OPRD Commission, Nov. 16

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Nov. 16-17 via conference call. On Nov. 16, commissioners will attend a virtual work training session from 1-2:30 p.m. On Nov. 17, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:15 a.m. and will be open to the public. Anyone may listen to the business meeting or work training; instructions on how to attend will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting, and is available online at bit.ly/registernovcommission. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Nov. 12 to chris.havel@oregon.gov. The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests: Approve an initial project list for how the agency plans to spend the first installment of $50 million in General Obligation Bonds to be issued to OPRD in May 2022 and March 2023. Approve amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rules, including: Increase RV campsite rates by 25% for out-of-state residents, as per Senate Bill 794. Prohibit individuals convicted of a bias crime on public property or state waterways from entering state park property for up to five years, as per Senate Bill 289. Individuals may submit public comment for both proposed rules until 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at oregon.gov/OPRD/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx. No comment will be taken at the commission meeting. Begin process of amending the Oregon Administrative Rules to regulate the take-off and landing of drones within a state park and along the ocean shore. Approve construction of a new steel water reservoir at Silver Falls State Park, at an estimated cost of $700,000. Distribute approximately $2.2 million in Recreational Trails Program grant funds to projects that will provide, improve and enhance public recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Anyone needing special accommodations to join the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oregon.gov or 503-986-0719. Individuals who plan to present oral testimony are asked to email a copy of their statement to Warburton in advance. 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.