OPRD release - INDEPENDENCE, Oregon— The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved out-of-state fees for parking permits, beach driving restrictions in Manzanita and a small land purchase near Silver Falls at its meeting in Independence June 18.  The beach driving restriction was requested by Manzanita City Council due to concerns about public safety with increased visitation and ecosystem preservation. There was a public comment process, then the closure was reviewed by the commission, Manzanita City Council and Tillamook County Commission.  Previously, the ocean shore near Manzanita was open to vehicles 7 a.m. to noon from October 1 to April 30. The approved closure will eliminate that open period, but individuals who need to launch boats can still access the ocean shore by permit.  In other business, the commission approved:  Updating (OAR 736-015-0030) to expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees for visitors who do not live in Oregon. The approved surcharge will increase daily parking permit fees by $2 for out-of-state visitors starting July 1, 2025. The 12-month permit will be $7 more for out-of-state visitors and the 24-month permit will be $12 more for out-of-state visitors.  Starting rulemaking for implementation prior to House Bill 3190, which reauthorizes the Special Assessment of Historic Properties program as a 10-year benefit for commercial, income-producing historic properties.  Starting rulemaking to implement changes to procurement and contracting included in SB 838B, which will provide OPRD a limited exemption from the state’s Public Contracting Code— to better serve park visitors and support local businesses based on the agency’s 24/7 operations schedule. The exemption does not apply to surplus property, information technology, photogrammetric mapping or telecommunications.  Purchasing a 37-acre parcel of property next to Silver Falls State Park for $960,000. The land could provide needed staff housing, emergency response access and is located near the future Visitor Center near North Falls, which would provide easy access for staff.  Outgoing commissioner Vicki Berger was recognized for her eight years of service to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the state of Oregon. Retiring Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff members Chrissy Curran, Rebecca Jasso and Alice Beals also received appreciation for their dedication and contributions. This was the first meeting for new commissioners Stu Spence and Dave Parulo. Their terms expire May 2029.  The full agenda with documents are available on the commission website and a recording of the meeting is available on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE3ov5VnFKY