Drone Take Off and Landing

Background:

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously discussed drone take off and landing in early 2022. OPRD paused the process of creating new rules to guide drone use at the discretion of OPRD Director Lisa Sumption after a conversation with the Oregon State Parks and Recreation commission during its April 13, 2022 meeting. The director‘s decision follows a two month public rulemaking process that generated much public feedback both in support and critical of the proposed rules.

Following that decision, OPRD convened a work group charged with drafting criteria and mapping where drones should be allowed to take off and land at state parks and along the ocean shore. This step was intended to guide future rulemaking. The work group, which included representatives from conservation organizations, drone enthusiasts, and trail-user groups, was responsible for proposing standards that identify areas where drone use should be permitted or restricted.

Now a new RAC (Rules Advisory Committee) is being conveined. The committee will review background information on drone use in state parks, discuss the department’s goals for safe and responsible operation, and begin providing feedback on proposed draft rule language. No decisions will be made at this meeting.

The RAC includes representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, and other stakeholders. Public comment on the proposed rules will be invited later in the rulemaking process, once a draft is formally filed.

The goal is to have a final set of regulations ready for implementation by Spring of 2026.

Rule Advisory Committee:

OPRD will hold the first meeting of the RAC for proposed rules governing the take-off and landing of drones (unmanned aircraft systems) in Oregon State Parks and on the ocean shore

RAC #1: 

Public Comment Period: (UPCOMING) Jan 1 - Feb 15