State Parks Dept Wants Input on New Drone Rules for Inland Oregon, Coast

Published 01/07/26 at 4:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is opening a public comment period on proposed rules that would govern where unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, may take off and land in state parks and along the ocean shore. This means all of the Oregon coast. Photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts. Her drone shots are some of the most striking on the coast

“The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” OPRD said. “Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.”

Public comments will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. Comments may be submitted online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx, by email to OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov, or by mail to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Robert Ellison, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.

A virtual public hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. Registration is available at this link.

The rulemaking effort stems from Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed the agency to create a framework that allows recreational drone access while minimizing conflicts with other visitors, as well as safeguarding sensitive park resources. Early drafts were reviewed those representing recreation groups, conservation interests, natural resource specialists and commercial operators, a committee which reviewed early drafts and provided recommendations incorporated into this proposal.

Of particular interest to many will be the Oregon coastline. It is almost all under the OPRD scope of management – from the vegetation line to the tideline.

Inn at Wecoma, Lincoln City by drone

After the comment period closes, OPRD staff will evaluate all feedback and prepare a final version for consideration by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission later in 2026. If they are approved, the rules would be phased in over time, allowing the agency to adjust management strategies based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational needs.

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