Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 142 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS, SOUTH SLOUGH NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
oregon.gov/dsl/ss/pages/...
Here’s a detailed overview of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 142: Department of State Lands, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
📘 Chapter Layout
Chapter 142 is organized into four main Divisions, each governing different aspects of the South Slough Reserve program (oregon.public.law):
Division 1 – Procedural Rules (§ 142‑001‑0000 to 142‑001‑0005)
Covers foundational rulemaking procedures like notices of proposed rules and procedural model rules (law.cornell.edu).
Division 5 – Research and Education Activities (§ 142‑005‑0005 to 142‑005‑0010)
Requires researchers to notify the Reserve manager at least 30 days before starting, obtain written permission, and submit findings within 6 months after fieldwork concludes (law.cornell.edu).
Division 10 – Public Uses (§ 142‑010‑0005 to 142‑010‑0060)
Defines permitted, restricted, and prohibited activities. Regulates roads, trails, closures, facility use, and violations, emphasizing protection of Reserve values (regulations.justia.com).
Division 15 – Fees Rules (§ 142‑015‑0000 to 142‑015‑0050)
Establishes the Reserve’s fee structure for programs, use permits, or facility rentals (casetext.com, oregon.gov).
🧭 Core Provisions Overview
1. Procedural Framework (Division 1)
Ensures transparent rulemaking with public notices and standardized procedures.
2. Research & Education (Division 5)
Research coordination is centralized: all proposals must be pre-approved and outcomes reported to support Reserve objectives (law.cornell.edu).
3. Public Access & Use (Division 10)
Enables public enjoyment—walking trails, guided events, kayaking—while outlining clear boundaries.
Specifies temporary area closures, limiting vehicle access, and requiring permits for group or facility use.
Offers guidance on managing sensitive habitats and ensures safety compliance (oregonencyclopedia.org, oregon.gov).
4. Fees & Cost Recovery (Division 15)
Charges fees for rentals, program participation, or specialized use—supporting stewardship and educational efforts.
🌿 About South Slough Reserve
Size & Designation: The Reserve encompasses ~4,770 acres in Coos Bay and was the first of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves, designated in 1974 (coast.noaa.gov).
Managing Agency: Operated by the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) under the State Land Board (coast.noaa.gov).
Primary Goals: Long-term ecological research, environmental monitoring, public education, and stewardship (coast.noaa.gov).
✅ Why It Matters
For Researchers & Educators: Clear protocol for proposals ensures safe, coordinated scientific pursuits.
For Public Users: Defines what’s allowed or restricted—protecting habitats while enabling recreation and learning.
For DSL Management: Fee authority and procedural clarity help sustain program operations and resource management.
📚 Need More Detail?
I can pull exact rule texts, such as:
Definitions in Division 10 (e.g., “Permitted Activities”)
Fee schedules from Division 15
Research reporting requirements from Division 5
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