Lincoln City Beach Driving Hearing

Beach driving is subject to natural selection.\Photo by Shawn Records.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is considering a change in the rules for driving on the beach in Lincoln City. This is the opportunity for those who would like to see the beach free of vehicles to make their views known.

A public hearing on this issue will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m. at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 N.E. Oar Place. It is also possible to join the meeting virtually by going to https://tinyurl.com/2drszurk. Comments can be made at this hearing, either in person or remotely.

Comments can also be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/4eyd3dy7, or sent via email to oprd.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov or through regular mail to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St., N.E., Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.

Currently, vehicles are allowed on the ocean shore within 150 feet of N.W. 34th St. and N.W. 15th St. in Lincoln City. One change proposed by OPRD would ban vehicles year-round at N.W. 34th St. The second proposed change would close vehicle access to the beach from on N.W. 15th St. May 1 to Sept. 30 or whenever conditions were unsafe. However, the proposed change would also expand the area of shore open to vehicles from 150 feet to 300 feet on each side of N.W. 15th when access is open, thus increasing potential vehicle threats to people and wildlife.

More information about this rulemaking including maps and a copy of the rule text is available on the OPRD rulemaking website.