PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED ON PROPOSED CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK PLAN

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a public hearing in Netarts on April 10 to accept comments on the draft Cape Lookout State Park Comprehensive Plan. Cape Lookout is 12 miles southwest of Tillamook, and serves 132,000 day visitors and 108,000 campers a year with world-famous trails, camping, beach play and picnicking. The plan addresses public needs for recreation on the ocean shore while dealing with natural resource issues such as increased coastal erosion.

The hearing will be held April 10, 2012 in the Netarts-Oceanside RFD Community Hall, 1235 Fifth Street Loop, Netarts, OR at 6 p.m. The hearing marks the start of a 30-day comment period ending May 10, 2012, leading to proposed adoption of the plan under Oregon Administrative Rule 736-018-0045.

The comprehensive plan for the park provides direction on future development and management of facilities and resources. The plan does not include a schedule for making changes or identify funding for park development; it describes the desired future condition of the park.

The plan is available online.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the draft Cape Lookout State Park Comprehensive Plan in November 2011 after a year of public outreach and comments.

The public comment period closes 5 p.m. May 10, 2012. Public comments will be taken at the April 10 hearing, or may be made in writing to Ron Campbell, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer Street N.E. Suite C, Salem, Oregon 97301-1271, ron.campbell@state.or.us.

The rule will then be finalized based on comments received, signed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Tim Wood, and entered into the state rule.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon advance request by calling (503) 986-0733.