SALEM, Oregon — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on proposed general park area rule updates that refine definitions, reflect agency practice, make rules easier to understand and provide more flexibility when possible.
Park area rules help guide public use of park properties and cover everything from the use of motor vehicles, bicycles and boats to day use and campground use. Proposed changes would address issues that staff face as visitation grows, make rules and penalties clearer and provide more flexibility for public services.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates now through 5 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025:
- Submit comments online on the rules webpage
- Attend a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 PM
- Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V89ta-sURvamrsaBaOnz0g
- Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams
Two internal workgroups developed the proposed updates. The last group reviewed the rules with an inclusionary lens and sought external feedback to help remove possible barriers to park use.
A Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) met three times last summer to suggest changes to the proposed rule updates developed by the two internal workgroups. RAC Members included mental health practitioners, representatives from the disability community, equestrian community and diversity and environmental conservationists. The committee included diverse stakeholders who currently use state parks and those who have faced barriers. Those meetings are posted online at https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams
One proposed update creates a clearer definition of the overnight campground stay limit. Currently, visitors can stay no more than 14 consecutive days in a 17-day period. This definition has caused confusion for visitors and staff. The proposed update defines the stay limit as no more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period to match most national parks. Another update includes language about traditional use for members of a federally recognized Oregon tribe.
Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at helena.kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.
Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)
“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website.
The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.
The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve.
Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures.
The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping.
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The Hughes Flying Boat in McMinnville, Yamhill County is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places.
Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the property’s nomination at their October 2023 meeting. The National Park Service—which maintains the National Register—accepted the nomination on October 15, 2024.
The Hughes Flying Boat (H-4 Hercules), often referred to as the “Spruce Goose”, is nationally significant for its association with Howard R. Hughes, Jr., one of the most influential figures in American aviation history, and for the seaplane’s service as a research and testing platform for innovative mechanically engineered systems that became standard in large aircraft after the Second World War. As a one-of-a-kind prototype, the Hughes Flying Boat flew only one time, on November 2, 1947. From 1947 until 1953, the aircraft served as a testbed for a variety of aviation innovations, including the application of Duramold wood composite in large aircraft construction, redundant fire suppression and flight control systems. The Hughes Flying Boat is also the largest seaplane, largest wooden aircraft, and largest propeller-driven plane ever built.
After its flight, the Hughes Flying Boat was housed in Long Beach, California, where it remained until 1992. The plane was then disassembled and moved to McMinnville. In 1980, the plane was listed in the National Register, but because it was moved to Oregon without prior NPS approval, it was automatically delisted. In 2001, the aircraft was reassembled and today it is the centerpiece of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
The Hughes Flying Boat (H-4 Hercules) is the only individually listed aircraft in Oregon.
The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:
- Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
- Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
- Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
- Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
- Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
- Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.
State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.
More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).
SALEM, Oregon— The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will hold an online public meeting to review grant applications 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 via Zoom.
The Committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will then go to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.
A meeting agenda is posted on the County Opportunity Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-cogp.aspx . A link to register for the Zoom meeting is also posted at the site: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_491vQ9MFTly3oZx2c7v_4w
The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state.
The COGP was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org.
KEIZER, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Nov. 19 and 20 in Keizer, Oregon for a work session, executive session and business meeting that includes proposed rule updates, contract approvals, a land acquisition and a property transfer to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
On Nov. 19, commissioners will tour Champoeg State Heritage Area in the morning and hold a work session and training 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. about Heritage grants and outreach and Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Keizer Event Center, 930 Chemawa Road.
On Nov. 20, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at Keizer Event Center, 930 Chemawa Road, to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:45 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/registrationnovember2024commission.
The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Nov. 15. 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. Nov. 15 to katie.gauthier@oprd.oregon.gov.
The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:
- Approval of proposed transfer of Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area in Polk County to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon has been co-managing the property since 2023 and would use the 110-acre property as a hub for celebration in addition to keeping the property open to visitors.
- Approval of proposed land acquisition of 32-acre property adjoining Brian Booth State Park that consists of a section of South Beaver Creek, approximately 13-acres of wetlands as well as upland forested areas. The land would benefit efforts to conserve the Beaver Creek wetlands, support recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking and bird watching and the existing residence could eventually be used as office space or employee housing.
- Adoption of proposed rule change that would add Brookings to the list of cities where overnight camping is prohibited along the ocean shore within city limits. The change was requested through a petition from residents living near Mill Beach in Brookings due to public health and safety concerns.
- Adoption of proposed rule change that would give the director greater flexibility to decide which parks charge a day
-use parking permit fee. The proposed rule change would technically apply the day-use parking permit fee to all state parks but give the director the ability to waive the fee. If adopted, the director plans to waive the fee at most parks.
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.
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Oregon Heritage of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is offering grants for the construction or restoration of veterans and war memorials throughout Oregon.
The grant application period is open now and closes January 31, 2025.
Local and regional governments and federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for funding for monuments placed on publicly owned properties. Grants may fund up to 80 percent of projects and require a 10 percent match from grant recipients.
New monuments should acknowledge veterans and/or wars not already recognized in the community. Restoration projects may address broken monuments, missing elements, and/or additions to existing monuments.
Proposals must demonstrate active participation of a veteran organization and community support.
A free online workshop about the grant program will be held December 3, 2024; 10-11 a.m. via Zoom. Registration is required.
For more information about the Veterans and War Memorials grant and other grant programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has released Oregon Women’s Labor History: A Historic Context Statement 1903-1990. The document, which can be found at www.oregonheritage.org , is the initial product of a larger effort to prepare and submit a Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places to encourage future National Register nominations for properties related to women’s history.
People and organizations have been researching and documenting women’s histories in Oregon for decades; there is a lot of history to cover. Many historians and organizations like the Oregon Women’s History Consortium have moved this topic forward and efforts to commemorate the women’s suffrage anniversaries highlighted meaningful stories across the state. But it is “way past time,” notes deputy state historic preservation officer Chrissy Curran, “to specifically recognize the special places associated with the other fifty percent of the state’s population.”
One document cannot sufficiently capture the complexities and diversity of Oregon women’s experiences, or the places associated with those experiences. The SHPO contracted with Northwest Vernacular, Inc. and SJM Cultural Resource Services to study how this topic has been approached in other states, conduct a literature review, and identify already documented historic places in Oregon, with the goal of finding a way to narrow the broad topic of women’s history into a useful final tool. The resulting plan uses themes to phase the project, and the theme of women’s labor history was selected to launch the effort.
Oregon Women’s Labor History: A Historic Context Statement 1903-1990 includes a draft context of the theme, a methodology summary, and recommendations for next steps required to complete an MPDF. This document is a fascinating compilation of history that reaches all areas of the state and represents the diverse experience of, and the properties associated with, Oregon women through labor law and practice between 1903-1990.
The SHPO has been developing and supporting efforts to diversify the types of properties listed in Oregon’s National Register. Recent work includes the funding of documentation and nomination of properties to the National Register associated with the history of Black and LGBTQIA+ communities in Portland, the funding and promotion of the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project’s efforts to document and designate related properties, and the coordination with partners to list a statewide MPDF about African American history to support future nominations. These efforts align with the new 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the 2020-2025 Oregon Heritage Plan.
Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), includes the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Oregon SHPO locally administers National Park Service (NPS) programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, including the identification and designation of historic properties and archaeological sites; tax and grant programs; and the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), a partnership program between local jurisdictions and the state and federal government. The SHPO office is funded in part through a grant from NPS. The SHPO also coordinates closely with other Oregon Heritage programs, including the Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Main Street, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and various grant and technical assistance programs. SHPO is also guided by the Oregon Heritage Plan and the mission and goals of OPRD.
To learn more about the Oregon SHPO and Oregon Heritage programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 14 to review online and hands-on training data, incident reporting, legislative updates and general ATV Program updates.
The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn in Salem, 3125 Ryan Drive SE. It will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom Webinar, which is open to the public to join as attendees.
The full agenda and schedule is available online.
To attend the meeting as a Zoom Attendee, join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82065037198?pwd=wXHgXBvMHP1tCkTYdhZaoZ1Gz6FExL.1
Or use https://zoom.us
Webinar ID: 820 6503 7198
Passcode: 289392
Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov.
The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax revenue. More information about the state ATV program is available atwww.OregonATV.gov
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REDMOND, Oregon— Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint will be closed for a park staff training event all day Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Safety barricades will be placed at the park entrance road from Highway 126. The public is asked to please respect the closure and not to go past the barricades.
For questions, please contact Dani Padilla at 541-415-8130.
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)’s e-bike rule advisory committee will hold three additional meetings to discuss possible changes to electric-assisted bicycle rules on state park properties and the ocean shore.
The committee held its first meeting Oct. 17. Once the committee makes suggestions about possible changes, OPRD staff can draft proposed rule changes based on recommendations. If rule changes are anticipated, a draft of the proposed rule will be open for public comment in early 2025.
The committee will meet online on the following days:
- 11 a.m. Thursday, October 31 – State Park properties discussion
- 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 13 – Ocean shores discussion
- 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 10 – Rule Advisory Committee impact discussion and recommendations
These meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed and recorded. They can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg.
Committee members, appointed by OPRD, include individuals from around the state who enjoy electric assisted bicycles for recreation and others who enjoy other forms of recreation in state parks and the ocean shore. The committee also includes individuals from other agencies, natural resource specialists, law enforcement, transportation specialists, non-profit organizations and business owners.
More information about this rulemaking is available on the OPRD website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-EBikes.aspx.
Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of a meeting at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov.
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