OAR 736-040-0056
Metolius River Scenic Waterway


(1)

Recreational River Areas:

(a)

Two river segments are designated as Recreational River Areas:

(A)

The segment of the scenic waterway beginning at Metolius Springs at approximately river mile 41.2 extending downstream to the confluence of North Fork of Lake Creek, also known locally as Spring Creek, at approximately river mile 39.4 is classified as a Recreational River Area;

(B)

The segment of the scenic waterway beginning at the Camp Sherman Bridge at approximately river mile 39.1 extending downstream to the confluence of Candle Creek at approximately river mile 29 is classified as a Recreational River Area.

(b)

Within the Recreational River Area described in subsection (1)(a), all new structures, improvements and development will comply with the Land Management Rules as described in OAR 736-040-0035 (Rules of Land Management), with the intent of the classification description in 736-040-0040 (Classification of Scenic Waterways and Segments Thereof)(1)(c)(B), and be consistent with applicable Jefferson County land use and development regulations;

(c)

New structures and improvements shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from the ordinary high water line of the river and set back a minimum of 35 feet from the edge of the rim rock (where this feature exists). The Department will determine the exact distance for the above setbacks on a case-by-case basis, dependent on existing terrain, existing vegetation, and height of proposed structures. These setbacks shall not apply to additions to or replacement of residences existing on the effective date of these rules provided that such additions or replacement are not proposed to be built closer to the river than the closest point of the original structure;

(d)

Not withstanding the provisions of any other subsection of this section, a 50-foot riparian area will be retained in its natural condition (no cutting, mowing or removal of natural vegetation), measured from the ordinary high water line in a horizontal direction away from the river;

(e)

No building shall exceed 25 feet in height measured from the natural grade on the river side of the building to the tallest point of the structure;

(f)

New structures shall be finished in colors and tones that blend with the surrounding landscape. For the purposes of this rule, landscape includes indigenous vegetation, soils, and rock material. All natural evergreen vegetation will be maintained between the structures and improvements and the river. The establishment of additional vegetative screening (native vegetation) may be required to further mitigate the visual impact of the structures and improvements as seen from the river;

(g)

Roads, mines and similar forms of development shall be set back from the river consistent with Jefferson County land use and development regulations and be screened from view from the river by topography, or by existing or established evergreen vegetation;

(h)

New bridges will not be permitted. Maintenance, repair and replacement of existing bridges shall be consistent with OAR 736-040-0035 (Rules of Land Management)(6) and (7), Jefferson County land use and development regulations and Oregon Department of State Lands regulations;

(i)

New utility facilities shall share land and air space with existing utilities, road rights-of-way and/or river crossings. Upgrades to existing utility facilities will be permitted. New river crossings for new utility facilities will not be permitted;

(j)

Timber harvest activities, including thinning, shall be screened by topography or vegetation when seen from the river, developed recreation sites with the scenic waterway, and trails adjacent to the river. Riparian areas shall be protected. Stumps shall be kept low, slash removed promptly and remaining trees and brush protected from damage during harvest. Reforestation shall occur within one year of completion of harvest. The provisions of the Oregon Department of Forestry forest practices rules shall be strictly followed;

(k)

Improvements needed for public recreation use or resource protection must be designed to blend with the natural character of the landscape.

(2)

River Community Area:

(a)

One river segment is designated as a River Community Area;

(b)

The segment of scenic waterway beginning at the confluence of North Fork of Lake Creek, also known locally as Spring Creek, at approximately river mile 39.4 extending downstream to the Camp Sherman Bridge at approximately river mile 39.1 is classified as a River Community Area;

(c)

Within these areas, all new structures, improvements and development must be in compliance with the Land Management Rules as described in OAR 736-040-0035 (Rules of Land Management), with the intent of the classification description in 736-040-0040 (Classification of Scenic Waterways and Segments Thereof)(1)(f), and be consistent with applicable Jefferson County land use and development regulations;

(d)

No structure shall exceed 25 feet in height measured from the natural grade on the river side of the building to the tallest point of the structure;

(e)

Not withstanding the provisions of any other subsection of this section, a 50-foot riparian area will be retained in its natural condition (no cutting, mowing or removal of natural vegetation), measured from the ordinary high water line in a horizontal direction away from the river;

(f)

New utility facilities shall share land and air space with existing utilities, road rights-of-way and/or river crossings. Upgrades to existing utility facilities will be permitted. New river crossings for new utility facilities will not be permitted;

(g)

Timber harvest activities, including thinning, shall be screened by topography or vegetation when seen from the river, developed recreation sites within scenic waterways, and trails adjacent to the river. Riparian vegetation shall be protected. Stumps shall be kept low, slash cleaned up promptly and remaining trees and brush protected from damage during harvest. Reforestation shall occur within one year of completion of harvest. The provisions of the Oregon Department of Forestry forest practices rules shall be strictly followed;

(h)

Improvements needed for public recreation use or resource protection must be designed to blend with the natural character of the landscape.

Source: Rule 736-040-0056 — Metolius River Scenic Waterway, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=736-040-0056.

736‑040‑0005
Rules for Conducting Hearings on Scenic Waterways Regulations
736‑040‑0010
Designated Scenic Waterways
736‑040‑0015
Definition of Terms
736‑040‑0020
Responsibility and Authority of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission
736‑040‑0025
Public Use of Scenic Waterways
736‑040‑0030
Improvements and Changes in Use of Related Adjacent Lands
736‑040‑0035
Rules of Land Management
736‑040‑0040
Classification of Scenic Waterways and Segments Thereof
736‑040‑0041
Nestucca River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0042
Walker Creek Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0043
Upper McKenzie River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0044
Interim Classification of State Scenic Waterways
736‑040‑0045
Rogue River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0046
North Umpqua River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0047
Grande Ronde River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0048
Wallowa River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0049
Upper Clackamas River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0050
llinois River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0051
Elk River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0052
Upper Rogue River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0053
Klamath River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0055
Owyhee River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0056
Metolius River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0060
Minam River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0065
John Day River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0066
North Fork John Day River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0067
Middle Fork John Day River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0068
South Fork John Day River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0070
Deschutes River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0071
Deschutes River Scenic Waterway Boater Pass System Rules
736‑040‑0072
Middle Deschutes River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0073
Upper Deschutes River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0075
Sandy River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0076
Clackamas River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0078
Waldo Lake and the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River
736‑040‑0080
Notification Procedures
736‑040‑0085
Procedures in Event of Commission Denial
736‑040‑0090
Condemnation of Related Adjacent Land
736‑040‑0095
Public Lands Within or Adjacent to a Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0100
Chetco River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0110
Molalla River Scenic Waterway
736‑040‑0120
Nehalem River Scenic Waterway Management Rules
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 736-040-0056’s source at or​.us