OPRD release - Applications due by Nov. 30 - The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants advisory committee, also known as the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee. This nine-member grant advisory committee evaluates public outdoor recreation grant proposals submitted to OPRD for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.  The open positions include:  A member representing the disabilities community; A member representing cities over 15,000 population; A member representing counties east of the Cascades; Note: Candidates for the positions representing cities and counties must be professionally affiliated with a city, either through employment or in another professional capacity. OPRD will coordinate with organizations, including the Oregon Recreation and Park Association and the League of Oregon Cities, and the Association of Oregon Counties to designate nominees for these positions.  Those interested in serving must submit an interest form by Nov. 30, 2026.  OPRD will review the interest forms and follow up with potential members for informal interviews. Committee appointments are subject to confirmation by the OPRD director. Committee members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed for a second consecutive term.  Candidate qualities:  Ideal candidates may reside anywhere in Oregon and bring experience in at least one of the following areas: public recreation provider, recreation planning or design, recreation-focused volunteerism, or lived experience that uniquely qualifies them to evaluate recreation project proposals. Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreation needs, broad recreation issues, and the importance of advancing equitable, inclusive, and accessible recreation opportunities.  Committee member responsibilities:  The committee typically meets for a one- to two-day meeting in Salem to review proposals and hear applicant presentations before making funding recommendations to OPRD. Committee members may attend virtually.  Optional project site visits and additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Time commitment varies and includes independently reviewing and evaluating an average of 15-20 applications prior to the grant meeting, which requires access to a personal computer and internet. State-mandated annual training is also required, generally taking only a few hours per year.  About the grant program:  The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a competitive grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Grants are awarded to local governments, federally recognized tribal governments and eligible state agencies for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.  For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 503-480-9092.