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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Bandon State Natural Area
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission has been told by Bandon Biota to expect a proposal to transfer part of Bandon State Natural Area from the state park system to this private entity in exchange for as-yet-unspecified properties. Bandon Biota is described as a private "conservation land holding entity" owned by Michael Keiser, owner of Bandon Dunes and other local golf courses. Bandon Biota proposes to use part of the land they've requested to create a new golf course.
  • While Bandon Biota's representatives have been discussing their ideas informally with state park staff, no final proposal has been received yet.
  • There is no agreement between Bandon Biota and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department affecting Bandon Dunes State Natural Area, and the department has not directed the business to purchase any property with the intent to exchange it for Bandon State Natural Area.
  • The State Parks and Recreation Commission is not planning to act in any way. Bandon Dunes State Natural Area is part of the state park system.
  • If the State Parks and Recreation Commission does receive a formal proposal, it will make it public, invite comment, and take the time to review it as it would with any concept.
  • Projects that transfer state park property out of the system are rare and must meet a high standard -- providing overwhelming public benefits to the state park system (you can read about these standards in our property acquisition policy).
  • Any decision, up or down, first requires thoughtful, open debate. After a proposal is on the table, we will take the time to have that debate.

Even though there is no final proposal on the table from the Bandon Biota, reports in local newspapers and a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in Bandon July 20 prompted many people to comment based on the information that has come to light. You can read the emails, letters and media reports here. You can also listen to public comments from the July 20 meeting.
Bookmark this page ... as we receive more information on the issue, we'll put it here.

Print: written comments and media reports. (3 MB Acrobat PDF)
Audio: (2.5 hours worth, so give it a moment to load)

 
 
If you'd like to add your voice to the conversation, please send us an email or write:

OPRD
ATTN: Chris Havel
725 Summer St NE
Salem OR 97301
 
Updated Aug. 8, 2011.