The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is set to hold an online meeting on February 25, consisting of an executive session and a business meeting, the latter of which will be open to the public. According to details published by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the executive session, which is not open to the general public, will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and cover real estate and legal issues. The business meeting will follow at 9:15 a.m., where viewers can watch via an online platform with instructions to be provided on the commission's webpage in advance.
For those eager to actively participate, registration to speak at the meeting is required, with a deadline set for 5 p.m. on February 24. It's important to quickly submit any formal requests to have a voice in the session, as space to speak is typically limited—three minutes per speaker, to be exact. To register or to submit written public comments, interested parties are directed to do so through the provided online registration form or via email to [email protected], as stated on the department's website.
Several key topics are on the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Notably, the commission will consider approving the County Opportunity Grant Program 2025 Grant Awards, as well as recommendations for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) grants. Furthermore, there's a call to adopt updates to Division 10 Park Area Rules and to begin rulemaking for Electric Assisted Bicycles in state parks and on the ocean shore. Additionally, they will address a request to modify vehicle access rules on the Manzanita section of the ocean shore, which is incidentally backed by a resolution from the Manzanita City Council to close this section to vehicles year-round.
Those requiring special accommodations to ensure they can effectively join the meeting are encouraged to reach out at least three days in advance to Denise Warburton at [email protected] or by calling 503-779-9729. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission, whose members are appointed by the Governor and affirmed by the Oregon Senate, play a crucial role in shaping the management and policies of the state’s parks and recreation areas. Their regular meetings, held across various Oregon locations, are critical platforms for public engagement and decision-making that impact the state's natural and cultural heritage.
