Oregon Parks and Rec seeks public comment on proposed camping ban along ocean shore in Brookings

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that would add Brookings to the list of eight Oregon cities where overnight camping is prohibited along the ocean shore within city limits.

The proposed rule change was requested through a petition from residents living near Mill Beach in Brookings. They identified concerns over public health, risks to public safety and impacts on the marine ecosystem along the ocean shore as reasons for proposing the closure of camping on the ocean shore within city limits.

Currently, overnight camping is prohibited on the ocean shore within the city limits of Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach. Camping is also prohibited on the ocean shore in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, under different rules within OPRD's division 30, which are Special Regulations Affecting Ocean Shores Adjacent to Coastal Cities within Oregon Revised Statutes. 

That includes special regulations affecting ocean shores adjacent to coastal cities. Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. October 15, 2024, and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-BrookingsOceanShores.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
• Public Hearing: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Southwestern Oregon Community College- Community Room, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings, OR 97415

Once the public comment period ends, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will consider possible adoption at a meeting in the fall or winter.