The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Widespread freezing fog before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 41. Fog again after 10PM and overnight, mostly clear skies with a low near 23 degrees.
See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
A significant chapter concluded at Kingsley Field last week as the last two F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing executed their final ceremonial taxi and departure, signifying the culmination of nearly thirty years of F-15 operations in Southern Oregon.
The aircraft, which were stationed at Kingsley Field since 1998, played a pivotal role in training combat-ready fighter pilots and bolstering the nation’s air defense mission. Throughout the years, the F-15s have trained over 1,080 pilots for air-to-air combat, dispatching graduates globally to safeguard the homeland. The final taxi attracted airmen, military personnel, and guests to the flight line, with many reflecting on the enduring presence of the aircraft in the Klamath Basin.
For many years, the sound of the Eagles soaring overhead became a well-known noise for the community. With the departure of the F-15s, Kingsley Field is now entering a transition phase as it prepares for a fifth-generation fighter. In the coming months, equipment will be dismantled, facilities will be upgraded, and airmen will be sent away for training.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash involving a single-engine aircraft near Pole Butte, located south of Silver Lake, on December 23.
The incident resulted in the death of pilot Jeffry Scott Gorman, who was en route from Susanville, California, to Salem, Oregon.
As reported by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Gorman, aged 66, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. A dog that was with him survived the crash but was subsequently euthanized due to critical injuries.
The investigation conducted by the NTSB and FAA is still in progress, and the cause of the crash has not yet been established.
Rocky Point has appointed its new fire chief. Shane Cartwright was sworn in and is now acclimating to his new responsibilities, having transitioned from a volunteer to the position of fire chief for Rocky Point Fire & EMS.
The board of directors is pleased to have filled the role, which had been unoccupied since June. Director Patricia O’Shay expressed that both the community and the board are delighted to welcome a chief who is also a resident of Rocky Point.
Cartwright will oversee a team of volunteers at Rocky Point Fire & EMS, serving a community of approximately 320 residents spread over 277 acres. Due to the service being primarily composed of volunteers and operating on a limited budget, the search for a qualified professional to assume the role of chief proved challenging, making Cartwright, a local resident with relevant experience and training, an ideal and fortunate choice.
SNAP recipients in 19 Oregon counties have more time to replace food lost during recent storms
If you live in one of 19 Oregon counties and lost food bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of recent storms and power outages, you now have more time to ask for replacement benefits.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has extended the deadline to 30 days for people whose food was lost or spoiled due to power outages Dec. 17, 2025.
Households in the counties listed below have until Jan. 16, 2026, to report food losses and request replacement SNAP benefits.
Counties included in the extended deadline:
- Benton
- Clackamas
- Clatsop
- Columbia
- Coos
- Douglas
- Hood River
- Jefferson
- Klamath
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Marion
- Multnomah
- Polk
- Tillamook
- Wallowa
- Washington
- Yamhill
If you live outside these counties, the usual rule still applies.
You must report food losses within 10 days of the incident. ODHS may ask for proof.
How to request SNAP replacement benefits
If your food was lost because of the storms or power outages, you can request replacement benefits in any of these ways:
- Calling 800-699-9075, relay calls welcome
- Filling out a request form and emailing it to oregon.benefits@odhsoha.
oregon.gov - Visiting a local ODHS office
- By mail:
ONE Customer Service Center
PO Box 14015
Salem, OR 97309
(Mail must arrive by the deadline.) - Online: Log in to your ONE Online account
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The maximum replacement amount is the cost of the food lost, not to exceed the household’s normal monthly SNAP benefit.
Season’s Greetings from Friends of the Children!
This holiday season we have certainly felt the warmth and generosity of our community through your donations of games and coats, food and grocery gift cards and monetary donations that enable the continuation of professional mentoring for amazing youth in our community. Here’s a little of what’s been happening.
Our new Literacy Program at Friends of the Children is off to an incredible start! Since launching in September, the Clubhouse has introduced monthly reading challenges with fun prizes and goodie bags for the groups who log the most reading minutes. So far, youth have logged more than 6,000 minutes—1,300 in September, 2,620 in October, and 2,460 in November! Our library continues to grow, and participants are enjoying adding leaves to our Reading Tree to show what they’re reading. With personalized reading plans based on assessments and special activities for National Book Month in October, our young readers are thriving and having a great time along the way.
The sun was shining and the air was crisp as more than 150 runners donned their ugliest winter wear and joined us for the 12th Annual Ugly Sweater Run, proudly sponsored by Margot Durand of Fisher Nicholson Realty. Our youngest participants dashed toward Santa in the 50-yard Santa Dash, while the rest ran, walked, and jingled their way through a festive 5K. After the race, everyone warmed up with Dutch Bros hot chocolate, enjoyed delicious snacks from Grocery Outlet, and snapped fun photos at our “Elfie Stations,” sponsored by Graham Pediatric and Lassen Canyon Nursery. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants for making this year’s event such a success.
Friends and youth brought the holiday spirit to life on our Snowflake Parade float down Main Street!
We hope this newsletter full of program highlights brings joy to those who have made it possible.
Warmly,
Amanda Squibb
Executive director
Friends of the Children, Klamath Basin
The initial installation of the “Wings Walk” interactive art project has commenced in downtown Klamath Falls, introducing a new public art feature at the intersection of Ninth and Main streets.
Recently completed, the mural signifies the beginning of a larger initiative by the Klamath Falls Downtown Association aimed at motivating both residents and visitors to discover downtown, engage with public art, and spend time in the heart of the city.
The first mural was crafted by local artist Ashley Spivey, who is the owner of Starry Night Studio. This large-scale artwork illustrates a pair of wings adorned with imagery inspired by the native plants and wildlife of the region, including the white pelican, a well-known sight in the Klamath Basin.
The “Wings Walk” murals are intended to be interactive, inviting individuals to take photos and share their experiences. Officials from the Downtown Association stated that these installations are designed to transform public spaces into inviting destinations while enhancing foot traffic and stimulating economic activity.
Coming to the Ross Ragland Theater! Teen Theater: Charlotte’s Web
This exciting, new musical version of Charlotte’s Web brings a new dimension to E.B. White’s beloved classic. With music and lyrics by Charles Strouse (Annie, ‘Bye, ‘Bye Birdie) and book by Joseph Robinette (national award-winning children’s playwright) audiences will thrill to a musical score which includes “Eating,” Wilbur the pig’s humorous yet poignant song about growing up; “Who Says We Can’t Be Friends,” an enchanting duet between Wilbur and his new-found companion Charlotte, featuring all the story’s unforgettable animals in a hand-clapping, toe-tapping hoe-down; and “Summer,” a haunting, nostalgic chorus number which evokes a time and place from everyone’s childhood. This joyous musical offers your audiences a very special experience.
Adult: $12.00
Students: $7.00
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon State Parks is encouraging residents of Oregon to commence the New Year with their 2026 First Day Hikes.
On January 1, Oregon State Parks will provide 32 guided hikes across 25 parks throughout the state. Each hike will be conducted by a park ranger or a volunteer, who will share knowledge about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Participation in each hike is free; however, some may necessitate prior registration and day-use parking permits. The Southern Oregon state parks that are partaking in the First Day Hikes include Shore Acres State Park, TouVelle State Recreation Site, and Valley of the Rogue State Park.
For more detailed information regarding the guided hikes available at each state park, recommended supplies, and accessibility details, please visit the website.
The Trump Administration is attempting to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by asserting that it cannot receive funding from the Federal Reserve.
Oregon is at the forefront of a coalition of states pursuing a lawsuit that aims to compel the Administration to provide funding for the agency.
The lawsuit argues that the legislation enacted by Congress mandates the agency to receive funding from the Federal Reserve. The CFPB was established in the aftermath of the Great Recession to safeguard consumers. Over 21 billion dollars have been returned to more than 205 million Americans.
In Oregon, over 700 thousand dollars have been refunded to consumers.
Informational session on proposed state forests Forest Management Plan set for Jan. 6
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host a virtual only informational session on a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.
The Jan. 6 session starts at 1 p.m. and will include a presentation outlining the purpose and proposed changes to the FMP. After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period.
ODF staff will NOT take official public comments during this session, it is informational only. The public comment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Comments can be submitted or given in person at any of four formal hearings in January. Comments can be submitted electronically. No question-and-answer period will be offered at the hearings.
To participate in the information session, use this link: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Informational Meeting. A recording of the session will be available on ODF’s website.
The proposed change to the FMP will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The ODF’s State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.
The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.
The FMP does NOT include the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF). The ESRF is not within the scope of the draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. There are scattered Board of Forestry Lands within and adjacent to the ESRF, along with scattered Common School Forest Lands outside of the ESRF that are still managed under prior Elliott State Forest Management Plan which will be managed under the new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, once adopted. The ESRF has its own management plan, under the authority of the Department of State Lands.
The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate the FMP at any time; however, the BOF will review the FMP no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.
Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.
More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.
PACIFIC POWER IS RESPONDING TO WEATHER-RELATED OUTAGES FROM STORMS
Pacific Power is monitoring stormy weather
Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.
Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:
- Update your contact information so we can reach you.
- Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.
- Restock your outage kit.
- Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.
- Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.
- Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.
Visit PacificPower.net/Outages
As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas.
Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
HAYDEN HOMES AND SIMPLICITY MOBILIZE TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY IN THE NORTHWEST
Year-end initiative contributes $66,000 to local food banks, more than 2,500 pounds of donated food, and dozens of volunteer hours
Redmond, Ore., Dec. 17, 2025—This December,Hayden Homes, Simplicity by Hayden Homes, and First Story undertook a major philanthropic campaign across the Northwest in support of organizations fighting food insecurity.
The campaign included gifts totaling $66,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana. In addition, a company-wide food drive totaled more than 2,500 pounds of non-perishable foods, which team members delivered to local food banks where they also contributed more than 60 hours of volunteer time.
Community members facing food insecurity are experiencing a lack of consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life, according to Feeding America, a leading data provider on the issue. Feeding America estimates that in 2023, about 14.2 percent of Oregonians, or 599,460 people, were food insecure.
“While federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been restored, we know our region continues to face critical food insecurity,” said Brett Swanson, regional director at Hayden Homes. “It takes all of us to build a strong community, and at Hayden Homes, we are motivated by our Give As You Go™ philosophy to do what we can, when we can. Whether someone can give nonperishable items, a financial contribution, or an hour of their time to their local food kitchen, we hope our community members will join us to help feed our neighbors.”
Regional homebuilders Hayden Homes and Simplicity invest in the communities where they build, and the companies’ three philanthropic areas of focus include Food Security, Housing Solutions, and Youth and Education. The flagship of Hayden Homes’ giving initiatives is First Story, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by the company in 1998 to provide affordable homeownership opportunities to under-resourced families across the Northwest. Each year, First Story donates hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens local communities.
In Oregon, Hayden Homes, Simplicity, and First Story gave $18,500 to local organizations including Albany General Hospital, ACCESS, Agape House, Food for Lane County, St. Vincent De Paul of Bend, NeighborImpact, and Thrive Central Oregon. The funds will support a variety of initiatives to ensure community members can feed their families not just at the holidays but throughout the year.
“Our food network serves more than 80,000 individuals every month including children, families, and older adults,” said Scott Cooper, executive director of NeighborImpact. “When local private companies like Hayden Homes and Simplicity invest in the nonprofits and agencies that partner with NeighborImpact to alleviate hunger in Central Oregon, the entire system can do more to provide fresh, local food to pantries, meal sites, and shelters across our region.”
At the St. Vincent De Paul food bank in Bend, team members delivered 450 pounds of donated nonperishable items. And in Albany, fifteen Hayden Homes and Simplicity regional team members joined the Samaritan Albany General Hospital Foundation for a Backpack Assembly Event in support of the Hayden Homes/First Story Backpack Fund. This program provides healthy food backpacks for local patients and families struggling with food insecurity. In addition to filling 100 backpacks, the volunteer team also presented a $5,000 donation to further support the program.
To learn more about Hayden Homes’ Give As You Go™ philosophy, visit www.hayden-homes.com.
WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK CONTINUES ON THE OREGON COAST DEC. 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks continues hosting Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers are stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.
The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage:https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
This is a great time to see one of the world’s longest migrations, as the gray whales are traveling by our coastline,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023 when it looked like the population was rebounding. But since then, the population has declined to its lowest level since the 1970s. NOAA now estimates about 13,000 gray whales along the West Coast.
Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and park rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visithttps://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.
BLM APPROVES LITHIUM EXPLORATION IN SOUTHEAST OREGON
VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nevada.
With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017.
“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain.
The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment.
Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well.
Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov.
Health officials urge pertussis vaccination, safety measures to protect babies; case count surpasses 75-year record OHA releases new data showing Oregon’s maternal pertussis vaccination rate too low, especially in rural counties.
- What you need to know:
- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
- Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection.
- Vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it’s the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization.
The private foundation established by Nike cofounder Phil Knight and his spouse Penny Knight donated $226 million last year, marking its most generous year to date, as indicated by a recent tax filing.
Over the past five years, the foundation’s assets have more than doubled, reaching $5.4 billion, a development that has significant implications for Oregon, considering the Knight family’s contributions to the state’s universities, schools, and civic organizations. Last year represented the fourth consecutive year in which the foundation contributed at least $150 million.
Almost all of the foundation’s donations last year were allocated within Oregon, including $182 million designated for the University of Oregon’s new science campus, which appears to be a partial fulfillment of the previously announced $1 billion in pledges. The campus bears the Knights’ name.
Americans are becoming increasingly doubtful regarding the worth of a college degree; however, federal statistics indicate that Oregonians holding a college diploma earn 70% more each year compared to those who have only completed high school.
This is encouraging news in a state where the proportion of individuals with college degrees has reached a record high. Nevertheless, graduates’ earnings are influenced by factors beyond merely possessing a degree. The field of study plays a significant role.
According to data from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission concerning the Class of 2018, graduates from Oregon’s state universities earned a median annual salary of $57,000 five years post-graduation. In contrast, individuals with only a high school diploma earn a median of less than $40,000 per year.
The financial advantage of holding a college degree is most pronounced for those who have obtained degrees in scientific or technical fields, as they can earn over $100,000 five years after completing their studies.
Families in rural Oregon who are raising children frequently encounter limited opportunities for after-school activities that enhance social skills, academic achievement, and safety.
According to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, five out of six children in Oregon could gain from after-school programs but are unable to access them due to high costs or distance. For families residing outside urban centers, the closest program is often situated more than an hour away.
The survey revealed significant support for after-school programs from both Republican and Democratic parents. Some parents indicated that after-school activities enable them to work longer hours, increase their productivity, and alleviate concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing, as reported in the survey.
Be Prepared For Winter Driving
If you’re planning to drive the roads, AAA recommends making sure your vehicle is ready to travel long distances. Last year, the company rescued 600,000 Americans on the roadside, including 6,500 Oregonians.
Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires were the top issues.
VisitAAA.com/winterprepfor tips and travel advice, including what to put in an emergency kit.
Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.
Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
The Department of the Interior has announced a significant update regarding access to national parks, introducing new digital “America the Beautiful” passes that will be available starting January 1, 2026.
As stated by the Department, these modifications are intended to enhance the accessibility and affordability of national parks for American families.
The new digital passes can be obtained through Recreation.gov, enabling visitors to purchase and utilize them immediately on their mobile devices. This update encompasses Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, and Access passes.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum highlighted the significance of these changes in a statement on the department’s website, asserting, “President Trump’s leadership always prioritizes American families.”
Annual passes will be priced at $80 for U.S. residents, whereas nonresidents will incur a fee of $250.
What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026
As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.
This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.
State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.
Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.
Winter 2025:
- Green Friday (Nov. 28): Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday.
Beginning January 1, 2026:
- First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes.
- 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.
- 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
- Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.
Winter/Spring 2026
- OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized.
- Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.
- State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.
“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.
OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.
OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future.
In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.
IS A BOAT ON YOUR GIFT LIST?
If you’re planning to gift a boat to a friend or loved one, remember there’s more to boating than just a boat, such as required equipment, including a life jacket and whistle.
Purchasing paddlecraft such as a kayak, canoe, raft, or stand up paddleboard (SUP) is made easy through many retail stores, big and small.
Recreational boating is a great way to connect with the outdoors, stay fit, and give the mood a lift. And human-powered paddlecraft offers a unique experience to be near the surface of the water, to feel every riffle (shallow place in a river where water flows quickly past rocks) and the flow of the current. Wildlife viewing and being fully present are added benefits.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required equipment for your safety out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle, but it’s more practical to just wear them. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, then paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight.
So, what does it cost for the additional required equipment? That depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range in price, with inflatable belt packs being on the higher end. A whistle costs a few dollars, and a light source varies depending on the model and brand.
The other requirement is having a Waterway Access Permit, which all paddlecraft operators will need in 2026 when using the boat on the water. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and youth under 14 do not need to have one.
Waterway Access Permit options cost $6 for a 7-day permit, $20 for an annual permit, and $35 for a 2-year permit. Your boating dollars are returned to you through improved or new non-motorized access and will help expand boat inspection stations for aquatic invasive species through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Then there’s the gear needed for the activity! Kayak and SUP fishing are booming, as is wing foiling. Just remember, you’re a boater first. Take the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the type of waterway where you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and friends. Education, planning, and preparation go a long way for you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!
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