News Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. – The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene for their final meeting of the year Nov. 19 – 20 in Jacksonville. On Nov. 19, commissioners will tour the area around Jacksonville then meet for a work and training session noon – 4 p.m. at Wolf Creek Inn State Heritage Site. Nov. 20 the commission will convene an executive session 8 – 10:15 a.m. at the Jacksonville Inn, 175 E. California St., Jacksonville, to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin 10:15 a.m. at the same location and will be open to the public. Notable requests on the business meeting agenda: Approve grant requests under the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The commission is responsible for approving the ranking and distribution of RTP grants as recommended by the RTP advisory committee. For the 2019 grant cycle, 30 applicants applied for funding for their motorized or non-motorized trail projects. Learn more about RTP online: oregon.gov/oprd/GRANTS/Pages/trails.aspx Approve proposed rules for: Managing the newly-designated Nehalem Scenic Waterway. Directing grant funding process for bicycle/pedestrian projects. Updating definition of Class IV ATVs. Clarifying language used for Heritage Commemorations. Updating procedures and criteria for Heritage grant programs. Revising language regarding Special Access Pass waivers, which provide limited free access to Oregon State Parks for eligible people. The full draft agenda and meeting packet are on the commission website: oregon.gov/oprd/Pages/commission.aspx People who plan to present oral testimony are asked to provide 15 copies of their statement to Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at denise.warburton@oregon.gov. People who need special accommodations to attend the meeting should also contact Warburton at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oregon.gov or 503-986-0719. 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.
