The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) was established in 1971 as part of the Oregon Recreation Trails System Act. The Act provided the means for the state to establish a system of recreation trails that would provide for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanding resident and tourist population and promote public access to outdoor areas.
ORTAC consists of seven members, at least one from each congressional district and not less than two members from separate counties bordering the coast. The Council is advisory to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on subjects related to non-motorized recreation trails.
Members advise on the development of the Statewide Trails Plan, oversee the Scenic and Regional Trail Designation Program, issue the annual Doug Newman award, and hold meetings across the state to bring together land managers, trail partners, and stakeholders to share expertise and collaborate.
2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the Oregon Recreation Trails System Act. OPRD, ORTAC, and the Oregon Trails Coalition developed a social media toolkit to promote the benefits of trails and call on all trail users to care for Oregon’s trails into the future. Help us continue to commemorate the Trails Act by sharing these images and their captions on your social media channels. The toolkit includes links to download the images and other resources.
Learn more and download the toolkit here.
ORTAC members are appointed by the OPRD Commission, serve four-year terms, and are eligible for reappointment to serve a second term. OPRD issues recruitment notices when prior to the expiration of a members final term. Interest forms can be submitted at any time.
Congressional District 1
Owen Rodabaugh
1st term expires November 2023
Congressional District 2
Joe Kresse
2nd term expires November 2025
Congressional District 3
Robert Spurlock
2nd term expires November 2023
Congressional District 4
Fraser MacDonald
1st term expires November 2023
Congressional District 5
Del Scharffenberg
2nd term expires November 2025
Coastal Representative
Jenna Beh (Coos County)
1st term expires November 2023
Coastal Representative
Skyler Archibald (Clatsop County)
2nd term expires September 2026
Interested in joining ORTAC? Please review and fill out the following forms:
Council Member Position Description
ORTAC Interest Form
Submit the form to:
Jodi Bellefeuille-Program Coordinator
The Doug Newman Memorial Award is a tribute to Doug Newman, recognizing an Oregonian whose efforts have inspired, benefited, and contributed to the trails and trail users of Oregon. This award allows for the opportunity to acknowledge individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses that have made outstanding contributions that promote, enhance or expand public awareness and use of Oregon's non-motorized trails.
Previous Doug Newman Award Recipients