Oregon — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is restarting efforts to establish rules governing drone use at state parks and along the ocean shore. A new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to discuss safe and responsible drone operation and begin reviewing proposed regulations for drone takeoff and landing areas.
The public can watch the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel, and a recording will be available afterward. An additional committee meeting will be scheduled later this year.
The RAC includes representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, and other stakeholders. OPRD staff will use the committee’s feedback to revise the draft rules before opening them for public comment this winter. After further review, the final rules will be presented to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption, with implementation targeted for spring 2026.
OPRD first considered drone regulations in early 2022 but paused the process after receiving significant public feedback both supporting and opposing restrictions. A separate work group was later formed to identify appropriate criteria and mapping for drone takeoff and landing zones across state parks and the coastline. That group’s recommendations have informed the current draft rules under discussion.
According to OPRD, the ultimate goal is to balance recreation opportunities with environmental protection and visitor safety, ensuring that drone use in Oregon’s parks remains responsible and sustainable.
About the Author
