Oregon State Parks will welcome the new year with guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks statewide, offering free outdoor adventures for all experience levels.

The Bureau of Land Management has approved expanded lithium exploration activities in southeast Oregon, authorizing a multi-year project on public lands near the Oregon-Nevada border.

The National Park Service is rolling out major changes for 2026, including digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.

South Fork Forest Camp crews removed 12 trailer loads of debris from a large illegal dump site in the Tillamook State Forest, a weeklong effort officials say highlights the growing problem of illegal dumping across Oregon’s state forests.

Oregon State Parks has completed several major improvement projects funded by 2021 GO Bonds, including upgrades at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens. However, rising costs and a projected budget shortfall have forced the agency to delay multiple projects and redirect remaining funds to essential maintenance.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials plan to conduct multiple prescribed burns November 17–21, weather permitting. The burns, spanning districts from McCloud to Trinity Lake, are designed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.

Outdoor recreation on America’s public lands generates $351 million per day in economic activity, according to a new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Experts say it’s a sustainable economic powerhouse that outpaces drilling and mining.

Oregon State Parks has announced fee increases, policy changes, and new sustainability efforts for 2026, including higher parking costs and updated reservation rules. The changes aim to address a $14 million shortfall and ensure the long-term future of Oregon’s 250+ parks.

With rangers furloughed, local businesses have stepped up to keep Muir Woods National Monument open during the shutdown — a 20-day community effort that blends access, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

A government shutdown has left Yosemite understaffed — and the skies full of drones. As enforcement lags, reckless behavior threatens the fragile balance of one of America’s most iconic parks.