OPRD release – SALEM, Ore— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is requesting public comment on a proposed administrative rule amendment to restrict motor vehicles on two sections of the ocean shore in Lincoln City. The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. July 20, 2023. Currently, vehicles are allowed on the ocean shore within 150 feet of NW 34th Street and NW 15th Street in Lincoln City, according to OAR 736-024-0025. One proposed change would ban vehicles year-round at NW 34th Street in Lincoln City. The parking lot is already closed to vehicle traffic by city ordinance. The second proposed change would close vehicle access to the beach from on NW 15th Street May 1 to Sept. 30 or whenever conditions were unsafe. The access is already closed by city ordinance from May 26 to Sept. 5. The proposed change would also expand the area of shore open to vehicles from 150 feet to 300 feet on each side of NW 15th when access is open. “We’re proposing these changes in cooperation with the city as we both try to improve the quality of the beach experience and keep people and vehicles from mixing on a busy beach,” says OPRD spokesperson Chris Havel. “The tricky part is striking a balance between those concerns and easy, fair access to the tremendous gift that is the Oregon ocean shore.” Comments may be made online at: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx At a public hearing either in person or virtually 6 p.m. July 18. For those attending virtually, register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IiOD_VWVSsiVsIA6rBGA_A To attend in person, go to: Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City, OR 97367. By email to oprd.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov, and in writing to: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C Salem OR 97301. More information about this rulemaking including maps and a copy of the rule text is available on the OPRD rulemaking website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx Individuals who require special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Robert Ellison, at least three days in advance of a meeting by calling (971) 304-4689.
