TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: Brian Martin, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Notice of proposed administrative rulemaking for Minto Island Conservation Area Restrictions for Events
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship
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SUMMARY:
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The Minto Island Conservation Area Land Management Plan 2025-2035 was recently updated. Within the plan are rules that balance public use of the area with protection for the natural habitats and the species they support. This admin rule update aligns the rules and restrictions for events with those outlined in the updated land management plan.
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ISSUE:
Information only.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The Notice of Administrative Rule Making (Attachment 1) was posted November 3 through November 17, 2025. Interested parties had 15 days to provide comment to staff. Subject to review by Council, the rule will become effective on November 25, 2025.
Adoption of Administrative Rules does not require Council approval. Council may elect to review the proposed Administrative Rule; however, the scope of Council’s review is limited to determining: (1) whether the rule is within the scope of the provision of the Code authorizing adoption; and (2) whether the rule is duplicative of, or conflicts with, another rule or other Federal, State or local law or regulation, or is outside of the range of staff’s rulemaking authority. The Legal Department has reviewed the proposed rules for consistency with the code pursuant to SRC 20J.080.
BACKGROUND:
The Public Works Director is authorized by Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 94 to implement and administer rules and regulations related to park usage. This Administrative Rule 109-600-001 amends the existing Minto Island Conservation Area Restrictions of Events following the update of the Minto Island Conservation Area (MICA) Land Management Plan 2025-2035. These rules include restrictions on the number of events and number of participants during the migratory bird nesting season, and use of noise, lighting, and other event facilities within the MICA to reduce impacts of events on wildlife and the general public.
The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide clear and consistent rules for events within the Minto Island Conservation Area to protect, conserve, and enhance the diverse mix of existing natural habitats and species they support. Amendments proposed to the administrative rule are as follows:
• The definition of “event” is amended to remove the size requirement to reach the level of an event.
• A definition of “event day” is added to clarify the timing of an event.
• Only event participants and individuals associated with the event are allowed in MICA during the event.
• The number of participants in events during bird nesting season (March 1- August 31) was increased from 400 to 500.
Meridith Greer
Natural Resources Planning Manager
Attachments:
1. Notice of Proposed Administrative Rulemaking Minto Island Conservation Area Restrictions for Events
2. Administrative Rule 109-600-001
3. Proposed MICA Rules and Restrictions Official Track Changes