Metal detecting and all-terrain vehicle use will be on the agenda this week when the commission that establishes policies for the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department meets in Brookings.

The commission holds its meetings around the state every other month.

Parks division Southwest Regional Manager Andy LaTomme said the commission will be revising rules for metal detector use at parks. The changes include provisions to: clarify use of metal detectors on park property; remove the need for permits in areas found to be free of cultural sites; and increase the value limit for found property from $20 to $100. The value limit requires people to turn in items worth more than $100 found on State Park property.

The commission also plans to approve a provision to allow people with disabilities to use ATVs on closed sections of the beach by permit. To qualify for the permit an individual must show that the ATV in areas closed to motor vehicle use is a reasonable  accommodation for transportation needs, doesn’t significantly impact environmentally or culturally sensitive areas, or create a public safety hazard.

The commission will not be taking public comment on the rule changes. Public comments periods and meetings were held previously for the policy revisions on both metal detecting rules and ATV use.

For more information or to view the meeting agenda or packet, go to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/commission_packet.shtml.