Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024
(1) The State Parks
and Recreation Commission (commission) may appoint an Outdoor Recreation
Advisory Council (council) to the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC).
The purpose of the council is to support OREC's duty to promote and facilitate
efforts to coordinate outdoor recreation policy and priorities across the
state, and with government and nongovernmental entities, as provided in ORS
390.233 and section
(7).
(2) The council is composed
of:
(a) At least three outdoor recreation
participants that reflect the indigenous heritage, cultural richness, varied
physical ability, socioeconomic status, or geographic diversity of this state
and the many forms of recreation enjoyed here;
(b) At least three representatives from
Oregon's outdoor recreation sector such as brands, manufacturers, retailers,
outfitters, guides and community-based organizations or non-profits;
(c) Two members from a federally-recognized
Indian tribe in Oregon.
(d)
Ex-officio Membership on the council is limited to those individuals and
organizations that have or potentially have significant in-kind or other
resources to contribute to the purpose provided in section (1). Ex-officio
members may fully participate in discussions and deliberations of the council.
Ex-officio membership shall include, but is not limited to, the director or the
director's designee of the following agencies:
(A) One member designated by the Travel
Oregon;
(B) One member designated
by the Oregon Business Development Department;
(C) One member designated by the Department
of Fish and Wildlife;
(D) One
member designated by the Oregon State Marine Board;
(E) One member designated by the Oregon
Department of Forestry;
(F) One
member designated by the Oregon Department of Transportation;
(G) One member designated by the Oregon
Health Authority;
(H) One member
designated by the Oregon Department of State Lands
(I) One member designated by Oregon State
University Extension Service;
(J)
One member designated by the Association of Oregon Counties.
(e) Other members deemed necessary
by the commission in consultation with OREC.
(3) Members appointed under section (1) may
serve two consecutive three-year terms on the council. Members are eligible for
reappointment and the commission may fill vacancies.
(4) The commission shall appoint the chair
from the council membership, considering the recommendations of the
council.
(5) The council shall meet
at times and places specified by the call of OREC.
(6) A majority of council members appointed
under subsections (2)(a), (b), (c), and (e) constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business.
(7)
Function and duties of the council. Upon the request of OREC, the council may
assist in efforts to:
(a) Work with public,
private and non-profit sectors to advocate for conservation and stewardship of
land, air, water, and wildlife, and for public access to them.
(b) Educate and empower Oregon residents and
visitors on the importance and interrelatedness of a healthy environment,
outdoor recreation and a vibrant economy.
(c) Facilitate public-private partnerships to
enhance public outdoor recreational access, infrastructure improvements, and
conservation efforts.
(d)
Coordinate outdoor recreation policy, as mandated in ORS
390.233, through a
consensus-oriented approach:
(A) Within the
administrative divisions of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
(department) and between and among the department and federal, state, regional
and local government entities, special districts, and nongovernmental
entities.
(B) Assist in developing
or updating the outdoor recreation management strategies of the
department.
(C) Collaborate with
Travel Oregon and the Oregon Travel Information Council to create effective
forums for communicating recreation-based initiatives and for sharing best
practices. Serve as a clearinghouse and information center for outdoor
recreation stakeholders.
(D)
Develop data, independently or through contracts with appropriate public or
private agencies, on the social, economic and resource impacts of outdoor
recreation in this state.
(E)
Promote the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation in coordination
with other related state programs and initiatives.
(e) Collaborate with the Oregon Business
Development Department and Travel Oregon, representatives of regional and local
governments, the outdoor recreation industry and other outdoor recreation
stakeholders to promote a robust economic cluster focusing on the outdoor
industry and outdoor recreation participation. In furtherance of promoting
economic development, OREC may recommend, adopt or assist in the implementation
of policies and initiatives that:
(A) Maximize
public and private investment in outdoor recreation activities and in the
outdoor recreation industry in this state.
(B) Develop and implement state policies and
programs to bolster outdoor recreation for locals and visitors.
(C) Work with partners to improve, manage or
develop recreational opportunities that yield economic returns through
participation and travel spending.
(D) To balance improved or expanded outdoor
recreation access and opportunities with resource protection.
(f) Strive to enhance quality of
life and economic vibrancy in communities across the state.
(g) Aim to strike a sensitive balance between
development and preservation of the unique natural experiences provided by
Oregon's outdoor recreation resources, and between motorized and non-motorized
outdoor recreation activities.
(h)
Seek a proactive approach to enhancing regional and local outdoor recreation
infrastructure.
(i) Establish one
and five-year work plans within the department that involves policy guidance
and strategic planning for grants, recreation trails, Engage-Relate-Adapt,
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and state park service
delivery.
(j) Develop cooperating
agreements with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of
Forestry, Oregon State Marine Board, Department of State Lands, Department of
Land Conservation and Development, Travel Oregon, Oregon Health Authority, and
Business Oregon and other entities.
(k) Make recommendations for legislation, on
policies and initiatives to OREC for inclusion in an annual report submitted by
OREC to the Legislative Assembly.
(8) Reporting structure:
(a) The council shall solicit and consider
input from agencies and organizations that it identifies as being involved in
implementing any recommendations, providing the opportunity to identify any
statutory, regulatory, logistical, budgetary or staffing issues that may not be
apparent.
(b) OREC will submit any
final joint outdoor recreation policy, legislative, and strategic plan
recommendations developed by council for review by any other affected agency or
organization for a period of 30 days prior to OREC submitting recommendations
for review to the commission.
(c)
When commission action includes recommendations that fall under the purview of
another state, local or federal government agency, it shall provide a referral
to those bodies for their consideration.
(9) Expectations:
(a) Recommendations from the council are
expected to help to shape outdoor recreation policy and strategy across the
state without regards to jurisdiction or public/private boundaries. Council
recommendations, however, are not a mandate for any government or nongovernment
organization to implement joint policies, legislative agendas, or strategic
plans unless the affected organization agrees to do so.
(b) All joint outdoor recreation policies,
legislative concepts, and strategic plans developed through council will
include analysis of additional resources that may be needed, and provide
recommendations for producing those resources through public and private
means.
(c) OREC shall maintain
regular communications with the council around legislative
considerations.
(10)
Administrative Entity: OREC operates as an entity within the department, which
is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the duties, functions
and powers imposed by law upon OREC.
(11) By-Laws: the council shall adopt by-laws
consistent with its duties to conduct its affairs. By-Laws shall be created and
administered by the council, OREC and under the department and the commission.
By-Laws shall reflect that the council is an advisory body to OREC.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS
390.121
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS
390.010 & ORS
390.233
