National Park Service Lists Pass Creek Covered Bridge In The National Register Of Historic Places (Photo) - 10/30/26

DRAIN, Oregon – The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain, Douglas County, is among Oregon’s newest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the nomination for the bridge at its June 2026 meeting. The bridge was originally constructed in 1925, but in 1987, it was dismantled and later reassembled downstream of its original location. The National Park Service (NPS), which maintains the National Register, accepted the nomination in October 2026, for its statewide significance in the area of Engineering.
 

Located in Drain’s Civic Center Park, the Pass Creek Covered Bridge is an excellent representation of Oregon’s historic covered bridge-building tradition. Once there were an estimated 450 timber-truss covered bridges in Oregon, but as of 2026 there is no more than 50 remaining. The bridge exemplifies the engineering practice of enclosing timber trusses on bridges to protect their structural members from the damp Pacific Northwest climate. Pass Creek Covered Bridge served vehicular traffic for nearly six decades before it was replaced by a concrete span. Following its relocation, Pass Creek Covered Bridge functioned as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing for many years. The bridge has been closed since 2014 due to condition issues, but it remains a prominent community landmark.

The National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places 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 certain federal and state tax benefits;

• Qualified 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; 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.
 

Visit the National Register program webpage at: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx to explore listed properties, review eligibility criteria and the nomination timeline, access research tools, and those interested in seeing if their property is eligible can submit a Historic Resource Record (HRR) form to receive preliminary feedback from State Historic Preservation Office staff.

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ATV Advisory Committee Meets Nov. 4 In Salem - 10/21/26

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 4 to review online and hands-on training stats, incident reporting, legislative updates and other ATV Program updates.

This will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom webinar – details below. The public can join as attendees. In the event that an in-person meeting is no longer feasible, the meeting will just be held on Zoom.

The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The agenda and schedule are posted online.

Meeting details

Join in person

Best Western Mill Creek Inn

3125 Ryan Dr SE,

Salem, OR 97301

Join virtually via Zoom

Join Zoom webinar

Webinar ID: 844 9135 5047

Passcode: 120548

Join via audio only: 253-215-8782

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing [email protected]. 

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for ATV recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. Read more about the state ATV program.

Temporary Closures At Humbug Mountain State Park And Cape Blanco State Park - 10/17/26

Update: Humbug Mountain Trail construction delayed. Construction will now start Oct. 26.
 

Trails will be closed starting mid- and late October.

Port Orford, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is conducting several land and forest management projects in October. This is a regular part of OPRD’s stewardship and supports healthy ecosystems.

Check the park pages linked below for updates.

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain Trail will be closed for about two weeks starting Monday, Oct. 19. OPRD is managing a sudden oak death infestation in tanoak. Sudden oak death is an invasive pathogen that causes tanoak to die. The treatment is necessary to remove the infected and dead tanoak to reduce the spread of sudden oak death within the park and surrounding areas.

Within the 21-acre treatment area all tanoak will be cut down and the tree stumps will be treated with herbicide to limit resprouting. This treatment will also reduce the chances of wildfire risk by removing the unhealthy and dead trees. Initially discovered in Oregon in 2001, this pathogen spread within Curry County affecting private, state, and federal landowners.

Cape Blanco State Park

The horse trail system will be closed for about three weeks starting Monday, Oct. 26. OPRD is reducing tree density within this area to enhance habitat, specifically to support the state and federally listed endangered western lily.

This work will take place across 34 acres and include removing tree seedings, saplings and other trees to allow more meadow species to thrive and reduce encroachment in the sensitive western lily area.

OPRD Waives Central Oregon Day-use Parking Fees This Weekend - 10/16/26

In support of the Silver Rail Elementary families and all of our Central Oregon community, Oregon State Parks is waiving parking fees in the area. 

This includes the following day use parks that typically charge fees for parking: LaPine State Park, Tumalo State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, and The Cove Palisades State Park.

Through compassion, empathy, and kindness - we uphold our parks as places of healing and support.

OPRD Public Hearing On Ocean Shore Alteration Application, Nov. 18 - 10/16/26

Gleneden Beach, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a virtual public hearing on Nov. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. to accept public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3128. The permit application requests to construct a 150-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of the end of Beach Grass Lane in Gleneden Beach.

OPRD received over 10 requests for a hearing during the public comment period that ended Oct. 9, 2026. This hearing is an information gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear directly from the public on the submitted application materials. 

The meeting will include an introduction by staff and public testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register. Each registered individual will be provided up to three minutes to testify in the order they registered. Within 45 days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public comment period and this hearing.

Review the application online under the heading "Pending Applications;" look for permit application 3128.

Virtual public hearing details

Date: Nov. 18, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Join via Zoom

To testify, register for the virtual meeting by noon on Monday, Nov. 16. The registration page will ask whether you want to submit a public comment.

Requesting accommodations

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, [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.​

Oregon Heritage Commission To Meet Oct. 25-26 In John Day And Online - 10/13/26

John Day - The Oregon Heritage Commission will have tours of local heritage preservation efforts in John Day on Oct. 25 and will meet for the business meeting on Oct. 26 at 9am at the Grant County Regional Airport and online via zoom.
 

The business meeting agenda includes a Commission discussion on the museum grant and heritage grant program, information on an update to the Cost of Collections Care report, a presentation on the Chinese Diaspora Project, an overview of the Oregon Covered Bridges Needs Assessment Report, 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 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.
 

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 [email protected]. 
 

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A Dragon In My Campground At Champoeg State Heritage Area (Photo) - 10/08/26

Aurora, Ore. – Oregon State Parks invites you to join award-winning author Silpa Kona for the launch of A Dragon in My Campground, a reading, and a Monster Watchers camping activity for kids and families on Oct. 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Books will be available at to purchase from the author and at the visitor center store.
 

Kona’s Monster Watchers series, which includes A Monster on My Trail, winner of a Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal, and A Dragon in My Campground, winner of a Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Silver Medal, are a celebration of imagination, courage and exploring the outdoors.
 

In her own words, “I wrote it because I wanted kids—especially kids with big imaginations, big fears, or big feelings—to see themselves out on the trail. To know that being scared is okay. And that sometimes, the monster is just… a shadow with good PR.”
 

The event takes place at the Champoeg State Heritage Area visitor center. Pets are not allowed inside the building. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free, but all vehicles must display a valid Oregon State Parks parking permit or camping reservation.
 

Oregon State Parks is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at 503-800-3958 at least three days prior to the event.

Historic Cemeteries Commission Meets October 22 And Offers Eugene Masonic Cemetery Tour October 23 - 10/08/26

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Springfield at the Springfield City Hall Library Room, 225 5th Street, and via online meeting on October 22 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of the Oregon Heritage Plan, partnerships that support the Laurel Grove Cemetery and publications about historic cemeteries. 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.
 

The Eugene Masonic Cemetery visit will be October 23 at 11:00 a.m. Meet at the cemetery at  University Street and E 25^th Avenue.
 

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 [email protected].
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or [email protected] 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.

Astoria Downtown Historic District Association Announced As 2027 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist (Photo) - 10/07/26

Salem - Main Street America has announced Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) as a 2027 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) semifinalist. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.

The 2027 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists are:

Center City of Amarillo, Inc. – Amarillo, Texas

Astoria Downtown Historic District Association – Astoria, Oregon

Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. – Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Connect Downtown Johnson City – Johnson City, Tennessee

Village of Lake Orion DDA – Lake Orion, Oakland County, Michigan

Montpelier Alive – Montpelier, Vermont

Mainstreet Oceanside – Oceanside, California

Sapulpa Main Street – Sapulpa, Oklahoma

“The 2027 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists are proud examples of the deep and lasting impact that Main Street programs can have on communities,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “From reimagining after decline to rebuilding after natural disasters, these communities demonstrate the power of resilience, vision, and meaningful community engagement.”

Collectively, the 2027 GAMSA semifinalists have generated over $2.1 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 1,271 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 7,607 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 2,411 historic buildings, and leveraged 252,493  volunteer hours.

Competing for the Great American Main Street Award is a significant achievement in the Main Street Movement, and receiving the award is an esteemed honor. Since its establishment in 1995, only 118 of over 2000 Main Street programs have been acknowledged as GAMSA-winning communities.

"Being a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award is an enormous honor," says ADHDA Executive Director Quinn Haase. "Being named a semifinalist two years in a row now just speaks to the commitment the community of Astoria has made towards a preservation-based approach to revitalization. The work itself is the reward, but it is reaffirming to know that our efforts do not go unnoticed." 

ADHDA is a member of the Oregon Main Street (OMS) Network, the state coordinating program of Main Street America that supports communities in preserving and enhancing their historic downtowns. As one of Oregon’s longest‑serving Main Street organizations, ADHDA has become a model for place-based revitalization that strengthens local economies and honors authentic heritage.

“We are incredibly proud of ADHDA’s leadership in preservation‑based revitalization," says Oregon Main Street Coordinator Ami Keiffer. “Their dedication to community engagement and strengthening Astoria’s historic downtown exemplifies the best of the Main Street spirit. Being named a semifinalist reflects the hard work, collaboration, and creativity happening in Astoria every day, and Oregon Main Street is excited to support and celebrate them in this national spotlight.”

The 2027 Great American Main Street Award ceremony will be held at the opening plenary of the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on May 3, 2027, where three semifinalists will be recognized as recipients of the coveted honor.

ABOUT THE ASTORIA DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

For the past 40 years, the ADHDA (previously the Astoria Downtown Development Association) has been a faithful steward of the downtown and has strived to keep the unique culture and character of Astoria at the forefront. From the creation of outlandish events such as the Jane Barnes Revue and the Sea Lion Calling Contest, from our work in bringing almost $1 million in restoration grant dollars to our downtown buildings, to our running of community programs such as the Astoria Sunday Market and Artwalk, our commitment to the continued success of downtown Astoria is apparent in every bit of the work we do. For more information, visit www.astoriadowntown.com.

ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 110 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org. 

ABOUT OREGON MAIN STREET
Oregon Main Street (OMS) partners with communities across the state to strengthen local economies, honor historic character, and foster vibrant, resilient downtowns. OMS is within Oregon Heritage at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and provides technical assistance, training, and a statewide network of support to communities of all sizes working to build vibrant, resilient commercial districts. Grounded in the Main Street

Approach™, the program empowers local leaders to celebrate heritage, foster economic vitality, and create welcoming places for all. More than 100 Oregon communities participate at various levels of the network, each demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving what makes Oregon’s downtowns unique. A 2022 Impact of Oregon’s Main Streets report found that between 2011 and 2021 Oregon Main Street communities helped generate $266 million in additional sales revenue in the State of Oregon and 2,400 jobs. For more information, visit www.oregonmainstreet.org.

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