Public Comment Period National Register Program, March 2

OPRD release – Salem, OR— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting public comments on proposed changes to rules governing how individuals submit statements for proposed historic properties. OPRD is proposing updates to the Oregon Administrative Rules that govern how individuals submit statements regarding nominations to the federal National Register of Historic Places Program, which lists buildings, districts and other sites important to local, state or national history. The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)—an office of OPRD—administers the local program, which is run by the National Park Service. The National Park Service recently changed requirements for owner objections for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed rule changes will better align state rules with the federal requirements. Up to now, the federal program required objections be notarized, but recently determined that federal law allows the agency to accept sworn statements. To parallel the federal decision, the amended state rule language would allow both notarized objections and sworn statements. OPRD will accept public comments on the proposed changes through 5 p.m. March 31, 2022. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email: Online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn. Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 Email: OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov Via video or telephone in a public hearing on March 22 at 6 PM. Information on registering to provide comments during the public hearing will be available at: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx After reviewing public comments, OPRD staff plan to present a final recommended rule for consideration to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. The full text of the proposed change is available online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx Learn more about the National Register of Historic Places program in Oregon at oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx