Silver Falls Hosts Mother’s Day Birding And Wildflower Festival May 10-11 (Photo) -04/29/25

SILVERTON, Oregon— Silver Falls State Park welcomes visitors to its annual Mother's Day Birding and Wildflower Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 and 11.

Activities include a wildflower show, a native plant sale, guided bird watching and wildflower walks, educational discovery tables and live raptor presentations.

“Spring is in full swing at Silver Falls,” said Ranger Matt Palmquist. “More flowers are blooming every day – while the snow-white trilliums are starting to fade, we are seeing sunny yellow violets, delicate and subtle fringe cups, and enchanting fairy slipper orchids. The birds are in the midst of their courtship and nesting displays, and migratory species are joining our resident ones to fill the forest with birdsong. It’s a fantastic time of year to visit and learn about it all!”

Festival activities take place in South Falls Day-use area unless noted:

• Native plant sale, wildflower show, and educational discovery tables including potting a native plant to take home
• 7:30 a.m. Early Bird Walk at South Falls: 2.6 miles on Saturday and 2 miles Sunday, 3 hours
• 10:30 a.m. Budding Birders Junior Ranger Program both days and again 12:30 p.m. Sunday
• 11 a.m. and noon Wildflower Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, on both days and again at 2 p.m. Saturday
• Noon and 1 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation in the field behind the Stone Circle (no dogs please)
• 1 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at the Stone Circle 
• 3 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, (Saturday) meet at Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles from the South Falls day-use area and (Sunday) meet at Camp Silver Creek.

The event and activities are free, but there is a $10 daily parking permit fee required at Silver Falls. The full schedule will be posted online at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.event&eventId=48881

Focus Groups Seek Feedback From Trail Users For Future Statewide Trails Plan (Photo) -04/28/25

Salem, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.

The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.  

Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:

• May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
• May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.

Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may

Saddle Mountain To Close May 6-10 For Tree Project With More Closures This Summer/fall (Photo) -04/25/25

SEASIDE, Oregon— Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is scheduled for multiple temporary closures due to construction and tree projects with the first one starting May 6 through May 10 and additional closures in late summer and fall 2025.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is partnering with Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in May to remove potentially hazardous trees along Highway 26 near Saddle Mountain.

The work will begin May 5 and include intermittent lane closures on Highway 26 and Saddle Mountain Road for the first few days of the project. Saddle Mountain State

Natural Area will be closed temporarily May 6 and is expected to reopen May 10.

The collaboration gives OPRD additional support in removing trees that pose a risk to park infrastructure, visitors and their property while providing an opportunity for ODOT sawyers to get tree felling training.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is also scheduled to close for several additional projects in late summer and fall 2025.

• August: Bridge repair work that is slated to last about one week.
• August/September: Road repair project that includes repaving or overlaying seven of the nine miles of Saddle Mountain Road as well as culvert repair and replacement of crushed stone along road shoulders. The work is scheduled to last about one month.
• Fall: Crews will remove hazard trees and fire-damaged trees and thin some areas for forest health. The work is slated to last two to four months depending on the weather and construction schedules.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will share additional information and dates for the closures as they become available. For updates, please check the park webpage at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=140.

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint Parking Lot & Restroom Closed Through May 23 (Photo) -04/24/25

BANDON, Oregon— The parking lot and restroom at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon will be closed through May 23 due to construction. The stairs to the beach will remain open on the south side of the property.

Staff ask visitors to observe posted signs and respect the work-zone closures to help keep access open during construction.

The work includes repaving the parking lot and removing the existing island to replace it with additional parking. The new restroom will meet or exceed ADA standards and include electricity. Curb cutouts, the parking spaces and picnic facilities will also meet or exceed current ADA standards.

“This project will significantly enhance the visitor experience at Face Rock by repairing and overlaying the existing parking area, adding additional parking, replacing the aging restroom and enhancing accessibility,” said Park Manager Nick Schoeppner.

For updates to this project or additional park information visit the park webpage at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=47.

Golden And Silver Falls State Natural Area Seeking Volunteers May 24 (Photo) -04/24/25

ALLEGANY, Oregon — Join park rangers for the annual spring clean-up event at Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24.

Volunteers will help clean up the parking area and conduct trail work at the park, which is about 25 miles northeast of Coos Bay. There will be something for everyone to help with at the park. Lend a hand and help get the park ready before summer begins.

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground and trails to the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools.

Dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Remember to bring a water bottle (no water on site), sack lunch and work gloves if you have them (some will be provided if not). Snacks will be provided.

If you would like to sign up for the event or have any questions, contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward at jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

If you need to contact staff on the day of the event, please call Park Ranger Jess Hayward at 541-888-3732.

Committee To Review Historic Cemetery Grant Applications -04/24/25

On May 8, 2025 the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant program. The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries for final review and approval on May 27, 2025. The meeting will be held online at 9:00 a.m. Interested parties may register to access the meeting by Zoom. The meeting agenda includes the registration information.

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.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site Opens For The 2025 Season On May 2 (Photo) -04/23/25

JOHN DAY, Oregon— Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site welcomes visitors to its Interpretive Center and historic building for the 2025 season starting Friday, May 2.

The Kam Wah Chung building is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the home and businesses of two Chinese immigrants, Ing "Doc" Hay and Lung On. For more than 60 years the building was a social, medical and religious center for Oregon's Chinese community.

The Interpretive Center will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (closed 11 a.m. to noon for lunch). The historic building and Interpretive Center will be closed Monday through Thursday during May and possibly into June due to staffing levels at the site. Check the website for hours of operation throughout the season: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=5

Tours of the historic building will run at the top of every hour, the last one beginning at 3 p.m. The free, 45-minute historic building tour begins at the Interpretive Center at 125 NW Canton Street in John Day. Space is limited to 8 people per tour.

For more information or questions about booking tours and operating hours, please call the park office at 541-575-2800.

For those who won't have the opportunity to visit this heritage site this season, you can learn more about the site and Chinese American history in Oregon through these online resources:

• Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project
• National Historic Landmark Nomination: Kam Wah Chung Company Building
• Oregon Encyclopedia: Chinese Americans in Oregon and Kam Wah Chung and Co.
• Oregon Historical Society: Beyond Chinatown: Uncovering Oregon’s Rural Chinese History and Centering Chinese History in Oregon and Herbs & Roots: A History of Chinese Doctors in the American Medical Marketplace

Oregon Heritage Commission To Meet May 4-5 In Eugene, Coburg And Online -04/22/25

Coburg – The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet May 4 in Eugene for a tour of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and May 5 in Coburg for the Business Meeting.
 

The agenda includes an update on the 2026 Oregon Heritage Plan process, a presentation by the Lane County Parks Advisory Committee on the County covered bridges, a presentation by the Oregon Museums Association on the updated strategic plan, a report on the historic resources survey work in Cottage Grove, a tour of downtown Cottage Grove by Coburg Main Street, and more.
 

This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made in person, online, or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, 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.
 

The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
 

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 commemorations.
 

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. 
 

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Public Invited To Comment On A Federal Grant Award In Jefferson -04/22/25

The City of Jefferson has received a grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to fund the following local preservation projects.

City of Jefferson
Conser House – 114 N Main St.
$16,000
Add HVAC, Electrical, and removable insulation to the second story.

This notice serves to make the public aware of the projects and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 30 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or learn more information about this project visit the federal grant public comment section of our website or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Main Street Coordinator Sheri Stuart Receives National Award (Photo) -04/09/25

SALEM, Oregon – Main Street America announced Sheri Stuart, Main Street Coordinator for Oregon Main Street, as a 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient. This prestigious award is the organization’s top honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field of comprehensive preservation-based economic development and commercial district revitalization. The award highlights the impact of these individuals and amplifies the critical role that leaders play in shaping the Main Street Movement. The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award was presented at the closing plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Sheri Stuart is an incredible example of what Main Street leadership looks like in action,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Her purposeful approach to statewide coordination, her ability to spark innovation in rural and urban communities alike, and her tireless advocacy for reinvestment in Oregon’s Main Streets make her an exemplary recipient of this award.”

Sheri Stuart’s Main Street career spans the local, state, and national level and includes being an Executive Director of a local Main Street organization, Program Officer for the National Main Street Center providing technical assistance to several state coordinating programs, and she currently serves as the Coordinator of Oregon Main Street (OMS), a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program that Sheri has led since 2009.

Sheri was nominated by participants in the Oregon Main Street Network with Lise Grato, Executive Director of Albany Downtown Association, and Rebeca Hollenbeck, Executive Director of Historic Willamette Main Street, leading the nomination effort.

“While impact of her work can be seen in the economic impact numbers, the grant dollars, the technical assistance she provides, the greatest impact she has is on the humans that make up the Main Street Network,” says Lisa Sumption, Director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “The personal connections she forms with Main Street Managers and Board Members and the people first approach she implements is by far the greatest impact she has.”

About Oregon Main Street

Oregon Main Street (OMS), a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, leads a network of over 100 communities across the state implementing efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. Led by Coordinator Sheri Stuart, OMS provides training and technical assistance to communities that have achieved substantial results since the program began in 2007. Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in the state’s Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

A recent OMS impact study reported that between 2011 and 2021, the Oregon Main Street network:

• Supported the creation of more than 2400 jobs throughout the state

• Boosted statewide tax revenue by 3.5 million dollars

• Contributed an additional $266 million dollars of revenue statewide

One of the tools available to Oregon Main Street Network Participants in the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant established by the Oregon Legislature in 2015. This grant program to date has awarded over $17 million for over 100 building improvement projects in Oregon’s downtowns. See a summary of the impact of this grant program here.

Learn more about Oregon Main Street by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

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Historic Cemeteries Commission Meets April 25 -04/09/25

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on April 25 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of Cemetery Special Districts future workplan items. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Follow this link to register for meeting access information.

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 or to attend in person, 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) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For more historic cemetery resources or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Oregon State Parks And Recreation Commission To Meet April 22 And 23 In Medford -04/08/25

MEDFORD, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene April 22 and 23 in Medford.

On April 22, commissioners will hold a work session from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the draft real property policy and commission best practices.

On April 23, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the Rogue Regency Inn & Suites, 2300 Biddle Road, to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be open to the public. Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/registerApr2025commission.

The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., April 18. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. April 18 to katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov.

The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
  • Recreational Trails Program
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Veterans and War Memorial Grants
• Request to adopt rules 736-10-0026 and 21-0065 for Electric Assisted Bicycle use in Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.
• Request to adopt 736-24 -0015 concerning ocean shore vehicle access to Manzanita
• Request to approve temporary emergency rules for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions. A new Oregon law transferred the rulemaking responsibility from Oregon Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Quality to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Temporary rules 736-004-0150 and 736-004-0160 will keep existing rules for 180 days to give OPRD time to develop and adopt new permanent rules.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.

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.

Road To Summit Of Pilot Butte Opens For The Season April 14 (Photo) -04/07/25

BEND, Oregon—The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will open Pilot Butte summit road to vehicle traffic starting at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14 for the 2025 season.

“We kindly remind visitors that the summit road is a shared space enjoyed by multiple users including cyclists, walkers and runners. Please reduce your speed and exercise caution while driving. Remain alert, be mindful of others and approach with patience and courtesy to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Park Manager Brian Vaughan.

The summit road leads to the top of the butte, which is an old cinder cone. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade mountains including Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte and Mt. Hood.

The road will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information about the park, visit the webpage at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=33.

New Survey To Help Inform Oregon Statewide Trails Plan Runs Through April 30 (Photo) -04/04/25

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) wants to better understand how residents use all land and water trails throughout Oregon and opportunities for improvement. 

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect the feedback now through April 30. The survey is open to all trail users and potential trail users including hikers, bikers, equestrians, OHV and ATV riders, snowmobilers, boaters and paddlers who recreate on any public lands or bodies of water in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. 

The information will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance for OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.  

The Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails.  

The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and it’s open to all Oregon residents. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit. 

“Oregon is home to amazing recreational trails. Each year, more than 80% of Oregon residents recreate on trail systems across the state. We appreciate residents’ support and feedback, which will help make these systems even better in the future,” said OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning. 

For questions about this survey or the Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at  Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov. 

Earth Day Volunteer Opportunity At Sunset Bay State Park Near Coos Bay (Photo) -04/01/25

COOS BAY, Oregon— Join rangers at Sunset Bay State Park from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday April 26 to remove invasive English ivy from the landscape and make space for native plants in honor of Earth Day.

Invasive species of ivy are prevalent throughout the Pacific Northwest and tend to outcompete native plants. Assist park rangers in identifying and eradicating the weed from the park property in honor of Earth Day.

Volunteers will gather at Yoakum Point about ¼ mile before Sunset Bay day-use area when driving south. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway, and the parking lot is on the east side (please do not block the driveway). The address is 90064 Cape Arago Highway.

Participants should be prepared to travel on uneven ground at the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools. Gloves, tools, snacks and bottled water will be provided.

Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear closed toed-shoes and something they don’t mind getting dirty.

For more information, please contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward at Jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

Seeking Public Comment On Proposed Changes To Day-use Parking Permits (Photo) -04/01/25

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposal to expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge to parking permit fees and eliminate the two-year parking permit.

The out-of-state camping surcharge was enacted by state law in 2022 for RV campsites, and OPRD expanded it to all site types for out-of-state campers for stays beginning July 1, 2025.

The proposed rule change would add the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees. Based on current rates, out-of-state visitors would pay $12.50 per day or $37.50 for an annual parking permit. If approved, the change would begin July 1, 2025.

Oregon residents would continue to pay the same parking permit rate of $10 per day or $30 for an annual permit.

The proposed rule change would also eliminate the sales of 24-month parking permits starting in 2026. Existing permits would be honored until they expire. The 12-month annual permit will continue to be sold.

These changes would help parks more consistently implement the surcharge as well as track annual revenue and budgets for parks in the future. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide exceptional outdoor experiences.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30, 2025:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will also be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025:

• Register to attend the virtual hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1Zw_JurTy-PYpxWhGra2w#/registration

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in June for possible adoption.