The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers for positions on the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee (OORC) Grant Advisory Committee.
Applications for the following three vacancies are due by November 27, 2023:
• A member representing Counties east of the Cascade Mountains*
• A member representing Counties west of the Cascade Mountains*
• A member representing a historically underrepresented community or a Representative from Tribal Government
*Candidates for the positions representing counties must be employed by a county or be professionally associated with a county, and have a recommendation from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association Counties & Outdoor Recreation Section (CORS) or by the Association of Oregon Counties to represent counties on the committee.
Committee Information: The nine-member OORC is responsible for evaluating grant proposals submitted to OPRD for public outdoor recreation projects to be supported by Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants. The committee holds a 1-2 day meeting once a year to evaluate LWCF grant proposals and hear presentations by grant applicants before recommending projects for funding to OPRD. Time commitment varies and includes independently reviewing and evaluating approximately 15-20 grant applications prior to the annual grant meeting. Committee members serve four-year terms and may be eligible to serve a second term.
Ideal candidates can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas: outdoor recreation planning or design, recreation related volunteerism, or an outdoor recreation enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate project proposals through other experience and involvement. Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational needs, other broad recreational issues, and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive, and accessible recreational opportunities.
Program Information: LWCF is a competitive grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by OPRD. Grants may be awarded to government entities, state agencies, and federally recognized Indian Tribes in Oregon and are available to acquire land for public outdoor recreation, develop and/or rehabilitate outdoor recreation facilities.
Appointment Process: OPRD will review interest forms and may contact you for an informal interview. Committee appointments are subject to confirmation by the OPRD Director. If confirmed, the four-year term will begin January 1, 2024. The next grant meeting will be held in February or March of 2024.
Travel Expenses: OPRD covers travel expenses associated with committee meetings. In the future, OPRD might also be able to offer stipends to volunteer committee members for time spent attending meetings.
Questions? For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF program coordinator, at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.
Starred questions (*) are required. Thank you for your interest!