Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 142 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS, SOUTH SLOUGH NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 142 is specifically dedicated to the Department of State Lands, South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. This chapter outlines the rules and regulations governing the management, use, and protection of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR).
The South Slough NERR, designated in 1974, was the first National Estuarine Research Reserve in the United States. It's a protected natural area in the Coos estuary on Oregon's southern coast, managed by the Oregon Department of State Lands in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its primary purposes are:
Long-term research: To study and monitor estuarine ecosystems.
Education: To provide educational programs for students, adults, and coastal decision-makers, enhancing understanding of estuaries.
Coastal stewardship: To protect and restore the integrity and natural dynamic processes of the estuarine ecosystem.
OAR Chapter 142 is divided into several divisions, addressing different aspects of the Reserve's operations and public interaction:
Division 1 - Procedural Rules: This division covers the general administrative procedures of the Reserve.
Division 5 - Research and Education Activities: This is a crucial section that outlines the requirements for conducting research within the Reserve. Key regulations include:
Notification and Permission: Any person planning to conduct research must submit a description of their proposed research at least 30 days prior to its start and obtain written permission from the Manager of SSNERR.
Reporting: Researchers are required to submit a report of their findings to the Reserve no later than six months after completing field work.
Compatibility: All research and educational uses must be compatible with the primary management and scientific objectives of the Reserve and not interfere with them.
Division 10 - Public Uses of the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve: This division details what activities are permitted, restricted, or prohibited within the Reserve.
Permitted Activities (with state/federal regulations governing): Canoeing and rowboating, aesthetic appreciation, recreational fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Restricted Activities (requiring permission or subject to conditions):
Picking of forest greenery for personal use (written approval, limited amount).
Overnight use (written permission).
Application of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides (only if necessary for sound ecosystem management and with written Commission approval, adhering to best management practices).
Digging for artifacts (not permitted except with written Commission permission and pursuant to ORS 273.705 et seq.).
Open fires (only with Reserve Manager approval).
Hunting (only during authorized seasons, subject to Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, and may be prohibited in specific areas for public health/safety).
Motorized boating (permitted except in special protection zones, at reduced speed to limit wake to less than one foot).
Construction of boat launch and tie-up facilities (only as necessary for health, safety, research, or education).
Tree removal (only with Commission approval for specific reasons like salvage, disease risk, hazard, scientific projects, powerline maintenance, or thinning).
Firewood cutting for personal use (requires a permit).
Pets (permitted only on a leash or under direct owner control).
Recreational mineral gathering (requires a permit).
Horseback riding (permitted except in designated areas and not within any water course).
Prohibited Activities: Commercial bait gathering, commercial timber harvest, commercial mineral removal, discharge of firearms for pleasure or target practice, and picking of forest greenery or cascara bark for commercial purposes.
Division 15 - Fees Rules: This division would address any fees associated with permits or specific activities within the Reserve.
In essence, OAR Chapter 142 serves as the operational blueprint for the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, balancing its critical roles in research and conservation with providing public access and recreational opportunities in a carefully managed environment.
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