OPRD Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants

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OPRD Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has officially opened the grant cycle for the 2018 Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). More than $3 million in assistance is available for development and rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, as well as land acquisition. Eligible recipients include cities, counties, METRO, ports, park and recreation districts, tribes and state agencies.

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OPRD Volunteers to Help During Whale Watching Week

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OPRD Volunteers to Help During Whale Watching Week

Gray whales are on the move south again this winter, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is celebrating the annual event with Whale Watching Week, Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the Oregon coast will have the opportunity to glimpse some of the estimated 20,000 gray whales traveling south from Alaska to their final destination off the coast of Baja, Mexico.

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Oregon Parks Accepting Comments on Rules Establishing Flexible Rates

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Oregon Parks Accepting Comments on Rules Establishing Flexible Rates

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking comment on proposed rules that allow the agency to increase or decrease camping rates by up to $5 per site. Under HB 2318 passed during the 2017 legislative session, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is directed to develop rules to set a reasonable range of rates for fees. OPRD's director will then have authority to vary fees within that range.

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Economic Impact of Oregon State Parks Tops $1 Billion per Year

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Economic Impact of Oregon State Parks Tops $1 Billion per Year

Visitors to Oregon state parks in 2016 contributed $1.1 billion to the state's economy and supported 16,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to a report released today by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

The report, Economic Activity from Recreation Use of Oregon State Park Properties -- System Report, measures how communities near parks benefited economically from the 54 million-plus visits to state parks in 2016. Visitor spending supported 16,000 full-and part-time jobs statewide, equating to a combined salary of $550 million.

"The report clearly shows that Oregon's state parks are more than great places to visit, but also a vital economic engine for local economies across the state," said OPRD recreation planner Terry Bergerson.

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Oregon Parks Accepting Comments on Proposed Cemetery Rule

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Oregon Parks Accepting Comments on Proposed Cemetery Rule

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting comments on a proposed rule change that would establish a permit to restore, maintain or preserve an abandoned cemetery. The proposed rules are a result of House Bill 2516, passed during the 2017 session. The deadline for public comment on the amendments is Jan. 15, 2018.

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