OPRD Accepting Comments on Proposed Master Plans, March 5

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is in the final stage of approving two planning documents, one for state parks in Wallowa County and one for Brian Booth State Park in Lincoln County. OPRD is accepting public comments through March 31 on a proposal to add the two adopted master plans into Oregon administrative rule. Full text of both plans is available online: oregon.gov/oprd/PLANS  The plans detail current natural and cultural resource conditions, outdoor recreation trends and how to balance recreation and resource protection. They set priorities for the next two decades, such as adding or improving trails, parking, facilities and signs.  Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2019 and can be made online, in writing or via email. Online: oregon.gov/oprd/RULES/Pages/Rulemaking%20Notices.aspx  In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn. Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301  Email: OPRD.publiccomment@oregon.gov.  After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final recommended rule for consideration by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission at its April 2019 business meeting. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the content of the Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan at their meeting on Feb. 5, 2014. The Wallowa Lake Management Unit Master Plan was approved at the commission’s Nov. 28, 2018 meeting. The draft plans were then reviewed by Lincoln and Wallowa counties for compatibility with their comprehensive plans and zoning codes. The full text of the amendment to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-018-0045 is available online at oregon.gov/oprd/Rules/pages/index.aspx. Brian Booth State Park is located 7 miles south of Newport and includes Beaver Creek and Ona Beach. The combined park includes a total of 1,261 acres under OPRD’s current ownership. The Wallowa Lake Management Unit covers Minam State Recreation Area near Elgin, Wallowa Lake State Park near Joseph, and Wallowa Lake Highway Forest Scenic Corridor near Wallowa