OPRD release – SALEM, Oregon — Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has formed a committee to begin the process of amending the Oregon Administrative Rules guiding general park rules within state parks. A Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet virtually three times this summer to review and discuss proposed changes to administrative rules. The RAC will review rules to consider any barriers to park use for historically underrepresented groups and make administrative changes to make rules clearer, easier to enforce and more flexible when possible. These meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times: Meeting 1 – Monday, July 8, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; Meeting 2 – Thursday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; Meeting 3 – Thursday, Aug 29, 10 a.m.-noon. The meeting can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg After the committee review, the rule will open for public comment. Details will be posted on the Proposed OPRD Rules web page. Division 10, the Park Area Rules are intended to guide public use of park properties. This division includes rules around use of motor vehicles, bicycles, boats and animals in parks, as well as, day use and overnight campground use. Proposed changes will address management issues staff face as visitation grows, make rules and penalties clearer and provide more flexibility for managers to provide public services, when possible. OPRD appointed members to the advisory committee. Members include mental health practitioners, representatives from the disability’s community, equestrian community, and diversity and environmental conservationists. Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at helena.kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.
