The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Nov. 6. The public can view the proceedings via https://bit.ly/stiavideo .
Items to be discussed include updates on the Salmonberry Trail Foundation and status of the current River and Canyon Segment planning study and the 2021 meeting schedule and budget.
The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 86-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and ends in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.
STIA was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail.
Individuals who need accommodations to participate, or anyone who would like to submit public comment for board members to review, should contact Dennis Wiley at 503-986-0723 or dennis.wiley@oregon.gov. at least three days prior to the meeting.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
On the agenda: ATV program and safety updates, ATV permit sales and trends, proposed Class IV ATV classification and operator requirement changes along with other committee and legislative updates.
Members of the public will be able to listen to the call; instructions on how to attend will be available online prior to the meeting on the committee meeting webpage: oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-committee.aspx#2. Public comments can be received via email at atv.safety@oregon.gov until 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 2020.
The ATV Advisory Committee consists of 17 members who represent various state and federal agencies along with several user groups. Learn more about the Oregon ATV Program at OregonOHV.org.
Individuals who need special accommodations to listen to the presentation, or need information in alternative formats, should contact Jeff Trejo, OHV Safety Education Coordinator, at 503-586-9622 or ejo@oregon.gov">jeff.trejo@oregon.gov at least three days in advance.
The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via teleconference on November 2 at 9am. The agenda includes the results of the Disaster Resilience Pilot Project with Cottage Grove, update on the digitization partnership with the Oregon State Library, updates on the Oregon Heritage MentorCorps, and updates from commissioners. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment.
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 Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oregon.gov.
Commission meetings are open to the public and their agendas include opportunities for public comment. 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 call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Advisory Committee will meet October 27-29 via web conference to evaluate grant applications from around the state for projects to develop, improve or expand trails and their facilities. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) administers this federally funded grant program.
The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting. The committee will evaluate 29 applications over the three days.
View the agenda for a list of applicants and project names: oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Documents/RTP-Grant-Meeting-Agenda-October-2020.pdf
How to access the meeting:
- Register online to listen and view the presentations (recommended)
- Listen only: dial 415-655-0060, access code 883-453-200
The RTP Advisory Committee will submit recommendations to the Oregon State Parks Commission for review and approval at their November meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.
The RTP Advisory Committee consists of 10 volunteer members who represent various user groups and land managers. Eligible RTP applicants include state agencies, federal land management agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, cities, counties and park and recreation districts.
RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized trail uses, including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
For more information contact Jodi Bellefeuille, Program Coordinator at 503-856-6316 or ellefeuille@oregon.gov">Jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov, or visit the RTP webpage on the OPRD website.
Nominations for the 2021 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Program are now being accepted. Criteria and the application process can be found online through the Oregon Heritage website www.oregonheritage.org or by contacting Oregon Heritage Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry@oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 14, 2021.
The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations for outstanding efforts on behalf of Oregon's heritage, drawing public attention to these efforts, and raising the quality of heritage-oriented activities. The Sally Donovan Award for Historic Cemetery Preservation is a special category that may be awarded to one individual, organization, or project demonstration excellence in preservation of historic cemeteries.
Nominations are encouraged for organizations and projects of all sizes and heritage purposes and for volunteers and professionals from all heritage sectors.
“The award recipients represent the exceptional efforts to preserve Oregon’s heritage,” said Katie Henry, coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. “They serve as models for others for innovative, collaborative, and authentic approaches to preserving Oregon’s stories.”
2020’s Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards event in April was canceled due to COVID-19. In order to honor last year’s recipients we created videos of the award winners that are now available to view at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/awards.aspx#one.
2020 recipients included:
-- Astoria YMCA Restoration Project, Astoria, for excellence in façade restoration of a nearly abandoned building and honoring the building’s civic roots in reuse. Award Video.
-- Black Butte Cupola Restoration Project, Sisters, for a collaborative historic preservation effort between Friends of the Metolius and Deschutes National Forest to restore and preserve the 1922 look-out structure. Award Video.
-- Brookside Pioneer Cemetery, Dayton, for creating a cemetery preservation plan, documenting conditions, and repairing over 121 headstones to their original upright positions (Sally Donovan Award for Historic Cemeteries). Award Video.
-- Janice Dilg, Portland, scholar, public historian, and history builder who uncovers diverse voices of resistance, particularly related to Oregon’s women’s history. Award Video.
-- David Ellis, Portland, for a distinguished 50-year career preserving Oregon’s archaeological, ethnohistoric, and historic resources and encouraging Tribal participation in cultural resources management. Award Video.
-- Eileen Fitzsimons, Portland, for dedicated statewide work on heritage projects preserving Oregon’s history, including devotion to historic trails, the Oregon Quilt Project, and local history. Award Video.
-- Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project, Southern & Eastern Oregon, a grassroots Federal/State/Local partnership in public archaeology helping to rewrite the role of the Chinese diaspora and Chinese Oregonians in the history of the state. Award Video.
-- Don Peting, Eugene, founder of PNW Field School and central figure at UO Historic Preservation Program for 40 years who has created a ripple effect through those he has taught. Award Video.
-- Racing for Change- The Eugene Story, Eugene & Salem, a partnership between Oregon Black Pioneers and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History that prioritized community outreach and input to tell a local story about race relations in Eugene. Award Video.
-- Phyllis Zegers, Roseburg, a dedicated volunteer who has researched over 3,360 unclaimed cremated remains in the custody of the Oregon State Hospital and assisted in reuniting approximately 573 urns with family members. Award Video.
The 2021 awards will be presented at the Oregon Heritage Virtual Summit, April 29-30, by Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The announcement for 2021 awardees will be made in February 2021. Tickets for the awards presentation will be made available this coming spring.
For more information visit www.oregonheritage.org.
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet by conference call at 1 p.m. on October 23. Its agenda includes fire response, a position paper on the Confederate flags in historic cemeteries, and a fire response update. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes how to access the teleconference and the opportunity for public comment.
As crews are gaining more control over Oregon’s recent wildfires, people are beginning to access the burned areas. The commission urges caution when accessing cemeteries impacted by fire.
- Only cemetery authorities should access the cemetery, and they should wait for permission from local emergency agencies. Follow any professional guidance on appropriate protective wear.
- Cemeteries should post signs and attempt to limit access as much as possible until safety assessments are complete.
- When allowed, the cemeteries should assess safety.
- Ground is disturbed by burned roots, shifting rocks, use a stick to test the stability of primary walking paths. And be aware monuments and other features may be less stable.
- Monuments, including stone, mortar and epoxies, will be altered depending on the heat and duration of the fire. These can be permanent changes. Stones will be more fragile and must be treated with care. Again, warnings of instability are important to convey. Also, people will want to clean monuments, post notices requesting they ask permission and receive training before doing any cleaning. Damaged memorials will be more susceptible to damage from abrasive and chemical treatment.
- Look for dangerous trees and other overhead debris and address them before you allow public access. Seek professional advice to preserve historic trees and plantings.
The commission is also currently seeking to fill two positions, one from the coast and one from central Oregon. The commissioners serve four years and support the work of people preserving Oregon’s 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. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@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 call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
SALEM, Ore. – The Historic Assessment Review Committee (HARC) will meet October 20 via conference call for their annual meeting and to consider Special Assessment of Historic Properties appeals. This meeting is open to the public.
The HARC meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. The weblink for the call is available on our website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#HARC
For specific hearing times, refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “Historic Assessment Review Committee”).
The committee will review one appeal: Robert F. Lytle House, Portland, Multnomah County.
The HARC is a five-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. The HARC is the review body for appeals from property owners participating in the Special Assessment Property Tax Program for Historic Properties.
The conference call is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
More information about the Special Assessment of Historic Properties program is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Tax Incentives” at left of page).
SALEM, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet October 15 and 16 via conference call to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. This meeting is open to the public.
Both days the SACHP meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. to consider nominations to the National Register. The weblink for the call will be posted on our website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#SACHP
Thursday’s meeting agenda: hearings of one delisting request, one boundary reduction request, and four proposed nominations.
Friday’s meeting agenda: hearings of four proposed nominations.
For specific hearing times, refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation”).
The committee will review one delisting request: Portland General Electric Company Station “L” Group, Portland.
The committee will review one boundary reduction request Montgomery Ward & Company Building, Portland.
The committee will review eight proposed nominations: Jacob H. and Etna M. Cook House, Portland; Patton Home, Portland; Pallay Apartments, Portland; Terwilliger Parkway, Portland; Gonzalez M. Rice House, Pendleton; John & Elizabeth Kinsman House, Milwaukie; J.K. Gill Building, Portland; Mallory Avenue Christian Church, Portland.
Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields.
The conference call is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “National Register” at left of page).
CHILOQUIN, Ore. — The logging museum at Collier Memorial State Park partially opens at 8 a.m. Saturday Oct. 3 after a nearly four-week closure from the Two Four Two fire. The 146-acre outdoor museum contains one of the largest collections of antique logging equipment in the country.
The park campground and Williamson Day-use Area, including access to Spring Creek, will remain closed through at least part of 2021 while park staff clear trees that were damaged or knocked down in the fire. Restrooms will be open at the logging museum for travelers on Highway 97.
The Two Four Two fire burned through the park the evening of Sep. 7, forcing a speedy evacuation for those camping in the park. The fire left the campground largely unscathed, thanks to fire protection measures taken in recent years. But it damaged beyond recovery much of the 400 acres of old growth ponderosa pine forest that surrounds the campground. The fire also destroyed a few park buildings and vehicles.
Additionally, the fire burned through part of the logging museum, damaging two major pieces of historic logging equipment and one of the 10 historic buildings on site. Many smaller items were also destroyed. Still, most of the museum’s 10,000 artifacts remain intact.
“The loss is tremendous because of how unique these items are, and how much they mean to the people of southern Oregon,” said museum curator and park ranger Terra Kemper. “The items that were saved will continue to speak to the history of Oregon and to draw people into the museum.”
The museum will be open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. seven days a week. Park staff ask visitors to respect closed areas of the park, including the section of museum that remains closed while artifact restoration is in progress. There is no access to the Williamson River or Spring Creek from the park.
Information about Collier Memorial State Park and the logging museum is at stateparks.oregon.gov. Information on how wildfires affected Oregon state parks is on our Fire Information Page.
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October is a great time to explore and protect historic cemeteries. With fall in the air, leaves changing, and morning dew, they are beautiful and powerful places. Here some ways to participate in Historic Cemeteries Month.
Take a walk in the cemetery. It is a great COVID safe activity. Enjoy the natural surroundings, learn about the people that came before you, and your presence curbs vandalism.
Read up. Many historic cemeteries have websites that share the history of the people and the place. Also, learn about mortuary traditions and mourning practices of cultures other you’re your own. Search your local cemetery, visit Oregon Heritage Exchange, or search the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Encyclopedia.
Stop Vandalism. This time of year people want to explore the supernatural and perhaps creepy aspects of historic cemeteries. Its OK to have fun. Have conversations with friends, family and neighbors about the respectful treatment of these places. When communities take responsibility, vandalism decreases. Also, report any new damage you discover.
Plan for your Dias de los Muertos tradition. Contact the cemetery to find out their rules for grave goods, celebrations, etc.
Volunteer. These cemeteries need help. Litter patrol, post storm limb pick-up, trained monument cleaning, volunteer coordination, board membership, etc. Contact your local cemetery directly to find out what they need.
Donate. The cost of cemetery care is surprisingly high. Any donation you offer can provide monument repair, landscape maintenance, records management, and more.
Join the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. The commission is seeking new members for one for coastal and one for central Oregon position.
The Commission is seeking members with knowledge related to or interest in cemeteries, historic preservation, genealogy, cultural and burial practices of ethnic groups found in Oregon, landscape and native plants, and history.
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is comprised of seven citizens and is empowered by the Legislature to develop and maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, make recommendations for funding, obtain grant funding, seek legislative appropriations for historic cemeteries, and assist in the coordination of restoration, renovation and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide.
The group meets four times per year in changing locations around the state. There may be an occasional additional meeting for extra projects, programs and grant selection. Commissioners are also asked to provide informal meetings in their regions and work on other projects outside of meeting time. Travel costs are reimbursed. While protections measures are in place due to COVID, the meetings will be teleconferences.
To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to commission coordinator Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. Please include your reasons for wanting to serve on the commission, any skills or knowledge you will bring to its work, and ideas or goals you have for your participation. Please submit your information before October 30, 2020.
More information about the Historic Cemeteries program is available online at www.oregonheritage.org.