Applications open Wednesday for coastal residents and experts to join a Rulemaking Advisory Committee aimed at clarifying rules for public access to Oregon’s shorelines.

According to the state Department of Land Conservation and Development, the committee will guide development of rules under Statewide Planning Goal 17: Coastal Shorelands, which requires local governments to provide, protect and replace public access to beaches, ocean shorelines, estuaries and coastal lakes. The effort builds on the Oregon Beach Bill of 1967 and follows work by a prior Coastal Access Advisory Team.

Public access to the coast drives economic growth, supports health and fosters environmental stewardship, the department said.

The advisory group is slated for appointment in December 2025 and will hold four virtual meetings of about three hours each through May 2026. Members are expected to attend all sessions, review materials in advance and contribute to discussions on rule drafts and fiscal impacts.

DLCD is seeking diverse voices, including city and county land use planners, Tribal representatives, coastal property owners, recreation and accessibility advocates, environmental groups, tourism and business leaders, land trusts, emergency managers, port districts, public works officials, trail users, supporters of Limited English Proficiency and low-income communities, academics, and youth under 25.

Applications will be accepted from Oct. 29 through Nov. 12, via SurveyMonkey.

For more information, visit oregon.gov/lcd/lar/pages/rulemaking.aspx.