The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites the public to participate in developing a master plan for Smith Rock State Park. The master plan, an update to the 1991 plan, will guide future development, recreational use and resource management at the park for the next decade. Creating the master plan will take about a year, beginning with two public meetings in January. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 — Redmond; 1-4 p.m. Advisory Committee Meeting; 6-8 p.m. Public Meeting; Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center; East Lake Room, Middle Sister Conference Hall; 3800 SE Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 — Portland; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Public Meeting; REI Portland, Community Room; 1405 NW Johnson Portland, OR 97209 (Parking is available in the REI Parking Garage.). At these meetings, OPRD will explain how the planning process works and listen to local residents and park stakeholders about their priorities for the park. OPRD will schedule two additional rounds of public meetings, tentatively scheduled for summer 2017 to review alternatives and in winter 2017/2018 to present the draft master plan. A 30-day comment period will follow each meeting. Concurrently, OPRD will meet with an advisory stakeholder committee made up of representatives of key interest groups and agencies. Advisory committee meetings are open to the public; however, only comments from committee members will be taken. Those who are unable to attend any of the public meetings may submit comments by calling Ben Hedstrom at 503-986-0745; sending email to Ben.Hedstrom,@oregon.gov or writing to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. Comments can also be made at www.smithrockparkplan.com. Check the website for additional information, updates on the meeting schedule, and to view planning presentations and materials.
