Unmanned Aircraft System Operation Areas

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Background:

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) began rulemaking related to drone takeoff and landing in Oregon State Parks and along the ocean shore in early 2022. After initial public engagement and discussion with the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission at its April 13, 2022 meeting, OPRD Director Lisa Sumption paused the rulemaking process to allow additional time to consider public feedback and strengthen the framework guiding future rules.

Following that pause, OPRD convened an internal work group charged with developing criteria to help identify where drone takeoff and landing may be appropriate on park property and along the ocean shore. The work group included representatives with expertise in recreation management, natural resource protection, and visitor use considerations. Its work was intended to inform a more refined and balanced rulemaking approach.

In 2025, OPRD resumed the rulemaking process and convened a new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) composed of representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, and other stakeholders. The RAC reviewed background information, discussed the department’s goals for safe and responsible drone operation, and provided feedback on proposed draft rule language.

OPRD has now filed the proposed drone rules with the Oregon Secretary of State and is currently accepting public comment. Public input will be reviewed and considered as staff refine the proposed rules before presenting them to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration of adoption. The goal is to have a final set of regulations ready for implementation in 2026.

Draft rules overview:

UAS operation is prohibited unless specifically designated. Operating UAS from a park property is only allowed within designated UAS operation areas.
Adaptive management is built into the proposed rules. UAS operation areas may be added, modified, or removed over time based on resource protection, visitor safety, and user conflict.
A permit pathway remains available. UAS operation outside designated areas may still be authorized through an existing permit process for special uses like commercial or research.
Certain areas remain permanently closed. Sensitive locations such as overnight facilities and areas closed by statute or rule are not eligible for UAS operation areas.
Proposed rules create a UAS pass system for future use. The rules allow OPRD to implement a UAS pass system if needed to manage use levels, timing, or sensitive locations