The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is gearing up to hold a virtual meeting on November 19, giving the public a chance to weigh in on future outdoor recreation and heritage policies. An executive session is on the books for 8:30 a.m., focusing on acquisition plans and possible legal matters, though this segment remains off-limits to the public according to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announcement. The business meeting will follow at 9:45 a.m., and here, the doors swing wide open for public participation.
Those looking to listen in on the virtual business meeting will find instructions posted on the commission's web page prior to the actual day. A segment within the meeting is set aside specifically for informal public comments on any items not already on the scheduled agenda. To chime in virtually, registration is a must and can be done online at bit.ly/registerMONTHcommission.
The deadline for online speaking registration is November 17 by 5 p.m., while no advance sign-up is needed for in-person commentary at the meeting. Each speaker will be allotted a three-minute slot. Written public comments should also be submitted by the same deadline to [email protected], as detailed in Oregon's press release. The agenda and supporting documents for the meeting are available on the same web page.
Among the key agenda items, commissioners will deliberate on approving All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee member appointments and consider initiating rule revisions for Division 15, which involves rates and reservation policy. Proposed updates, aiming for implementation in 2026, would potentially alter the regulations around cancellations, refunds, and other aspects with a goal of better financial health for the state park system and maximizing campsite availability.
Anyone needing special accommodations for meeting attendance is encouraged to reach out to Commission Assistant Denise Warburton well in advance, at least three days ahead, by either email at [email protected] or by phone at 503-779-9729. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, is tasked with the development of policies, rule adoption, and budget setting for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, as they meet several times annually in various state locations.
