritage tourism efforts, historic preservation programs, photo and document archives, museums, historic cemeteries, historic downtowns and more.
“Coos Bay has a long and broad history,” said Katie Henry coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. “The efforts of the city, tribes, museums, businesses, and community members in preserving and sharing local history contributes to the economy and livability of Coos Bay.”
A representative of the Oregon Heritage Commission will formally acknowledge the designation at the Coos Bay City Council work session on July 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Benetti stated “This designation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our community in preserving Coos Bay’s rich heritage, we are honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing our efforts in celebrating and safeguarding our history for future generations.”
The city is required to maintain at least 15 of the criteria to maintain the Heritage All-Star status. Technical assistance will be provided to Coos Bay to maintain, sustain and expand the heritage offerings and facilities. The city joins seven other All-Star communities including Albany, Astoria, Bend, Cottage Grove, Oregon City, Roseburg, and Salem.
The Oregon Heritage Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission sponsors heritage initiatives that educate the public about the value of heritage and celebrate the state’s diversity.
The Oregon Heritage Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent a diverse geographical and heritage background.
Assistance is available for communities seeking to acquire Heritage All-Star Community status. Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which houses the Oregon Heritage Commission, offers technical support, workshops, grants and other resources for all heritage projects in the state. To learn more, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.govc or 503-986-0685.
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposal to adjust the ranges of rates that parks can charge for camping and other facilities in state parks starting in summer 2025.
Regular adjustments to rate ranges are necessary to respond to increases in utility costs, operations and maintenance needs, and inflation. Currently the rate range for tent campsites, for example, is $17 to $22 per night (plus any local lodging taxes). Rates vary by park and season. The proposal would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes. See the proposed rates.
Increasing the rate ranges does not mean that the current fees charged per night will increase automatically. Instead, the ranges provide flexibility to adjust fees within that range over time as needed. This avoids large increases all at once.
Once rate ranges are adopted into rule, the state parks director has authority to adjust fees based on visitation patterns, increased costs and seasonal fluctuations up to four times per year (offering discounts during the fall/winter seasons for example). The first rate ranges were adopted into rule in 2018 and implemented by the department in 2019.
In addition to rate-range adjustments, the proposed rules would:
- Expand the 25% surcharge for out-of-state RV campers to include all site types for out-of-state campers.
- Allow the director to determine which parks assess a day-use parking permit fee. Currently parks requiring a parking permit are listed in rule.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. August 30, 2024 and can be submitted:
- Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-Fees-V2.aspx
- Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
- Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
Three public hearings will be held for the public to provide comments.
- Virtual Hearing: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 5:30 PM. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aT-S-tRHScONYnp8SxErmQ
- In Person Hearings: Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m., Nehalem Bay State Park Meeting Hall, 34600 Garey St, Nehalem, OR 97131
- Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m. North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Must arrive by 6 p.m. to testify.
The department is also seeking feedback via a short survey about opinions on camping facilities and programs that can be taken during the public comment period: https://form.jotform.com/241823872287162
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September or November for possible adoption. Any changes in rate ranges would not be effective until the agency budget is approved by the Oregon legislature and signed by the Governor in 2025.
SALEM, Oregon – Heritage organizations statewide are now eligible to apply for free technical assistance from the Oregon Heritage MentorCorps. Organizations applying to this program will work on their proposed projects alongside volunteer professionals with backgrounds in museums and collections management, curatorship, archives, preservation, heritage interpretation, volunteer coordination, non-profit management, disaster preparedness, and more.
The role of MentorCorps is to assist with projects that challenge the expertise of staff and volunteers at applicant organizations during one-on-one sessions over a period of nine months. Common requests for assistance include guidance in work planning, grant reviews, collections assessments, policy development or simply prioritization of work when applicants can’t identify the most pressing need. Fielding a cadre of mentors that are geographically and technically diverse, there are very few projects that MentorCorps cannot assist with in some way.
“MentorCorps’ goal is to support organizations in achieving as close to best practices as possible,” says Cam Amabile, Technical Resources Coordinator for Oregon Heritage. “Mentors are technical guides to resources, helping create a pathway to fully implemented plans or actions. We most often assist small, volunteer-run organizations with limited capacities in meeting their mission without being as overwhelmed. Mentors also get the added benefit of honing their skills, creating a network of support, and doing professional development.”
MentorCorps began as a pilot program funded the Institute of Museum and Library Services nearly a decade ago. Ten years on, it is a fully actualized technical assistance program of the Oregon Heritage Commission that supports the “Pursue Best Practices” goal of the 2020-2025 Oregon Heritage Plan. This service is offered free to any heritage organization operating within the state of Oregon, but primarily serves museums, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions. Applications open July 1, 2024 and close on August 15, 2024 for the 2024-2025 assistance year. Organizations can reach out to Oregon Heritage Technical Resources Coordinator, Cam Amabile with questions about projects or applications at 971-720-8998 or cam.amabile@oprd.oregon.gov.
BEND, Oregon— Pilot Butte State Park will experience partial closures July 1-5 in preparation for the Fourth of July fireworks display, which is held 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
Please observe the following closures and restrictions:
- Vehicle traffic: The access road to the summit will be closed to all vehicle traffic July 1-4 and will reopen the afternoon of July 5.
- Pedestrians: Trails and roadways will be accessible to pedestrians only July 1-3 and closed entirely for all July 4. Trails will reopen the afternoon of July 5. The summit will be closed to all but authorized personnel July 1 to July 5 (afternoon).
- All: Access to all trails and roadways will be closed on July 4 through the afternoon of July 5. No access will be permitted. Security and law enforcement will be on site to enforce restrictions. This is for the safety of the set-up crews and visitors.
The park will reopen to all when the clean-up process has been completed July 5. Please respect the closed areas and do not attempt entry for your safety and the safety of those working to set up the fireworks. Visitors will not be allowed into the closed areas at any time.
The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linnea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. Please do not block any emergency access roads or public/private streets as this can delay a response to an emergency.
Oregon State Parks and Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that pets are not permitted in the park during the fireworks show.