Kdun – Oregon secures a vital win for outdoor enthusiasts and landowners alike as Governor Tina Kotek officially signs Senate Bill 179 into law. The new legislation ensures long-term public access to both public and private lands for recreation, while offering protection to landowners who allow such access free of charge. With the stroke of a pen, Kotek closed a loophole that had placed this access at legal risk.
For years, the Oregon Public Use of Lands Act offered liability protections for landowners. But a legal gap threatened to undermine it. Now, Oregon secures a legal safety net that benefits both nature lovers and private property owners.
Oregon secures more than just recreation it secures fairness. Before S.B. 179, a court ruling exposed landowners to legal liabilities, discouraging many from continuing to offer free public access to their lands. This gap posed a threat to Oregon’s long-standing culture of open, shared outdoor spaces.
Senate Bill 179 amends the Oregon Public Use of Lands Act to clarify that landowners who voluntarily open their lands for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and other non-commercial uses will not be penalized if accidents occur. The goal: remove fear from generosity and maintain Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle.
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The law passed with broad bipartisan support and strong backing from conservation groups, outdoor recreation organizations, and property rights advocates. It reflects a shared vision where environmental stewardship and public enjoyment can coexist.
“Oregon has always valued outdoor access as a fundamental right,” said a state legislator. “With this bill, we reaffirm that value and give landowners the peace of mind they need to keep sharing the land.”
By reinforcing liability protections while encouraging land sharing, Oregon secures a policy that may inspire similar efforts elsewhere. The law provides a blueprint for how states can promote recreation without sacrificing property rights or public safety.
Thanks to this forward-thinking legislation, the trails, rivers, and forests of Oregon remain open and welcoming for generations to come.
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