The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its third meeting of the year June 13-14 at the Keizer Civic Center in Keizer, Oregon. In addition to the usual workshops and business agenda, three new commissioners are attending their first meeting. On June 13, Commissioners will gather at 8 a.m. to tour a portion of the Willamette River Greenway, followed by a 1 p.m. work session and training at the Keizer Civic Center, 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, Oregon 97303. On June 14, Commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:15 a.m. at the same location to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A public business meeting will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the same location. The agenda includes several information and action items from agency staff, including requests to: >> Designate the Sherar’s Falls State Scenic Bikeway, a 33-mile loop near Maupin in north central Oregon. Oregon’s 15 scenic bikeways recognize the best road biking in Oregon. http://bit.ly/sherarsbikewayplan >> Approve a list of $15.3 million worth of major state park repairs and improvements planned for the July 2017-June 2019 budget period. The vast majority of large projects are funded by 7.5% of Oregon Lottery proceeds dedicated to state parks by Oregon voters in 1998 and 2010. The seven volunteer commissioners are appointed by Governor and confirmed by the Senate. One commissioner is appointed from each of five congressional districts, plus one from east of the Cascade Mountains, and one from west of the Coast Range. Three of the seven commissioners have ended their terms: Brad Chalfant from Bend (District 2), Wendy Veliz from Wilsonville (District 5), and Robin Risley from Cannon Beach (West of Coast Range). Stepping into new 4-year terms are Steve Grasty from Burns (District 2), Victoria Berger from Salem (District 5), and Doug Deur from Arch Cape (West of Coast Range). “Brad, Wendy, and Robin each brought tremendous life experience and a passion for parks and heritage to the commission, and I thank them for their devotion to Oregon,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption. “Steve, Victoria, and Doug are welcome additions to the family, and I look forward to their leadership.” Steve Grasty has both private business experience and served on the Harney County Court from 1995-2017. Active with volunteer organizations and on other state boards, Grasty brings both statewide and rural perspectives to the commission. Victoria Berger also has private business experience, and served as State Representative for District 20 (Salem) from 2003-15 with stints on economic development, transportation, and revenue committees, among other assignments. A fourth-generation Oregonian, Berger professes a deep affection for parks and camping. Douglas Deur is an Arch Cape resident with deep roots on the northern Oregon coast. Working from his home office, he serves as a research professor in the Portland State University Anthropology Department. Specializing in cultural heritage, Deur works closely with tribes and rural communities on historical and heritage issues, and has worked extensively with the National Park Service, including research on the life and legacy of Oregon’s first state park superintendent–Sam Boardman–who served from 1929-1950. The draft agenda is online at http://bit.ly/june2017agenda. The full meeting packet will be available by 5 p.m. Monday, June 5. People who plan to present testimony are requested to provide 15 copies of their statement to Commission Assistant Jen Busey at jen.busey@oregon.gov for distribution to the Commissioners before the meeting. Those needing special accommodations to attend should also contact Busey by email, or by calling 503-986-0719, at least three days in advance.
