Oregon Heritage Commission Releases Updated Statewide Goals For Heritage Preservation Work Across The State - 09/09/26

SALEM –  The Oregon Heritage Commission has released an update to the statewide Oregon Heritage Plan.
 

The statewide Oregon Heritage Plan is a call to action for heritage preservation efforts across the state to unite around common goals. The Oregon Heritage Commission invites individuals and organizations to discuss the goals and strategies in this Plan, consider how they align with organization missions and priorities, and join the Commission in this work.

The structure of the plan includes:

• 5 focus areas that guided its development and will serve as a lens for carrying out the goals and strategies:
  • Tribal engagement and relationship building
  • Healthy and thriving communities
  • Collaborations and partnerships
  • Ethical practices and accountability
  • Future thinking
• 4 goals that identify long-term desired outcomes for heritage efforts across the state:
  • Engage More Voices - Engage excluded and marginalized voices to expand the narrative of history told and preserved in Oregon.
  • Increase Access to Heritage - Increase access to heritage resources for the communities you serve.
  • Build Heritage Networks - Work together at all levels to advocate for sustainable funding and to increase awareness of the value of heritage.
  • Develop Healthy Organizations - Apply practices and standards in sustainable, scalable, and ethical ways to increase organizational health.
• Strategies for each goal that lay out a path forward for Oregon Heritage, state agencies and service organizations, and heritage organizations to achieve the goals.

“The Heritage Commission encourages the heritage preservation community, locally, regionally, and statewide, to consider this plan as a tool to help them in their work,” says Heritage Commission Coordinator, Katie Henry. “Each step forward will result in more stories told, more people served, and more sustainable heritage organizations.”

Oregon’s heritage preservation community is any individual, organization, or entity that understands the value of and works towards documenting, preserving, and sharing Oregon’s heritage resources. These resources include places, buildings, structures, archeological sites, archives, collections, traditional beliefs and practices, culturally significant natural resources, and much more. Those engaged in this work include but are not limited to Tribal, federal, state, and local governments; local landmark commissions; museums; archives; libraries; historical societies; educational institutions; advocacy groups; Oregon Main Street organizations; building, design, finance, and real estate professionals; and any other individuals and organizations engaged in this work.

Oregon Heritage conducted engagement with the public, heritage organizations, and other key parties to inform the Plan from August to November 2025. Engagement activities included a public survey, discussion groups, and a questionnaire for heritage groups. The 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study also provided critical information to help inform the update to the Oregon Heritage Plan.

Access the Oregon Heritage Plan online at oregonheritage.org in English and Spanish. Printed copies can be requested by emailing heritage.info@oprd.oregon.gov or calling 503-877-8834.

About the Oregon Heritage Commission (OHC)
The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations and other designations.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is one of four state commissions and committees under Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that includes the State Historic Preservation Office.

More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Heritage programs is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission Coordinator, Katie Henry, at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov. 

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Section Of Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint Trail Closed For Construction - 09/03/26

Bend, Ore.— Oregon State Parks will close a section of the Base Trail on the north side of Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint near Pilot Butte Middle School from Sept. 8 to Oct. 9 to replace the stairs on this steep section of trail.

Visitors can join the base trail to the east of the closure via the Larkspur Trail or west of the closure by Juniper Elementary School.

Oregon State Parks is completing this construction in partnership with Deschutes Trails Coalition. Deschutes Trails Coalition will be leading the project with support from State Park staff to upgrade a stair section of the trail, improving safety and long-term sustainability. Funding comes from a grant awarded through the Bend Sustainability Fund.

The closed section of trail will be fenced off for safety. Please respect the closure area and hike on other parts of the trail.

Recreational Trails Program Accepting Grant Applications For Trail Projects - 09/01/26

SALEM, Ore.— The  Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 16 for approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2026 grant cycle. The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits.

About the grants

This is a federally funded grant program that provides reimbursement to grantees after funds are spent. A 20% match of the total project cost is required.

The grants provide funding to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Grants can be used for constructing new trails, restoring or improving existing trails, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, accessibility assessments of trails, and water trails.

How to apply

Interested applicants must submit a simple letter of intent form via oprdgrants.org by Sept. 30. Applications are due Nov. 16. New applicants must create an account online.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 9 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register on Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the program web page shortly afterward.

More information

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions, and program schedule is on the Recreational Trails Program web page.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

Land And Water Conservation Fund Grant Program Funding Available - 08/28/26

Applications open Sept. 14 to Nov. 16

Salem, Ore. – The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program is a federally funded reimbursement grant program that provides matching grants to state and local governments for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Applications are due Nov. 16, 2026.

Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, port districts, federally recognized tribal governments and certain Oregon state agencies.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 11 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register for the live workshop. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the LWCF web page shortly after.

Access to the LWCF application will be available online at oprdgrants.org when the grant cycle opens. New applicants must first request an account via the website before they are granted application access.

The LWCF Program is funded through the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1964, this national grant program has awarded more than $80 million in grant funds for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

Additional information about the LWCF program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is available on the LWCF web page.

For information, contact Nohemi Enciso at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

Astronomy Festival Brings Star Parties, Photography, Hikes & More Sept. 10-12 (Photo) - 08/27/26

COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 10-12.
 

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 10 and 11 and a star party each night.
 

“The astronomy festival takes place around the Sunset Bay management unit, with most activities centered at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres, and the event has grown in popularity over the years. It’s a fun way to experience the park at night and enjoy stargazing along the coast. This year we have an incredible team of volunteers and some very impressive telescopes, so we’re excited to welcome visitors—and keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies!” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.
 

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.
 

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.
 

Thursday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Our Star, The Sun solar viewing @ Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: How We Find Our Way in the Dark @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)
 

Friday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing @ Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 4 p.m.: Earth: An Ocean Planet (guided hike) @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30: Imagining Other Worlds evening program @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)
 

Saturday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 4 p.m.: How to Talk to Aliens – Even if You’re Shy @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Exploring the Universe evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)



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Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Closed In Early 2027 For Tree Removal - 08/21/26

Florence, Ore. – Oregon State Parks will remove over 150 dead or unhealthy trees in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park campground and day use area. The removal work will happen at the same time as a utility repair project, closing the campground for about one month. The length of the closure and exact timing is still being determined.

“OPRD implements a hazard tree inspection program that is crucial for identifying trees that are exhibiting signs of health decline and could become hazardous to people and infrastructure,” said Kathryn Charlton, Coastal Region Forester.

The project will take about a month and a half beginning in January 2027.  A hired contractor will remove approximately 20 dead and unhealthy trees from Cleawox day use area around Cleawox Lake. They will remove about another 145 trees with declining health and structural issues from the campground area. Specifically, Loop H will see the removal of around 55 shore pines and several large Sitka spruce with decay and structural issues will be removed in Loops A, B and C.

As part of Oregon State Parks’ commitment to safety and stewardship, tree maintenance and removal is a regular occurrence. Information about the closure will be posted on the park web page and Oregon State Parks social media.

“We are providing this early notice so folks can plan accordingly with their camping plans,” said Park Manager Ryan Warren. “This campground is a popular destination, so we wanted to give visitors advance notice of this hazard tree project.”

Oregon State Parks will donate some of the logs from these trees to Suislaw Soil and Water Conservation District and Smith River Watershed Council l to place in streams for riparian and aquatic habitat restoration efforts. For some of these large trees, a short portion of the lower stem will be left standing to become snag. Snags provide food, nesting and denning resources for wildlife such as birds and small mammals that use the park as habitat.

Salmonberry Trail Executive Council Virtual Meeting Scheduled For Aug. 20 - 08/17/26

Salem, Ore. – The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor on Aug. 20, 2026. The council will be in executive session will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. The public can join the public meeting at 1:40 p.m. via Zoom webinar.

On the agenda:

• Public comment.
• Continue clarifying new governance roles.
• Discuss strategic planning and corridor-wide policy development.
• Trail projects updates and sponsor roundtable.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 82-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway from Tillamook to Banks, Oregon. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.  More information about the Salmonberry Trail is at salmonberrytrail.org.

The Salmonberry Trail Executive Council was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail. 

To submit public comment for council members to review during the meeting, use the public comment form or email Jessica.R.Horning@oprd.oregon.gov.

History Comes Alive At Fort Stevens State Park This Weekend (Photo) - 08/12/26

Warrenton, Ore. — Fort Stevens State Park is hosting a living history and military vehicle event kicking off Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. This is a chance to look at WWII-era vehicles and learn about the park’s rich history.

The event will include dozens of historic military vehicles on display, interactive living history encampments and weapons from both the Civil War and WWII.

Event days:

• Friday, Aug. 14: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 16: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is hosted by Military Vehicle Collector Club of Oregon in partnership with Friends of Willie and Joe and Living History Group Northwest.

Admission is free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.

You can find additional details about the event on the event page.

About Fort Stevens State Park

Originally built in 1864 toward the end of the Civil War, Fort Stevens stayed active through the Spanish American war and World War II. All but one of the fort’s nine concrete batteries were constructed between 1897 and 1904. Shortly after World War II, the Army demolished many of the buildings and closed Fort Stevens.

Although the guns have been removed, their concrete emplacements remain. Today, Oregon State Parks preserves these remnants of early 20th-century U.S. military history.