Registration deadline nears for Oregon Heritage Conference - 04/14/14
The Oregon Heritage Conference will take place April 23-25 in historic downtown Albany with the theme of "Celebrate, Recreate, Invigorate." The registration deadline is Friday, April 18.

The abundance of opportunities for linking Oregon heritage and recreation will be the hub of workshops, speakers, bus and walking tours, and panels. Whether you want to revitalize an organization, engage with tourists, document and preserve historic buildings and collections, advocate for support, or create new appreciation for Oregon heritage in its many forms, you will want to attend.

Grant McOmie, the award-winning television journalist whose stories about travels on Oregon's backroads blend outdoor recreation and cultural heritage, will be the keynote speaker. Special tours, cutting-edge research expositions, and meeting colleagues from across the state are important bonuses. The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards will take place on the evening of April 24.

The Oregon Heritage Conference will take place at several downtown locations including the Albany Regional Museum, the Pix Theatre, the Flinn Block, United Presbyterian Church, Whitespires Church, and several restaurants. The Albany Downtown Association, the Albany Visitors Association and the City of Albany are also assisting with the conference.

The conference schedule and registration form is available at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/Pages/conference.aspx

Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Winners Announced - 04/14/14
Individuals, organizations and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Oregon heritage will receive Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards next week in Albany. The awards will be presented at 7 p.m. April 24 at a dinner. The public is invited to attend the presentation with pre-ticketing required.

"The award recipients represent the diversity of efforts to preserve Oregon's heritage," said Kyle Jansson, coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. "They also serve as models for others for how to make the most out of available resources."

The recipients will be:

-- Cottage Grove Preservation Plan Advisory Committee, for its innovative community partnership that created a historic preservation plan to enhance heritage throughout the city,

-- Oregon State Archives, for perseverance, creativity and outstanding professionalism in re-claiming audio from the 1967 Beach Bill hearings,

-- Illuminate Oregon City Project, for its enterprising approach to historic site rehabilitation, economic development and public art display by the City of Oregon City, Main Street Oregon City, and the Clackamas County Arts Alliance with the historic Oregon City elevator.

-- Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, for its exceptional attention to cultural heritage and professional practices while initiating the Warm Springs Audio Preservation Project with the University of Oregon.

-- Pacific Maritime and Heritage Center, Newport, for its decade-long grassroots effort to convert and restore a historic house-turned nightclub into a community center.

-- Sand Mountain Society, for 25 years of rehabilitating historic fire lookouts in western Oregon, providing interpretation about the structures and their location, and promoting compatible use of nearby lands.

-- Salemtowne Volunteers, Salem, for their dedication and innovative practices maintaining and restoring historical markers across the state for more than 20 years.

-- Charles Philpot, for outstanding leadership and vision in developing Antique Powerland at Brooks into an active heritage site with 15 partners and museums.


The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards are a project of Oregon Heritage, part of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. This year's awards are being presented in conjunction with the Oregon Heritage Conference.

Tickets for the awards presentation are available by completing the registration form at www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/Pages/conference.aspx. For more information, contact Kyle Jansson at 503-986-0673 or kyle.jansson@oregon.gov

Oregon State Fair Council to Meet April 17 in Salem - 04/11/14
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // Apr. 11, 2014

Media Contact: Andrea Fogue, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // Desk: 503-986-0576

Salem OR - The Oregon State Fair Council will meet at the Winema Event Center at Chemeketa Community College in Salem on April 17 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The agenda for the April 17 meeting includes an update on the strategic planning session held on April 3, reports from the subcommittees and other Council business.

The full agenda is online at http://tinyurl.com/makuxoz. The meeting is open to the public.

The Facilities Sub-committee of the Council will meet on Monday, April 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Oregon Home Builders Association in Salem. The agenda includes an assessment of whether to proceed with a market and feasibility analysis for the Exposition Center and the condition of facilities. The committee will also discuss the status of Fair and Exposition Center activities.

Those needing special accommodations to attend either meeting should contact Brenda Schorr at 503-986-0788 to make arrangements at least three days in advance.

The council is charged with creating a new, sustainable business model for the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, and Council members will have the authority to execute a business strategy.

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Oregon State Fair Council Takes Significant Step Forward - 04/10/14
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. on behalf of the Oregon State Fair Council // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // April 10, 2014

Media Contact: Kerry Tymchuk, Chair, Communications Committee, Oregon State Fair Council
Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society
Office: 503-306-5203

Oregon State Fair Council Takes Significant Step Forward

Salem OR - Oregon State Fair Council President Gene Derfler and Oregon State Parks Director Lisa Van Laanen announced today the signing of an agreement to initiate the transfer of management and control of the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to the Oregon State Fair Council. The Parks Department will continue to support the Council as the transition continues.

The Oregon State Fair Council is a public corporation that was created by legislation approved by the Oregon State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kitzhaber in 2013. Governor Kitzhaber then appointed eleven members to the Council, which held its first meeting in January 2014, and will meet for the fourth time on April 17.

"With the signing of this agreement, the State Fair Council can now officially move forward to fulfill our mission of creating a new sustainable business model for a vibrant and financially stable Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center," said Derfler, a former President of the Oregon State Senate, who was unanimously elected by other Council members to serve as Council President.

The Council is focused on continuing the strong tradition of the Oregon State Fair and creating a business plan for the operation of the Exposition Center. The 149th annual Oregon State Fair will be held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center from August 22-September 1, 2014.

The Council will continue to work with stakeholders and the community to seek input and participation in shaping the future of the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.

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Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approves property exchange - 04/09/14
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // News Release // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // April 9, 2014

Bend OR -- The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved an exchange proposal affecting a portion of the Bandon State Natural Area in Coos County at its April 9, 2014 meeting in Bend. Under the exchange, 280 inland acres of the 878 acre property would be traded to Bandon Biota for a future golf course. The state park system would gain 111 acres of adjacent oceanfront property, 97 acres of wetland property on the Coquille Spit north of Bandon, $300,000 in cash to control gorse (an invasive plant) on state park property, $450,000 to satisfy match for a federal grant to acquire 11 acres at Whale Cove on the coast on Lincoln County, and $2.5 million to purchase an as-yet unidentified major new state park property.

The commission vote was 4-2 in favor. Commissioners Brad Chalfant of Bend and Robin Risley of Cannon Beach voted against the motion, citing their desire to name a specific property as the target for the $2.5 million fund. Commission Chair Jay Graves of Portland acknowledged the concern, noting that the commission as a whole would also have preferred to name a specific property.

"In the end, the timing makes it too complicated to try and name a new incoming property today," says Graves. "Properties that are important enough to pursue right now can't wait for the exchange to reach fruition."

With the commission's action, the proposal now moves to the federal Bureau of Land Management for next steps. The portion of the Bandon State Natural Area included in the exchange originated with the federal government, and was sold to the state on condition the property remain open to public outdoor recreation. This condition must be removed before the property can be transferred to Bandon Biota, a process which could take several months or longer.

"We're bringing more oceanfront property into the system, and if the federal interests are satisfied successfully, we'll also secure funding to acquire another significant property in the future," says Graves. "Taken as a whole, the Commission decided the package represents an overwhelming public benefit to the state park system."

"I would have preferred to name a property," says Commissioner Chalfant. "At this same meeting, we heard information about Beltz Farm and it would have been a perfect fit for this. In fact, Beltz was our priority from the beginning, but we want to acquire only from willing sellers, and it wasn't available at the time."

The 300-plus acre Beltz Farm property contains ocean beaches, wetlands, and forests and sits north of Pacific City and south of Sand Lake. The property is privately owned and separated from the Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island by the Sand Lake estuary. It is slated to be acquired by the nonprofit arm of EcoTrust for $1.7 million as soon as May, and the Parks and Recreation Commission expressed strong interest in acquiring it from EcoTrust with Oregon Lottery funds dedicated to state park acquisitions by the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

"The Bandon exchange isn't going to directly fund Beltz, but it's key to making Beltz and other important acquisitions happen," says Chalfant.

"This is a significant natural property," says Commissioner Risley. "It's been an important estuary to preserve for decades because of its location, beauty, and natural character."

The commission did not take an action related to the Beltz property, but information is available online at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/Pages/Commission_packet_2014-4.aspx and after staff study the purchase, it could come back to the commission for action as soon as June.

Applications for Oregon Heritage Preservation Scholarship available - 04/09/14
Would you like to attend a preservation-related conference, workshop, or training in the next year? The Oregon Heritage Preservation Scholarship provides financial assistance for Oregon residents to attend a preservation-related conference, workshop, or training in the United States between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Eligible travel expenses include registration fees, transportation, lodging and meals.

Scholarships will be offered to those actively involved in local preservation efforts and who demonstrate how attendance at a preservation-related conference, workshop, or training will help meet the preservation needs of their local community.

Scholarships are competitive and offered twice per year. The first-round deadline is June 6, 2014.

For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/FINASST/Pages/Scholarships.aspx or contact Cara Kaser at cara.kaser@state.or.us or (503) 986-0670.

State heritage boards meet April 23 in Albany - 04/09/14
Three state heritage boards will meet April 23 in Albany, including a joint work session, during the Oregon Heritage Conference.

The Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries and the Oregon Historic Trails Advisory Council will meet for a work session on communications at 9 a.m. in the Albany City Council chambers, 333 Broadalbin St. SW. The session will last for one hour.

The boards will then meet separately. (The details of each meeting are listed below.) Their meetings are open to the public and their agendas include opportunities for public comment. Meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance of the meeting by call 503-986-0690.

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The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet at 10:15 a.m. in the City Council chambers for a work session on its draft bylaws. The Commission will begin its formal meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the Council chambers. Items on the agenda include consideration of four Oregon Heritage Tradition nominations, updates on projects related to the goals in its 2014-2019 Oregon Heritage Plan, and other heritage topics.

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, contact coordinator Kyle Jansson at 503-986-0673 or kyle.jansson@oregon.gov .

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The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet at 10:15 a.m. in the Albany Masonic Lodge, 431 1st Ave W. Items on its agenda include approval of the 2014 Historic Cemetery Grants, potential legislation, and other topics related to historic cemeteries.

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. More information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at kuri.gill@oregon.gov

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The Oregon Historic Trails Advisory Council will meet at 10:15 a.m. at Pizza King, 231 Lyon St. In 1998, the Governor established the Council to oversee and provide advice on Oregon's16 historic trails.

The Council is made up of nine governor-appointed citizens working together to advise the Governor and to locate, preserve and encourage the use of these historic trails. The Council meets three times a year. Guided by local residents and public agency experts, the Council members evaluate and record trail conditions and discuss marking, interpretation and protection of the trails.

The Council's meeting agenda is available at www.oregonheritage.org (click on "Historic Trails").

Historic cemeteries workshop slated for April 23 in Albany - 04/07/14
A workshop that provides basic information about the care and development of historic cemeteries will be offered April 23 in Albany.

The Historic Cemeteries 101 workshop, presented by the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, will include information about four key areas of cemetery operation: recordkeeping, mapping, protection and public events. The workshop presenters are veteran cemetery enthusiasts from several regions of the state.

The commission maintains a list of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, provides grants, and helps train people in the care of cemeteries, including grave markers, structures, railings and curbs, ironwork, fencing and historic plantings. There are approximately 850 listed historic cemeteries in Oregon.

The workshop is part of the Oregon Heritage Conference, but may be registered for separately. There is a $10 fee for workshop registration. Workshop registration is required and can be done by using the form at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/docs/2014_OHC_Registration_Form1nonfillable.pdf

For more information about the Heritage Conference, visit the conference website at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/Pages/Conference.aspx or contact commission coordinator Kuri Gill at kuri.gill@oregon.gov

Three history scholars to present research findings April 25 in Albany - 04/03/14
Three Oregon university students will present research findings April 25 at the Oregon Heritage Conference in Albany. The presentations will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Pix Theatre, 321 SW 2nd Ave. and are free and open to the public.

The three students have been named Oregon Heritage Fellows by Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, based on the strength of both their scholastic achievement and their research topics. The fellowships encourage the thoughtful inquiry of Oregon's heritage by emerging scholars.

"The Fellows conduct original research into the diverse history of Oregon, often on topics that have drawn less attention from more-experienced historians," explains Roger Roper, assistant director with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. "We believe it is important that their research is presented to the public."

The Fellows, their schools and topics are:

Elizabeth Morrison, Oregon State University, "Unearthing Oregon's Past: An Environmental History of Aggregate Mining in the Willamette Basin"

Ivan Sandoval Cervantes, University of Oregon, "Being Zapotec, Latino and Oregonian: Zapotec Indigenous Identities in Oregon"

Lou Watson, Pacific Northwest College of Art, "Roadside Attraction: Situational Aesthetics and Place-Identity of NE Sandy Boulevard (57th to 82nd), Portland, Oregon"

Chris Bell, cultural resources program coordinator with the Oregon Department of Transportation, will moderate the session.

The Oregon Heritage Conference April 23-25 brings together staff and volunteers from historical societies, historic landmark commissions, schools and universities, humanities groups, local and state agencies, museums, tourism and economic development organizations, federal agencies and tribal governments. To find more information and register for the conference, visit www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/Pages/conference.aspx

Oregon State Fair Council will meet in Salem April 3, 2014 - 03/27/14
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // Mar. 27, 2014

Media Contact: Andrea Fogue, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // Desk: 503-986-0576

Salem OR - The Oregon State Fair Council will meet at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center in Salem on April 3 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Executive Committee will meet prior from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. to check in on sub-committee progress.

The agenda for April 3 full Council is a facilitated strategic and organizational meeting.
The meeting is open to the public. Those needing special accommodations to attend should contact Brenda Schorr at 503-986-0788 to make arrangements at least three days in advance.

The council is charged with creating a new, sustainable business model for the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, and Council members will have the authority to execute a business strategy.

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Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will meet April 8-9 in Bend - 03/26/14
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // March 26, 2014

Media Contact: Chris Havel, Director's Office, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Desk: 503-986-0722 // Cell: 503-931-2590

Bend OR - The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its third meeting of the year on April 8-9 at The Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center at 3075 U.S. 97 Business, Bend OR.

On April 8, Commissioners will tour state parks in the area starting at 10 a.m., then attend workshops at The Riverhouse.

On April 9, Commissioners will convene an executive session at 8 a.m. at The Riverhouse to discuss acquisition priorities and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A public business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the same location. The agenda includes two actions related to property -- one an exchange affecting a portion of the Bandon State Natural Area, and the other an update to the list of 2013-2015 acquisition priorities - - plus separate items related to contracts, the 2015-2017 budget, and other topics.

The full meeting agenda is available online at www.oregon.gov/oprd/Pages/commission.aspx, and the meeting packet with information on each agenda item will be posted online by 3 p.m. Thursday, March 27.

People who plan to present testimony are requested to provide 12 copies of their statement to Commission Assistant Vanessa Demoe at vanessa.demoe@oregon.gov for distribution to the Commissioners before the meeting. Those needing special accommodations to attend should contact OPRD at 503-986-0719 to make arrangements at least three days in advance.

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. Additional information, including minutes from previous Commission meetings, is available online at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/Pages/commission.aspx.

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Business Operations Committee to Meet Prior to the Oregon State Fair Council meeting in Salem March 20, 2014 - 03/18/14
News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // Mar. 18, 2014

Media Contact: Andrea Fogue, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // 503-986-0576

Salem OR - Prior to the Oregon State Fair Council meeting at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center in Salem on March 20 at 1:00 p.m., the Council will meet at 12:45 p.m. for an organizational meeting of its Business Operations Committee.

Those needing special accommodations to attend should contact Brenda Schorr at 503-986-0788 to make arrangements at least three days in advance.

The council is charged with creating a new, sustainable business model for the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, and Council members will have the authority to execute a business strategy.