Oregon State Parks And Recreation Commission To Meet Feb 23 And 24 Virtually - 02/13/26

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene February 23 and 24 for a virtual meeting.

On February 23, commissioners will hold a work session from 1-3 p.m. on natural resource policy updates and conflict of interest training.

On February 24, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. virtually and will be open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube at https://bit.ly/oprdlive.

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 not related to items on the agenda.

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online at https://bit.ly/registerfeb2026commission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Feb. 20. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 20 to OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

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

• Acknowledgement of a donation from Fastap Screw Company.
• Request to approve grant recommendations for the following:
  • County Opportunity
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Request to approve construction contracts for Lake Owyhee and Cape Lookout.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendment to rules regarding operations of unmanned aircraft systems in state parks and along the ocean shore.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed changes to update Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy, which includes possible changes to the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting in 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at 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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Day?use Visits Dip Slightly In 2025, But Oregon State Parks Remain A Beloved Destination - 02/10/26

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks welcomed an estimated 51.46 million day-use visits* in 2025, a slight decrease from the record-breaking 53.85 million visits recorded in 2024, but visitation remains historically strong and widespread across the state. While parks along the coast and in the Willamette Valley saw modest declines, Central and Eastern Oregon parks recorded a small increase, reflecting continued demand for outdoor recreation in every region.

The Oregon coast remains the system’s most popular destination, with 362 miles of publicly managed beaches. Day-use visits there dropped from 32.5 million in 2024 to 30.65 million in 2025. Willamette Valley parks also saw a decline, from 11.44 million to 10.71 million. In contrast, the Central and Eastern Oregon park visitation climbed to 10.09 million visits up from 9.89 million the year before.

Overnight stays followed a similar trend. Visitors logged 2.6 million camper nights* in 2025, down from 2.83 million in 2024. Temporary campground closures at popular parks like Collier Memorial, Silver Falls, Fort Stevens, and Nehalem Bay contributed to the decrease as critical maintenance and infrastructure work moved forward.

At the same time, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) continues to face high and rising costs to operate, maintain and protect park lands, facilities and visitor services. Aging infrastructure, increasing maintenance needs, and higher operating expenses have put sustained pressure on the system. While the agency has updated fees to better reflect current costs, those fees do not fully cover the cost of running and caring for Oregon’s state parks.

OPRD is also navigating a projected budget shortfall, which means every visit, every pass, and every act of stewardship matters. Unlike many public services, OPRD does not receive general fund tax dollars. The system relies on user fees, a portion of the Oregon State Lottery revenue, and a share of recreational vehicle (R.V.) registration fees to keep parks open, safe and welcoming.

“Even with small year to year changes in visitation, the love people have for Oregon State Parks is clear,” said Interim Director Stefanie Coons. “We want to do everything we can to continue to provide high quality experiences and create treasured memories for our visitors. Every visit and every supporter truly make a difference in helping us care for these special places.”

Looking ahead in 2026, Fort Stevens State Park is scheduled to complete its campground utility this spring. Two more projects, safety upgrades at Cape Lookout and visitor center completion at Silver Falls, will break ground in 2026.

OPRD is also recruiting for its 2026 seasonal workforce, with park ranger and park ranger assistant positions open statewide. Park rangers and support staff play a vital role in keeping parks clean, safe, and enjoyable while offering educational and recreational opportunities for millions of visitors. Apply today on the Oregon State Parks website! (https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs)

*Day use estimates are based on car counters and multipliers; overnight camping estimates are based on occupied sites and multipliers. Car counters occasionally require maintenance or replacement, which may affect individual park totals. The overall figures represent OPRD’s best estimates for tracking long-term trends.

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Seeking Volunteers To Fill Vacancies On The ATV Advisory Committee And ATV Highway Access Committee - 02/06/26

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking one volunteer to serve on the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee and ATV Grant Subcommittee and two volunteers on the ATV Highway Access Committee.

The ATV Advisory Committee opening is for “at-large ATV user”. The ATV Highway Access Committee positions are for “ATV User” and “member of the public”. All positions are four-year terms.

The seventeen-member ATV Advisory Committee meets once or twice a year. Duties include reviewing accidents and fatalities resulting from ATV recreation; reviewing changes to statutory vehicle classifications as necessary for safety considerations; reviewing safety features of all classes of ATVs; and recommending appropriate safety requirements to protect child and adult ATV operators.

The ATV Grant Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing and recommending grant funding in support of ATV recreational activities throughout the state. The grants support operations and maintenance, law enforcement, emergency medical services, land acquisition, safety/education, planning and development.

The Grant Subcommittee holds up to four public meetings per year that may be conducted either in-person or remotely. Computer access and experience is mandatory.

The ATV Highway Access Committee meets on demand, based on applications submitted. Duties include evaluating proposed ATV use on sections of State Highway rights-of-way and submitting a report to the Oregon Transportation Commission with a recommendation. Short sections of State Highways are proposed by local communities in order to make connections to ATV recreation areas.

Ideal candidates representing the interests of ATV trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Recreation related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing accessible recreational opportunities.

To apply for one of the open positions, go to the ATV-AC webpage and click the “Committee Interest Form” link at the bottom of the section. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 2, 2026.

For more information, contact Jeff Trejo, OPRD ATV Safety Education Coordinator, at jeff.trejo@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-586-9622.

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State Advisory Committee On Historic Preservation To Meet Virtually On February 19-20, 2026 - 02/04/26

Salem, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet via Zoom on February 19 and 20, 2026, to consider proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed to YouTube.
 

Public comment on the proposed nominations or other items not on the agenda can be made online, during the meeting, or by written submission. Registration via Zoom is required to speak at the meeting. To view the full agenda, register to give comment during the meeting, or learn more about public comment options, please visit the commission web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx#sachp.
 

The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields, including archaeology, architectural history, historic architecture, anthropology, history, and museum management. Nominations recommended by the SACHP are forwarded to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the number and thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.
 

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least 48 hours of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.
 

More information about the SACHP and the National Register of Historic Places process is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from SACHP coordinator Caitlyn Abrahms at 503-201-0454 or caitlyn.abrahms@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon State Parks Invites Young Storytellers To Share Their Voices In Youth Audio Story Contest - 02/03/26

TROUTDALE, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is inviting youth ages 6–17 to share their creativity and connection to nature through the Youth Audio Story Contest.

Oregon’s landscapes have long inspired stories, from rushing rivers to old-growth forests. This contest encourages young park visitors to add their voices to that tradition by submitting original, youth-narrated audio stories inspired by the outdoors.

The contest highlights the Columbia River Gorge, known for its beauty, cultural significance, and ecological richness. Stories may reflect real experiences, such as a favorite trail or a wildlife encounter, or imaginative adventures set in Oregon’s natural spaces.

The selected winning story will be featured as part of the Accessible Gorge Audio Trails project on the Accessible Gorge website, an online resource that aims to break down informational barriers for visitors and residents with disabilities. The winning story will also be available to listen to via a QR code at select trailheads in the Columbia River Gorge, offering visitors a unique youth perspective.

Entries may be submitted individually or in groups of up to three. A parent or legal guardian must submit the entry.

Key Dates
• Submission deadline: Friday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST
• Winner notified by email, and the winning entry will be announced on the Oregon State Parks’ website: February 28

For more information about the Youth Audio Story Contest or the Accessible Gorge Audio Trails project, visit the contest webpage.

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Flowering Cherry Tree Landscaping Set For Feb. 3-6 In The North Mall At State Capitol State Park - 02/03/26

SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will replace five Akebono flowering cherry trees from State Capitol State Park during the week of February 3, 2026, as part of a long-term tree management plan. Five new Akebono cherry trees will be planted to replace them, and existing trees will be pruned to encourage new growth this spring.

The work is part of a 20-year strategy for the North Mall of State Capitol State Park that focuses on maintaining a healthy, resilient and safe canopy over time. The trees scheduled for removal were identified through this planning process as having reached the end of their natural lifespan, with age-related decline and cumulative damage from past winters.

The replacement Akebono cherry trees are already well established, standing approximately 14 feet tall and measuring at least three inches in diameter at breast height. They are about 8-years old and high-grafted to allow people to walk beneath the canopy as the trees continue to mature.

“We’re planting the trees during late winter while they are dormant, which gives them the best opportunity to establish strong root systems before spring arrives,” said Valley Region Operation Manager, Kevin Strandberg. “We expect the new trees to bloom this March and continue to grow and flourish for decades.”

The park will remain open during the removal and replanting work. The new trees are expected to live 35 to 40 years. Tree replacements are intentionally staggered over time to preserve the character of the North Mall while ensuring long-term continuity of the cherry tree canopy.

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Grants Available For Historic Properties And Archaeology Projects - 01/30/26

The State Historic Preservation Office is offering grants for work on historic properties and for archaeology projects. The annual grants fund up to $20,000 in matching funds for preservation projects. Both grant programs support the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan.

The Preserving Oregon Grants fund preservation of historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Work may include non-maintenance preservation like window repair, roof work, foundation projects, plumbing, and electrical needs.

Preserving Oregon Grants can also fund archaeology projects for significant work contributing toward identifying, preserving and/or interpreting archaeological sites. Archaeology projects by Southern Oregon University Lab of Anthropology were funded last year.

The Diamonds in the Rough Grants help restore or reconstruct the facades of buildings that have been heavily altered over the years. These grants return buildings to their historic appearance and potentially qualify them for historic register designation (local or national). Recent façade projects have taken place in Baker City, Independence, Lebanon, The Dalles, Union.

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support. Free, online grant workshops specific to these grant programs and how to use the online grant application will be offered. Visit the Oregon Heritage grants webpage to register.

• February 25, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for Preserving Oregon Grants historic property projects. Register for access.
• February 24, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. for Preserving Oregon Grants historic archaeology projects. Register for access.
• February 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for Diamonds in the Rough building façade projects. Register for access.
   

Recorded trainings and tips are also online. To learn more about the grants and workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Grants Available For Historic Cemetery Projects - 01/29/26

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is offering grants for qualified historic cemeteries. The annual grants fund projects that preserve historic cemeteries. Projects funded in the past include marker repair workshops, fencing, signs, interpretive panels and brochures, security lighting, access improvements, records management, and more.
 

Awards typically range between $1,000 and $8,000, but have been higher. Anyone may apply for a grant. Projects must be related to historic cemeteries listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Recent projects include marker repair and workshops in several cemeteries, installations of signs and informational kiosks, a preservation plan, and a fence replacement.
 

“Our goal is to preserve Oregon’s historic cemeteries and offer support throughout the application process,” said historic cemeteries program coordinator Kuri Gill.
 

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free, online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application system will be offered February 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
 

State law established the seven-member historic cemeteries 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. These grants support the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the Oregon Heritage Plan. To learn more about the grants or workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional information, translation, and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Grants Available For Oregon Museum Projects - 01/28/26

The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants to qualified museums for collections, heritage tourism, and education and interpretation projects. Awards typically range between $2,000 and $10,000.
 

Museums may apply for a variety of projects. Collections projects may include cataloging, archival storage, disaster preparedness, and conservation. Heritage tourism projects may include museum marketing and promotions, enhancing visitor experience, and training for museum staff. Education and interpretation projects may include exhibits, online education, school classes, workshops, and camps. Museums may also partner with other organizations for projects that might be outside of the museum, but still meet the museum’s mission.
 

“Museums are the keepers of local, regional and state history and this program supports the collection, preservation and promotion of that history across the state,” said Oregon Heritage Coordinator, Katie Henry.

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application will be offered February 24, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Advance registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission 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. The commission supports Oregon Heritage Plan goals that include: including more voices of Oregon’s history, access to Oregon’s historic resources, attaining best practices and promoting the value of heritage.
 

To learn more about museum grants, visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Historic Cemeteries Commission New Member Appointed And February 6 Meeting - 01/23/26

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on February 6 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of cemetery marker repair work and 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.
 

The meeting will be the first for newly appointed commissioner, Lindsay Reva Smith. She represents the Portland area on the commission. Smith is the office manager at River View Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. She began her journey in the death care field as a funeral director until her passion for historic preservation, mapping, and record keeping led her into the field of cemeteries. She brings skills including historic map and document comprehension, policies and procedures for small & large cemeteries, strong investigative skills, and genealogical research skills. Smith is also a volunteer for Great River Natural burial cemetery in the gorge and the co-creator of Thanatology Biome, a project dedicated to creating and promoting the most environmentally friendly death care options possible.
 

The commission is seeking another member to represent the east part of the state 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 OCHC is comprised of seven citizens. It is empowered by the Legislature to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, make recommendations for funding, seek legislative appropriations for historic cemeteries, and assist in the coordination of restoration, renovation and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide. The commission develops online resources, offers workshops, and promotes the value of historic cemeteries through storytelling.
 

The group meets four times per year in different locations around the state and online. There may be an occasional additional meeting for extra projects, programs, and grant selection. Commissioners are also asked to organize informal meetings in their regions or work on other projects outside of meeting time. Travel costs are reimbursed.
 

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 Main Street Recognizes Four New Designated Main Street Level Organizations - 01/20/26

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) has advanced Downtown Medford Association, North Bend Main Street, Port Orford Main Street, and Reedsport Main Street to the Designated Main Street level of the OMS Network.
 

The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to develop an impactful and sustainable organization focused on improving a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members. Communities at this level have access to technical assistance to help them continue to strengthen their efforts and impact.
 

All four of these communities have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns. They must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and walkable district.
 

Previously, these organizations have been participating in the OMS Network at the Affiliated Main Street level where they benefited from technical assistance from OMS staff to help support their organization’s development. 
 

Currently, there are over 100 communities in Oregon participating in the Oregon Main Street Network which includes the following tiers: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Rural Regional Main Street, and Connected Communities. There isn’t a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on the Oregon Main Street program visit www.oregonmainstreet.org. 
 

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