Dear Subscriber,

OWEB and the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission seek public comment on proposed rules for the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program (OAHP).

Proposed Rules for OAHP, including Statement of Need and Fiscal Impact

Overview

The Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program provides voluntary incentives to farmers and ranchers to support practices that maintain or enhance both agriculture and natural resources such as fish and wildlife on agricultural lands. You can read more about OAHP and find the materials from the commission’s rulemaking meetings on the OAHP website.

The proposed OAHP administrative rules chapter 698 includes divisions for:

• Program administration;
• Conservation management plan grants;
• Working land conservation covenant and easement grants;
• Technical assistance grants; and
• Succession planning grants.

Comment Period

The public comment period for the proposed rules begins on July 1, 2018 and will close at 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2018.

To comment on the proposed rules, please send written comments by email to Nellie McAdams with the phrase “Comments on OAHP Proposed Rules” in the subject line, or by mail to Nellie McAdams at OWEB, 775 Summer Street NE, Suite 360, Salem, OR 97301-1290.

Public Hearing

OWEB will hold two public hearings to receive comments regarding the proposed rules. Both oral and written comments will be accepted at the hearings.

Monday, July 16, 2018
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Department of State Lands, Land Board Room
775 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

Tuesday, July 17, 2018
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Harney County Community Center
484 N Broadway Avenue, Burns, OR 97720

Public Accommodation

The services, programs, and activities of the OWEB Board and the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. To request special considerations to participate in these hearings, please contact the Board’s ADA coordinator, Darika Barnes (503-986-0181), at least 72 hours prior to the hearing.

Questions

Question concerning the rules or this process may be directed to Nellie McAdams by email or phone (503-986-0029).