The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 at the Chehalem Parks and Recreation District office at 620 N. Morton Street in Newberg. The council invites public comments. The agenda includes presentations from local trail advocates and land managers about trail projects and initiatives in the area. The council will hear presentations on the need for a statewide trails entity and discuss ideas for enhancing available statewide grant funds for recreation trails. ORTAC will also seek public comment on the designation of the new Sherars Falls Scenic Bikeway in Wasco County. The proposed 33-mile loop starts in Maupin and travels through rural Tygh Valley, then continues along the White River and Deschutes River, with views of scenic Sherars Falls. Those interested in providing public comment that are unable to attend the public meeting can provide written comment on the proposal to Alex Phillips, Bikeways and Waterways Program Coordinator, at alex.phillips@oregon.gov. The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) was established by the Legislature in 1971 to advise the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and to promote non-motorized trail recreation and development in Oregon. The Council is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission to represent the five Oregon congressional districts. The Council meets four times annually in different locations across the state. For more information about the meeting or about ORTAC, contact David Stipe, Planning + Design Manager, at 503-986-0740 or david.stipe@oregon.gov.
