Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Scenic Waterway Activities Notification

Scenic Waterway Program

Oregon's diversity of river systems contributes richly to our quality of life. Oregonians decided to protect special waterways in 1970 when they voted two-to-one to establish the Oregon Scenic Waterways Program. The program seeks to balance protection and use through cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies as well as individual property owners and those who recreate along a waterway.  The program goals include:

  • Protect the free-flowing character of designated rivers;
  • Protect and enhance scenic and natural values, recreation, and fish and wildlife
  • Protect private property rights; 
  • Encourage other agencies to act consistently with the goals of scenic waterways

Administrative Rules

OPRD must be notified of certain activities proposed within a quarter mile of the banks of and visible from Oregon's designated scenic waterways. Activities may include: 
  • Construction or improvements of buildings, utilities such as roads or other structures
  • Logging or tree removal
  • Mining
Although there are specific Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) that relate directly to each scenic waterway, there are other OARs that apply to all state scenic waterways. See the Scenic Waterway Rule page for more information. 

Please contact the scenic waterway staff contact listed for each waterway to determine if a notification is required for your proposed activity. Once you have determined a notification is necessary, forms are available on this page.

Forms for Scenic Waterways

Scenic waterway notifications may be required for modifications to the landscape (including improvements such as homes, road building, tree removal or mining activities) within designated waterways. All forms are PDF fillable forms, although signatures are required.

Scenic Waterways Contacts

For development within scenic waterways or general questions, please contact: Rushal Sedlemyer (rushal.sedlemyer@oprd.oregon.gov). 541-653-6273

For forestry/logging questions, please contact:

Kathryn Charlton (kathryn.charlton@oprd.oregon.gov). 541-961-1897

 


Central Oregon Rivers: Klamath, Upper Rogue, Upper Deschutes, Metolius

Contact:
Kristen Bloomfield (kristen.bloomfield@oprd.oregon.gov)
541.280.5539

Eastern Oregon Rivers: Lower Deschutes, John Day, Grande Ronde, Wallowa, Minam, Owyhee

Contact: 
Ivan Hartert (ivan.hartert@oprd.oregon.gov​)

North Valley Rivers: Sandy, Molalla, Clackamas Rivers

Contact: Ryan Sevey (ryan.sevey@oprd.oregon.gov)
503.910.2187

South Valley Rivers: Little N. Fork Santiam, South Fork McKenzie, McKenzie, N.F Middle Fork Willamette, North Umpqua

Contact: Sean Stewart (sean.stewart@oprd.oregon.gov) 
541.912.5827



Tate Pyle (tate.pyle@oprd.oregon.gov​)
541.819.6596


Position vacant.